I. Introduction

Toddle is a modern, all-in-one Learning Management System designed for inquiry-based schools, with strong support for IB, Cambridge, and other progressive curricula. It streamlines curriculum planning, assessment, reporting, and communication through an intuitive, user-friendly platform built by educators for educators.

Why LMS choice matters:

-        A well-designed LMS enhances teaching efficiency, reduces administrative burden, and supports pedagogical alignment.

-        An intuitive interface increases teacher, student, and parent engagement.

-        The right platform fosters consistency, collaboration, and data-informed instruction across departments and grade levels.

-        Why consider switching from ManageBac to Toddle:

-        Toddle offers a more modern, flexible, and user-centered experience while maintaining strong support for IB programs.

II. Current LMS Landscape

Current Platform: ManageBac

ManageBac is currently in use across our school for curriculum planning, assessment, reporting, and communication—primarily in support of the IB programme. It is a comprehensive tool but has become increasingly difficult to navigate and customize.

Challenges with the current system:

-        The interface feels outdated and unintuitive for new and experienced users alike.

-        Collaboration between teachers is clunky, with limited flexibility in lesson planning and resource sharing.

-        Parents and students report difficulty accessing information easily, especially on mobile.

-        Reporting tools are rigid, often requiring workarounds to meet school-specific needs.

Current Needs:

-        A more user-friendly and visually modern interface

-        Better support for teacher collaboration and real-time updates

-        Flexible reporting and assessment tools that align with our evolving pedagogical goals

-        Improved parent communication and transparency across platforms

III. Why Consider Toddle

Toddle is purpose-built for inquiry-driven and international education, making it a natural fit for IB schools. It combines planning, portfolios, assessment, communication, and reporting into a single, intuitive platform that feels modern and responsive to educator needs.

Key strengths of Toddle:

-        Modern, intuitive interface

-        Powerful planning and collaboration tools

-        Seamless communication and transparency

-        Integrated assessment and reporting

-        AI-powered support

IV. Adoption Process

The proposed rollout of Toddle will begin with a multi-year pilot in the PYP program, allowing early years and primary teachers to build expertise and workflows that can be shared with upper grade colleagues. This phased approach minimizes platform-switching for students and families while creating internal leadership for smoother implementation across the school.

1. Pilot Phase

-        Years 1–2: Implement Toddle across the full PYP programme, starting with lower primary and expanding to upper primary.

-        Gather feedback from teachers, students, and parents; adjust workflows and prepare for scale-up.

2. Evaluation & Expansion

-        Assess pilot results, including ease of use, teaching efficiency, and parent engagement.

-        Use trained PYP staff to mentor and support MYP and DP colleagues.

3. Full Rollout

-        Year 3: Expand to MYP with support from experienced PYP users.

-        Year 4: Complete transition by rolling out Toddle in the DP programme, ensuring one unified LMS across the school.

V. Advantages

o   Modern, User-Friendly Design

o   IB-Aligned Tools

o   Improved Communication

o   Efficient Planning & Assessment

o   Scalable Implementation

VI. Challenges

-        Training & Change Management

-        Data Migration

-        Dual Platform Management During Transition

-        Upfront Investment

-        Integration with Existing Systems

VII. Cost-Benefit Analysis

Toddle and ManageBac differ in pricing structure, integration capabilities, and long-term value. Below is a comparative outline to evaluate their benefits:

Toddle

• Pricing: Per-user licensing model (includes students, teachers, and staff)

• Plans: Planning Pro, 360, Custom Packages

• Trial: 2–3 week trial with onboarding support

• Design Focus: Built for modern, inquiry-based environments

• Integrations: Google, Microsoft, Zoom, Seesaw, SSO

• Growth Path: Flexible packages and continuous product updates

ManageBac

• Pricing: Annual subscription based on total student enrollment

• Plans: Essentials, Pro, Max

• Trial: 60-day trial via Passport feature

• Design Focus: Longstanding solution focused on IB curriculum

• Integrations: Google, Microsoft, Zoom, Turnitin, SSO

• Growth Path: Tiered feature access, with limited interface flexibility

Note: Both platforms offer customizable pricing based on specific school requirements. For precise cost estimates, it is recommended to contact the respective sales teams directly.

I. Introduction

Schoology is a dynamic Learning Management System (LMS) developed by PowerSchool to support personalized instruction, real-time communication, and standards-aligned assessment. It integrates lesson planning, content delivery, feedback, and analytics into a user-friendly interface tailored specifically for K–12 learners.

Why LMS choice matters:

• An Learning Management System (LMS) designed to cater to the developmental stages of K–12 students significantly enhances student engagement and academic achievement.

• Streamlined communication tools facilitate seamless collaboration between home and school environments.

• A consistent and user-friendly interface across all grades effectively eliminates technical barriers and maximizes instructional time.

• Schoology’s robust integration with PowerSchool SIS and other systems seamlessly integrates into a comprehensive digital ecosystem.

II. Current LMS Landscape

Current Platform: Google Classroom

Google Classroom has proven to be a functional and user-friendly entry-level Learning Management System (LMS) for basic assignment management and communication. However, as our institution seeks more robust tools to support assessment, differentiation, and parent engagement, the limitations of Google Classroom become evident.

Challenges with Google Classroom:

• Absence of a built-in gradebook with standards-based or rubric-linked assessment capabilities.

• Limited integration with School Information Systems (SIS) platforms for attendance, grading, and scheduling.

• Lack of parent visibility, as parents receive summaries rather than direct access to essential information.

• Inconsistent layout and structure across classes, which can be challenging for young learners.

• Limited reporting, customization, and data analysis tools.

Current Needs:

• A more structured platform tailored specifically to K–12 learners, particularly primary grades.

• Enhanced parent access and communication features.

• A centralized hub for grades, assessments, content, and announcements.

• Real-time analytics and insights that provide valuable information for teachers and administrators.

III. Why Consider Schoology

Schoology is meticulously designed specifically for K–12 instruction, seamlessly aligning with the educational needs of our private school. Its seamless integration with PowerSchool guarantees data consistency, while its user-friendly interface renders it an optimal platform for both young learners and dedicated educators.

Key strengths of Schoology:

• Built-in Communication Tools: Facilitate seamless communication between teachers, students, and parents.

• Flexible Assessment Options: Aligned to educational standards and incorporating formative strategies.

• Seamless Integration: Seamlessly integrates with PowerSchool SIS and other essential tools such as Google Drive, OneDrive, and Turnitin.

• Robust Mobile Apps: Designed to engage parents and students in real-time.

IV. Adoption Process

A systematic and phased implementation strategy ensures comprehensive school-wide adoption and seamless transitions between grade levels.

Phase 1: Pilot Phase (Year 1)

• Implement Schoology in grades K–5 to address fundamental digital learning requirements.

• Facilitate professional development opportunities and provide access to PowerSchool’s training modules.

• Gather feedback from educators, students, and parents regarding user experience and support requirements.

Phase 2: Evaluation and Expansion (Year 2)

• Implement Schoology in grades 6–8, with mentorship provided by K–5 pilot teachers.

• Assess the effectiveness of communication, assessment practices, and engagement strategies.

• Facilitate the integration of Schoology with SIS to achieve comprehensive administrative alignment.

Phase 3: Full Rollout (Year 3)

• Implement a comprehensive platform that seamlessly integrates Google Classroom across K–12 education, ensuring a unified learning experience.

• Provide continuous technical support, refresher training sessions, and collaborative planning initiatives to foster professional development and enhance instructional effectiveness.

V. Advantages

• PowerSchool is meticulously designed for K–12 education, catering specifically to young learners and their families.

• Streamlined Parent Communication: Empower parents with real-time access to student progress, announcements, and personalized messaging.

• Rich Assessment Tools: Equipped with robust tools for rubric creation, standards-based grading, and a comprehensive range of formative and summative assessments.

• Teacher Collaboration: Foster seamless collaboration through shared resource libraries, group discussions, and diverse co-teaching options.

• PowerSchool Integration: Seamlessly integrate with SIS and reporting systems, ensuring efficient data synchronization and reporting.

• Mobile Access: Convenient mobile applications available for students, teachers, and parents, enabling access on the go.

VI. Challenges

• Initial Training Investment: Structured professional development and support are necessary to facilitate staff comfort.

• Platform Migration: Transitioning data and assignments from Google Classroom is required.

• Change Management: Addressing concerns and ensuring consensus from all stakeholders is imperative.

• Dual Systems Temporarily: During the implementation phase, certain classes may still utilize Google Classroom.

VII. Cost-Benefit Analysis

Schoology and Google Classroom differ in pricing structure, integration capabilities, and long-term value. Below is a comparative outline to evaluate their benefits:

Schoology

• Pricing:

  • Paid per student; custom quotes based on school size and feature needs
    
    

• Plans:

  • Schoology Basic (limited free version)

  • Schoology Enterprise (full-featured, with SIS integration and admin tools)
    
    

• Trial:

  • Demo and guided trials available upon request from PowerSchool
    
    

• Design Focus:

  • Full-featured K–12 LMS designed for instruction, communication, assessment, and SIS integration
    
    

• Integrations:

  • PowerSchool SIS, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Zoom, LTI tools, Turnitin, Clever, OneRoster
    
    

• Growth Path:

  • Scalable for entire K–12 systems

  • Continual feature updates and support

  • Built-in tools for grading, communication, professional learning communities, and data reporting.

Google Classroom

• Pricing:

  • Free for schools using Google Workspace for Education
    (Enterprise edition available at additional cost)
    
    

• Plans:

  • Google Workspace for Education Fundamentals (free)

  • Education Standard, Teaching and Learning Upgrade, and Education Plus (paid tiers)
    
    

• Trial: 

  • No trial needed—free version available immediately
    
    

• Design Focus:

  • Lightweight, assignment-focused platform designed for ease of use and integration with Google tools
    
    

• Integrations:

  • Google Docs, Slides, Sheets, Drive, Calendar, Meet; limited LTI support
    
    

• Growth Path:

  • Minimal customization; basic LMS features remain static across updates

  • Not built to scale with complex academic or administrative needs

  • Add-ons require third-party tools and workarounds

Note: Google Classroom is user-friendly for schools with Google Workspace, but lacks depth and scalability for comprehensive K–8 education. Its limited tools and features require teachers to use multiple third-party tools, creating inconsistencies and extra work.

Schoology offers a robust, all-in-one solution for K–12 environments. Its powerful tools, assessment, and grading features, and SIS integration improve collaboration, streamline workflows, and support data-informed instruction. For a private K–8 school scaling up and improving transparency, Schoology is a more comprehensive and future-ready platform.

ManageBac. (n.d.). Learning platform for international schools. Faria Education Group. Retrieved April 13, 2025, from https://www.managebac.com/

ManageBac. (n.d.). Integrations. ManageBac Help Centre. Retrieved April 13, 2025, from https://help.managebac.com/hc/en-us/sections/360008508391-Integrations

ManageBac. (n.d.). Creating discussions and sending messages to your school community. ManageBac Help Centre. Retrieved April 13, 2025, from
https://help.managebac.com/hc/en-us/articles/360018225131-Creating-Discussions-and-Sending-Messages-to-your-School-Community

ManageBac. (n.d.). Managing the Parents Association. ManageBac Help Centre. Retrieved April 13, 2025, from https://help.managebac.com/hc/en-us/articles/360019110351-Managing-the-Parents-Association

ManageBac. (n.d.). Integrations – Blog posts. ManageBac Blog. Retrieved April 13, 2025, from https://www.managebac.com/blog/category/integration

Toddle. (n.d.). Toddle – Teaching and learning platform for modern schools. Toddle Learn. Retrieved April 13, 2025, from https://www.toddleapp.com/

Toddle. (n.d.). Product tour. Toddle Learn. Retrieved April 13, 2025, from https://www.toddleapp.com/product/

Toddle. (n.d.). Help center – Reports and assessments. Toddle Help Center. Retrieved April 13, 2025, from https://help.toddleapp.com/en/collections/1830807-reports-and-assessments

Toddle. (n.d.). Integrations. Toddle Learn. Retrieved April 13, 2025, from https://www.toddleapp.com/integrations/

Toddle. (n.d.). How Western Academy of Beijing uses Toddle to support inquiry-based learning. Toddle Learn. Retrieved April 13, 2025, from https://www.toddleapp.com/case-studies/wab/

Instructure. (n.d.-a). Canvas LMS. Instructure. https://www.instructure.com/higher-education/products/canvas/canvas-lms

Instructure. (n.d.-b). Canvas Community. Instructure. https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Canvas/ct-p/canvas

Instructure. (2020, May 4). Canvas LMS Overview [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHI0vx0OOM4

Instructure. (2020, Apr 27). What is Canvas LMS? [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwXwah-feFk

Canvas LMS. (2020, Apr 28). Canvas LMS for Students [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-5sWZODhY8

Instructure. (2021, Jun 29). Canvas LMS: Getting Started for Teachers [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZkgCLRLvYw

Instructure. (2023, Jan 5). Why Educators Choose Canvas LMS [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68Up_MCDLj8PowerSchool. (n.d.). K-12 assessment tools for schools and districts. PowerSchool. https://www.powerschool.com/blog/k-12-assessment/

PowerSchool. (n.d.). Schoology Learning: Learning management system (LMS). PowerSchool. https://www.powerschool.com/personalized-learning-cloud/schoology-learning/

PowerSchool. (2022, May 12). Introducing Schoology Learning [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKazjWoVUp8

Instructure. (2022, October 5). Canvas LMS overview [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqc1xE2H9Wg

Instructure. (2020, October 21). Canvas LMS for teachers: Course basics [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yUBG2IBSXw

PowerSchool. (2021, August 17). Schoology overview for teachers [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBXFaN1n7fI

Instructure. (2020, July 21). Canvas LMS: Parent observer account [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uv_zbk81nCY