Why my kids need report card analytics.

My parents are teachers, so I’ve heard all about the troubles with the report card systems implemented for their school district. I look at all problems as opportunities, and this particular on as a challenge.

I believe that in order to have proper analytics, you need proper data. In this case the basis for the data is in the assignments (student’s projects). Every project should have have a brief. The brief outlines the project, its deliverables, how it will be marked and the weight it has against the final mark. A teacher can deliver the brief however they like, via handout, verbally, it doesn’t matter as long as it is delivered, as are the expectations of the final deliverables. 

Project Brief: These project briefs would be uploaded to a database where they’re tagged and made searchable as a resource for all teachers. 

Students produce the work. The work can come in any form, written, digital (Word doc), video, art, maybe a presentation, it doesn’t matter. Once the work is complete it is uploaded to the database. Once in the database the student’s own teacher or any other qualified teacher can mark the project based on reading the project brief and looking at the finished project. The project will then be marked and posted online for the teacher, student and/or parent(s) to view. 

Example for High School:
Project Brief: Students will write a response to The Great Gatsby through a comparative analysis of G, a cinematic “hip-hop” adaptation of the novel. 

Purpose: The lesson is designed to make the students demonstrate their understanding of the author’s use of stylistic devices; to analyze imagery and language; and to support their ideas through specific references to the text and to the film. It also asks the students to examine closely the themes of race and materialism both within the novel and the film.
Deliverables: Write a 3 page or 1,500 word comparison of The Great Gatsby through a comparative analysis of G, a cinematic “hip-hop” adaptation of the novel.  
Marking: 20% will be based on spelling 20% will be based on grammar 50% will be based on understanding of the content 10% will be based on layout of information
Brief was delivered verbally. Project delivered as a Word document.

Example for kindergarten:
Project Brief: Earth day project students or groups are going to make a papier-mâché globe.
Purpose: To raise awareness of the Earth and the environment as well as gain a better understanding of geography.
Deliverables: Create a globe of the Earth from a balloon covered with newspaper, flour, water, glue, and paint.
Marking: 40% team effort 60% question and answer.
Brief was delivered verbally.Project delivered as a picture of the globe.

Dashboard for Parents: 
Parents will be able to login to the analytics dashboard to view their child’s marks, schedule, history and so much more. Parents can see overall marks and a comparison for the class as well as for the school district. This will show them how their child is doing in comparison to others. Note that all data viewed by parents will be privacy protected only data released will be that for comparisons. Parents would also be able to view their child’s class attendance rate as well as the teachers profiles. Parents can set notifications to be alerted when their child misses a class or receives a mark below the class average. 

Parents can challenge a mark (4 per session) which submits an alert for the project to be reviewed by another teacher who has no bias of the student or the project. They read the project brief, look over the project and provide a mark. The new mark is then reviewed by the principal.

Dashboard for Teachers: 
Teachers will login and see their students history and current state. They can create projects upload students work and mark it all online. Mobile devices like tablets can be used to upload students work by taking pictures, video or uploading of files. Teachers can receive alerts when students have uploaded work, or when other teachers comment on a project or a student.

Teachers will have a community of other teachers. Sharing lesson plans online with comments and reviews. This will allow for the most effective lessons to filter their way to top and be made mandatory for the curriculum. 

Dashboard for Students: 
Students can login and see their project briefs or they can download them as a reference while they’re working on a project. They can submit their work in the form of video, pictures, scanning or uploading documents via their computers or tablets. They’ll be notified once the project has been marked and may then login to view it.

Automation: 
Simple automation will help teachers. Projects involving written work will be scanned and marked by a computer for spelling and grammar leaving the teacher to focus on content and structure. 

Teachers need a community to share their ideas, resources, finding and comment, rate on other teachers work. Parents need better understanding of what their kids are working on and how it relates to kids education. Kids need a resource where they can refer to  project briefs and examples to make sure they clearly understand the project and the expectations.