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~Technology Rockstar~
~Technology Rockstar~
Chandra Ashby
Chandra Ashby
TPS Principal
TPS Principal
You and the teachers at Tazewell Primary were among the first to start using Google during our transition last year. What made you take the leap of faith and how did you encourage your teachers to get on board?
You and the teachers at Tazewell Primary were among the first to start using Google during our transition last year. What made you take the leap of faith and how did you encourage your teachers to get on board?
"In a primary school, the beginning of the year often presents lots of challenges including teaching the students and parents our routines, some separation anxiety from leaving parents for the first time, etc. During the start of school, school staff are often overloaded, and adding something "New" during an already challenging time is often not well received.
At TPS the teachers are sometimes asked to respond to a weekly memo on varying topics. I came up with the idea of slowly pushing the teachers to begin using Google by having them respond to Google questions or to complete Google activities. I don't think everyone was thrilled about it initially, but I do think it gave us a little bit of a head start when Google was ready for use. I would rather be a little bit ahead of the game than trying to play catch."
How do you stay so up to date with technology?
"I love technology (when it's working). I have taken advantage of the courses offered in the PL Catalog and completed a number of Mobile Minds activities. My thoughts are regardless of where you are in your career (old school or a newbie) at this point in education, technology is here to stay so everyone needs to know how to use it. "
Trouble with YouTube?
Trouble with YouTube?
We are still seeing a handful of YouTube issues and it happens randomly. The most common issue is the video keeps refreshing and will not play. A workaround for this is to use the link below to post your Youtube link into the website and it will create a new link for students to view.
An added bonus is it will remove the suggested videos from the page so students will focus on the correct video.
Is Something Down?
Is Something Down?
When something isn't working? Do you ever wonder if it is you or the site you are using. All websites, learning platforms, and internet providers are working harder and are being used more now than ever before. You can check by going Downdetector. On Downdetector, you can search for Google outages or even internet outages from Spectrum and Xfinity.
Accessing Performance Matters via Clever for Students
Go to the Tazewell County Public Schools Webpage.
Click on Students.
Then click on Clever Dashboard
Click on Student.
Click on login with Google. (If your students are using Clever badges, proceed as usual and go to step 7).
Login using your Google Credentials.
Locate the Performance Matters Icon and Click.
Performance Matters will appear.
Accessing Performance Matters via PowerSchool for Teachers
Login to your PowerSchool account and enter your user credentials.
In the upper right hand corner there is an arrow, hover over the arrow and it will say applications.
Click on the arrow and Performance Matters will appear.
Click on Performance Matters and it will open for you.
Naming Your Tests
Performance Matters uses a different filing system than Assessment and Analytics.
You will need to name each test that you make and then maintain a record of the names and numbers of the tests.
You will search for your test using the test name and number.
I would recommend a conventional naming system.
Additional Helpful Video Tutorials:
Performance Matters Task Directions and Tips
Performance Matters Task Directions and Tips
How To Find a Test by Test Name
How To Find a Test by Test Name
From the MyDashboard screen, select the magnifying glass icon on the top right in the blue taskbar.
Insert your cursor in the Search bar and begin typing the name of the test you would like to access. If you know the exact name of the test, it should appear first in the list of tests below the search bar.
You may also enter keywords in the name of the test and filter your results by selecting the checkboxes on the left side. Select the box for Assessment Test under Type, then select your grade level.
How To Find a Test By Standard, Using Filters
How To Find a Test By Standard, Using Filters
From the MyDashboard screen, select the magnifying glass icon on the top right in the blue taskbar.
On the left side of the screen, select the check box, or filter for Assessment Test, then select your grade level.
Select the check box for your subject (ex. VA.MA for math or VA.SOL.2017.ELA for Reading/English).
Select the down arrows just to the right of your subject to show a drop down menu for the standards, strands and sub-strands. The number in parentheses shows the number of tests that exist which include the standard or strand.
Select the check box next to a strand to view a list of tests that exist for that strand.
**When you find a test you must DUPLICATE the test before assigning it to your students.
Thank you Marci Payne at GMS for these useful directions on using Performance Matters.
Information on Using Performance Matters from CIP
Access CIP by pasting https://www.cip.education/ in your browser.
Once you are on the page, scroll down and locate the Teacher pages. Click on the teacher pages.
In the upper right hand corner, click on For Teachers.
From the Dropdown, click on your subject.
Choose your grade and click. (If your subject is not listed, you can actually click on any grade and any subject to access CIP Online Professional Development).
In the middle of the page you will see CIP Online Professional Development, click on this.
When the page opens, scroll down to Performance Matters and click.
There are five modules that will train the user on how to get started, create a test, create an item, look at data, and how to troubleshoot portions of Performance Matters.
Professional Learning Catalog
Professional Learning Catalog
We have several more classes available through the PL Catalog this semester. ALL classes are self-paced and online! You can find the classes on the calendar or click HERE for the course descriptions. Not only do you receive professional development points for license renewal, but you will also receive a JEANS PASS for every 5 points you earn!
We have several more classes available through the PL Catalog this semester. ALL classes are self-paced and online! You can find the classes on the calendar or click HERE for the course descriptions. Not only do you receive professional development points for license renewal, but you will also receive a JEANS PASS for every 5 points you earn!
Clearing the Cache on Chromebooks
Clearing the Cache on Chromebooks
When a Chromebook has trouble opening items and you have tried "Signing Out and Restarting", but things are still not opening. Try clearing out the cache by following these steps.
On your computer, open Chrome.
At the top right, click More .
Click More tools Clear browsing data.
At the top, choose a time range. To delete everything, select All time.
Next to "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files," check the boxes.
Click Clear data.
Mobile Mind can help you learn about Google and Distance Learning! Get started with MobileMind by downloading the extension HERE then log in with your TCPSVA Google account.
MobileMind HQ now has its very own learning path! The path includes micro-courses to show you how to create announcements, badges, courses, and customized learning paths within HQ as well as how to use the review feature for customized courses.
Check out the Mobile Mind Monthly Newsletter HERE
Teacher App Request
Teacher App Request
Found that perfect App/Extension but it's blocked for students? We can help with that. Please fill out the App request form after checking out the list of Apps/Extensions that are already approved.
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