Command School

On TaskIn TouchOnline

Software for SchoolsDeveloped by Schools

Different Ways

● The Old Way-– You install the software on every machine that

needs access to student data.– Each time there's an upgrade, you need to visit

each machine.– One more server for your overworked Tech

Coordinator to handle.– One more piece of software for you to

become an expert at.– One more machine to troubleshoot, reboot,

backup, repair, etc.

Different Ways II

● How about a new way?– You install no software on every machine that

needs access to student data.– When the software is upgraded, you don't even

know.– The Tech Coordinator doesn't need to worry

about another machine or maintaining it.– Your Tech Coordinator is free to do what he/she

should be doing: keeping computers working where they do the most good for your school.

Old SMS Systems

● Cost a fortune....usually $10,000 or more● Plus you need to pay usually 20% for tech

support (another $2,000)● Needs dedicated server, maybe database

licenses.● Might only work on Windows, little if any

support for Mac or Linux.● Difficult if not impossible to make changes.● Makes your school operate to the software,

not the software operate to your school

Why Command School?

● Most schools are always fighting the budget– Is it better to spend $20,000 for an SMS system– Or better to spend that $20,000 on education

● Most Tech Coordinators don't have the budget or time for another server

● Schools are and should be on the cutting edge, support for Mac, Linux and anything else is essential

● Changes are easy and quick● The software operates to your school

Example 1

● Johnny lost his homework on the way home

● Their way: Johnny will not get his homework done. Or spend another $5000 for the homework module.

● Our way: Johnny's parent logs in and gets his homework.

● Result – Parent moves to resolve issue before anyone else needs to get involved.

Example 2

● Principal is at a school board function offsite. He gets asked about specific student discipline events.

● Their way: Maybe someone is at school that he can call, or he will look uninformed.

● Our way: Principal finds nearest computer, logs in and shows up prepared.

● Result – You seem more in touch.

Example 3

● Nurse notices activity in the hallway. Jenny is sitting down having trouble breathing.

● Their way: Call 911 and wait.

● Our way: Call 911, login to nearest computer, check allergies and any medications for possible issues to relate to paramedics.

● Result- Nurse gives valuable information to paramedics from other teacher's PC.

Example 4

● Mike's Mom is stunned to see her son failing with 30 absences.

● Their way: Office calls house, leaves message, Mike deletes the message. Mom never knows.

● Our way: Office marks Mike absent, Mom is instantly emailed at work. Now she can take action.

● Result – Parent can move to resolve issue before you take any action.

Example 5

● Johnny comes home with what looks like a marked up report card. Parent isn't sure.

● Their way: Call the office the next day, maybe they have a copy.

● Our way: Parent logs in, and views report card on the spot.

● Result – Parents are constantly informed.

Example 6

● Their Way: System is so complex, it takes a week of training to learn it all. As a result, the principal never attends training, so each time she needs something, she goes to her assistants and clerical people.

● Our way: The system is so simple to learn, usually only a few hours of training and everyone knows how to use it.

● Result – Everyone can do their jobs!

Example 7

● Time to enter grades because report cards are due in one week! Some teachers are out.

● Their way: Maybe someone else on your already overworked staff can input the grades for the teachers that are out...

● Our way: Teacher logs in from home or vacation, inputs grades.

● Result- Grades get done painlessly!

Example 8

● It's all about communication – getting parents, staff, teachers and citizens talking

● Their way – Buy an add-on piece of software and manage that.

● Our way – Fully integrated discussion forums let parents, staff and citizens engage in valuable discussions.

● Result – You seem more in touch.

Conclusions

Stay with the old way ...Lots of schools are...

Look out of touch and unpreparedNever have data where you need it

OR

Run software that was built by school peoplefor school people