ALSDE Update: ALSDE Supports Local Systems to Fully Implement PowerSchool

Dr. Eric Mackey, Alabama State Superintendent of Education

We are finally beginning to establish some sense of normalcy, after what can only be described as one of the most challenging school years ever. We do so with cautious optimism and a great amount of appreciation for the teachers, administrators, staff, and others who have so diligently helped get students back in school.

In addition to reeling from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are also beginning the implementation of Power- School, the state’s new student information system program. Full implementation, and understanding, of any new piece of statewide technology is always difficult. Implementation during a pandemic is even harder.

I am a former teacher, vice-principal, principal, local superintendent, and I have been through a myriad of new student information systems over the years. From Osirus, to STI-Local, to STI- State, to I-Now… and now to PowerSchool, I am familiar with both the excitement and the headache that learning the insand-outs of a new student management system brings. Each one comes with challenges and opportunities. There is always a learning curve and I want to take this opportunity to let you know how much I appreciate the hard work and determination you have put into getting to know this new system.

On top of the daily responsibilities and challenges that come from just running a school, you now have the additional responsibility of learning a new student management system. It is difficult. We understand that and are committed to supporting schools and school systems through the arc of this learning curve. Our commitment to continually provide intensive training, professional development, resources, and support as the state familiarizes itself with this new system is unwavering.

In mid-November, we partnered with the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS) to provide Principals with targeted training to address specific issues or concerns. The Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) subject-matter experts provided information on resources, level data and PowerSchool Support Models, PowerSchool updates, and more. In the coming months the ALSDE will provide training videos and tutorials that can be accessed at any time to give end-users specific instruction on some of the most common issues experienced with PowerSchool implementation.

We firmly believe that PowerSchool, once its full potential is truly realized, will forever change student information management, and district’s ability to efficiently manage instruction, learning, grading, attendance, assessment, analytics, reporting, and other facets of school management. Unlocking Power- School’s full potential in ways that are unique to individual school systems will revolutionize student information management. We understand that there are some areas of the state that need more training and specific training, and we are committed to being there every step of the way.

The previous system, INOW, has gone out of business and is no longer an option. So, in our attempt to replace that with a system that not only meets, but exceeds the needs of our school leaders, we sought the input and expertise of technology directors, educators, and stakeholders from across the state, and formed a committee to look at various options for Alabama’s student management system; overwhelmingly (by more than 90 percent of committee members) PowerSchool was the system of choice.

Over the coming months we will roll out more training options and continue looking at the most efficient and effective ways to support PowerSchool implementation at the local level. We want to answer your questions, answer them quickly, and provide necessary training and resources to make sure we can take full advantage of the potential of this truly amazing system. We have a really strong product that is going to do wonders for our state in the years to come. The power behind PowerSchool is much richer than anything we have ever used before. There is great potential in the PowerSchool platform, and it is going to allow Alabama to connect students, teachers, administrators, and parents with the shared goal of improving student learning outcomes.

Again, thank you for your dedication and your perseverance through what we know are very difficult times. There will be bumps in the road – we know that even with the best training, the implementation of such a data-driven and comprehensive system will take time and patience to master. The ALSDE plans to be here every step of the way and will do whatever we can to make sure every system in Alabama can utilize this flexible, scalable, and reliable student information system.