NetSchools Updates Online Accountability System
NetSchools Corp. is planning to release a new version of its online accountability 
system for student achievement this summer. NetSchools Orion 4.0 will feature a new modular structure that allows schools to add capabilities such as online lesson planning, assignments, assessment, textbook correlation, reporting and communication as their needs dictate.
The five new NetSchools Orion 4.0 modules are: Planner, which helps teachers manage their resources; G.A.T.E. (Grading and Testing Engine), designed to simplify assessment and grading; Textbook Companion, which aligns a school's textbooks to its local and state standards; Collaborator, which includes discussion groups and calendars for the entire school community; and e-Classroom Monitor, designed to protect a school's technology investment.
NetSchools Orion 4.0 is designed to ensure schools reach their accountability and student achievement goals. It allows schools to meet state and local standards with perfect alignment between instructional materials, lesson plans, tests, assignments and 40,000 prescreened Web sites. Its alignment system covers learning standards down to specific performance objectives, and gives teachers 19 different criteria to narrow down their online searches. Assessments include diagnostic testing correlated to each school's standards to analyze student performance and remediate with personal academic assistance plans. NetSchools Corp., Atlanta, GA, (877) 638-7247, www.netschools.net.
This article originally appeared in the 05/01/2002 issue of THE Journal.