Training
The development of the comprehensive training plan is driven by the need to provide timely training in the most convenient, effective, and efficient manner to a range of audiences based on specific roles. Components of this plan were developed using feedback from Online Achievement and Reporting System (OARS) implementation participants and other stakeholder groups, as described below.
Introduction to Pinnacle for School-based Users
This three-hour, Tier 1 course for all school-based users provides an overview and introduction to key functionality of Pinnacle and is a prerequisite for New Pinnacle Grade Book Advisor Training . Staff may complete the course by attending an instructor-led session at the Center for Technology Innovation (CTI) or by selecting self-paced, online modules accessible on a Windows platform computer with Internet connectivity. Last summer 2,931 staff completed the online modules with 86.5 percent reporting mastery of outcomes, while 133 staff attended instructor-led training with 93.6 percent reporting mastery of outcomes. The online course is available beginning Monday, July 2, 2007, and should be completed by Sunday, August 19, 2007. Staff may access the course in the following ways:
- Instructor-led Training at CTI : A technology consultant provides traditional, face-to-face training. Participants also will receive information about access to the online modules for reinforcement of skills.
- On Your Own : Using a Windows-based computer connected to the Internet, participants access the online modules at a convenient time. If additional support is required, staff may elect to complete the course by attending an instructor-led session.
- Using a Montgomery County Public Schools Computer at CTI : Participants may register for access to a computer at CTI on a specific date and time. A technology consultant will monitor the session and is available to assist with logging on and navigating the course.
Staff should register for this introductory course in the format of choice through the Professional Development Online (PDO) system. All participants must complete a series of online performance activities to successfully complete the course and receive payment.
New Pinnacle Grade Book Advisor Training
This six-hour, Tier 1 course delivered face-to-face at CTI provides grade book advisors with comprehensive knowledge of Pinnacle functionality and ways Pinnacle may be customized to meet specific school needs. This course also provides grade book advisors with the skills and knowledge they need to conduct the mandatory preservice week training and provide support to staff at their schools. In addition, information is provided on how Edline interfaces with Pinnacle and the availability of optional Edline functionality that teachers and other school staff may choose to access and use. Please note: Introduction to Pinnacle training is a prerequisite for this course.
Voluntary Pinnacle Refresher Training
This three-hour voluntary refresher course for experienced users, offered at CTI throughout the summer, provides participants with the ability to review key functionality of Pinnacle. In addition to the basic skill set, participants will explore additional functions available within the Pinnacle grade book.
Edline Super User Training
This three-hour, Tier 1 course delivered face-to-face at CTI provides super users with comprehensive knowledge of Edline, best practices for Edline implementation, and instructions to provide on-site support for staff at their schools.
Refresher Pinnacle Grade Book Advisor Training
This three-hour course, delivered face-to-face at CTI, provides experienced grade book advisors with updated information and a review of key functionality. This course also provides grade book advisors with the skills and knowledge to conduct preservice week training and support to staff at their schools.
Preservice Pinnacle Training for Teachers
Grade book advisors will conduct face-to-face training for assigned staff in a computer lab setting during the preservice week to provide additional information and instructions on the use of Pinnacle. Technology consultants will provide support to grade book advisors, as needed. This session, combined with the Introduction to Pinnacle course, prepares teachers to
- logon to Pinnacle,
- define assignments,
- enter and edit scores,
- create seating charts,
- generate reports, and
- access Pinnacle via the Internet.
Computer labs at CTI are available for use by grade book advisors for this training if school-based scheduling is not possible. Grade book advisors should contact Ms. Veronica Grabnegger, at 240-314-2250, to reserve labs.
Pinnacle Principal Viewer for Administrators
This two-hour training provides school-based administrators with the skills and knowledge pertaining to the Principal Viewer module within Pinnacle. This training will be delivered at your school by a technology consultant between Monday, September 24, 2007, and Friday, October 26, 2007. The Principal Viewer provides administrators with the ability to track and analyze student performance at the individual, class, and school levels. Administrators will be provided with instructions about the process that confirms all students have been assigned grades prior to the printing and distribution of report cards.
Grade Book Advisor Sessions at CTI
Voluntary, interest-based support sessions for grade book advisors will be scheduled throughout the year at CTI. Participants are asked to identify areas of need in advance to enable technology consultants to develop customized training sessions. These sessions also are used for grade book advisors to share best practices.
On-Site Support
Technology consultants will be available to support grade book advisors and teachers in their schools. During this year's field test, consultants designed and delivered differentiated trainings at schools and at CTI based on needs identified by staff. Technology consultants will work with grade book advisors to design training for staff, increase skills and knowledge, assist during training, or deliver training. The successful deployment of OARS is a top priority for the technology consultant team. However, grade book advisors are asked to contact technology consultants, as early as possible, to avoid scheduling conflicts. Consultants also will provide additional school-based support during the interim reporting windows and at the end of each marking period.
The successful implementation of OARS is a top priority to support the work of teachers and increase involvement of parents in students' success. Please feel free to contact Mr. John Burke, Director of Technology Consulting and Communication Systems, at 240-314-2257, if you have any questions regarding the training and support plans.
Updated August 21, 2007 | Maintained by Webmaster
