They involve PowerSchool, an Internet-based portal that allows students, parents and guardians to see attendance, grades, assignments, teacher's comments and upcoming school events online.
According to a release from the CCRSB, teachers are no longer required to publish all marks immediately in PowerSchool. They may choose to do so at one set time per month, with the specific timeline established within their school. Teachers will continue to mark and provide feedback on tests and assignments, on a regular basis.
Teachers are also no longer required to publish marks for every outcome in PowerSchool. They must continue to record marks for outcomes in some form so they have details available to support communications with parents and to inform their instruction, said the release.
High school teachers are no longer required to enter attendance into PowerSchool until the end of day. If attendance is not entered into PowerSchool until end of day, teachers need to have a paper copy to support safe evacuation in the event of fire or other emergency.
“Principals at all CCRSB schools will be working closely with their school staff, and school board staff, to implement these changes as soon as possible,” said CCRSB superintendent of schools Gary Adams.
He asked parents, guardians and students to be tolerant as the changes are put into effect.
“Your consideration and patience as school principals determine the best way forward for their schools is greatly appreciated.”
The Council to Improve Classroom Conditions was struck by the Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development as a result of the Teachers' Professional Agreement and Classroom Improvement Act that passed in the Nova Scotia Legislature in February.
The council, which includes nine classroom teachers, a student, a parent, and a guidance counselor, has $20 million over two years to address issues in the classroom that have been identified by teachers.
A full list of the 18 recommendations, status, and implementation timelines is available online at www.novascotia.ca/classroomcouncil.
