Student Information Systems
PowerSchool Adds iPad, Android Support
Pearson's PowerSchool has been bumped to version 6.2, adding new mobile devices support, as well as planning and reporting tools. Pearson has also released PowerTeacher 2.0, an update to the company's gradebook software.
PowerSchool, Pearson's student information system, is designed to provide a variety of student data functionality, including reporting, communications, and access to up to date information about individual students. The Web-based system provides automated scheduling, grading, reporting, and attendance tools and uses a single, centralized database to house district-wide data.
PowerSchool 6.2 adds mobile device support for teacher and administrator data access, including iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Android OS-based devices. It also adds single sign-on for parents with multiple children within a single system; an academic career planner and graduation readiness evaluator; and attendance tracking and notification.
It also bumps ReportWorks to version 1.2, adding new report templates and access to additional categories of student data, including immunizations, visits to the health office, and health screenings, among others.
PowerTeacher is a Web-based classroom management tool designed to support a range of activities, including formative assessments, differentiated instruction, parent communications, and discipline management.
The latest release, version 2.0, adds enhancements in the areas of formative and summative assessments, including a new Standards Drawer, which, as Pearson described it, lets teachers "quickly and easily enter scores for multiple standards linked to daily assignments directly from the Assignments Scoresheet." It also adds new group views for intervention groups, providing trend data on student group progress toward achievement goals. (This feature is designed to supplement individual assessment.)
Further information about PowerSchool and PowerTeacher can be found here.
About the Author
David Nagel is editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Technology Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal and STEAM Universe. A 25-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art and business publications.
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