Keeping tabs on students via the Internet is not just for Biloxi anymore. Denver's (CO) middle and high schools have using the newly-created Internet Student Information System to allow parents to keep a closer eye on their kids' education. Webcams are not involved - we're talking information here, not real-time video - but the purpose is the same: to get parents more involved in their children's classroom experiences.
While the systems differ [across Denver's schools], they share a concern for security with school-issued user IDs and passwords. All allow parents to get timely information that many tight-lipped teens are loath to share....
"[The parents are] really excited about it," said Golden assistant principal Jan Romary, especially with plans for adding homework assignments and an easier way to e-mail teachers. [Principal Ron] Castagna said the intent isn't to "start up a war zone at home," but the program can help more parents get involved and interested...
Jeffco schools spokesman Rick Kaufman said, "Almost on an hourly basis, a parent can find out if their child is in a particular class. Most schools will stick to updating attendance two or three times a day."
Other information to which parents will have access: grade information, discliplinary record, course history, transcripts, and the school calendar. Sounds fairly innocuous. And one thing to note here is that parents have the option to participate. Those who choose to do so will receive passwords that enable to access only their child's information. In a webcam-based system, on the other hand, it would be likely that parents would be unable to keep their kids in un-videotaped room, so opting out wouldn't really be possible (in the sense that even if you choose not to view your kid, other parents would be able to do so).
While the article notes that "No solid documentation exists on whether the programs have boosted attendance," they do provide one bit of anecdotal evidence - a description of "bad kid's" transformation to honor-roll student thanks to his family's online tracking of his school behavior.
Posted by kswygert at August 14, 2003 10:35 AM