News Summary
The Savannah-Chatham Public School System is set to initiate a pilot program called ‘grade pass back’ this fall, involving twelve teachers. This initiative aims to improve grading data integration between Brightspace and PowerSchool, following concerns highlighted by a recent grading practices audit. Training will be provided to participating teachers, and if successful, the program may expand district-wide. The school district aims to unify grading practices and enhance communication with parents and students.
Savannah, Georgia – This fall, twelve teachers from various schools within the Savannah-Chatham Public School System will initiate a pilot program called “grade pass back,” aimed at improving the integration of grading data between two key information management systems: Brightspace and PowerSchool. The program is set to start at the commencement of the second marking period on October 14 and will continue until December 19, 2023.
The “grade pass back” program seeks to resolve a notable disconnect between Brightspace and PowerSchool that has caused delays in reporting grades to parents and students. Brightspace serves as a platform for teachers to create and distribute assignments, while PowerSchool maintains students’ academic and personal records. Often, teachers face the burden of entering grades into both systems, leading to inconsistencies in the input of data, particularly into Brightspace, as highlighted by a recent grading practices audit conducted in July.
The audit revealed that less than 7% of sampled teachers consistently utilized Brightspace’s grading feature, suggesting a substantial gap in effective use. As a result, the Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools district identified a pressing need for clearer grading practices and guidance to ensure alignment across multiple schools and grades.
If the pilot proves successful, the plan is to implement the grade pass back program district-wide at the start of the next semester. However, initial tests conducted earlier in the year revealed that the grade pass back feature did not function as anticipated; thus, further development was necessary from D2L, the company managing Brightspace. D2L has committed to providing a working solution by April 2025, following collaborative efforts to ensure compatibility between Brightspace and PowerSchool.
Training and Access
In-person training sessions for participating teachers will be conducted by D2L in October, ensuring that all educators are adequately prepared to utilize the new feature. Students can access both Brightspace and PowerSchool through their ClassLink dashboards, and while a parent portal currently exists for PowerSchool, plans are in motion to explore similar access for Brightspace and ClassLink.
The existing challenge of grading discrepancies has prompted the school district to strengthen monitoring systems for grading practices, aligning with school board policies. Teachers have previously reported finding Brightspace’s grading feature cumbersome, primarily due to the requirement to enter grades multiple times across different platforms, which directly affects efficiency and accuracy.
The analysis made during the July audit reflected variability in grading practices among teachers, highlighting the necessity for the upcoming pilot program. The Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools district is focused on the technology integrations that enhance the classroom experience, aiming to better prepare students for a digitally-driven future.
The outcome of this pilot program could significantly streamline the process of grade reporting, ensuring that students and parents have timely access to academic performance information. The district’s efforts illustrate a commitment to improving educational technology systems and enhancing communication between schools and families.
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Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
