Tutorial

Trial Version Tutorial

Description of Main Menu Options

Each section contains a general overview that will help guide your exploration of this program. Some features may be disabled during the trial, or still in development in preparation for the September, 2009 program update. If you have questions that are not answered, feel free to use email or phone to contact us. A representative will be happy to answer your questions.

Administration

School User Information

Enter school information and Account information to begin your trial. This gives you access to all data within your district. During the trial, you will not need an account number.

In order to optimize the features of Achieve4, all teachers involved with state tests should have access to this program. It should be installed in a shared folder on your district's network, so that all data is contained and current. Your IT personnel should be consulted for instructions for installation.

Edit Teacher Lists

Import teacher lists using the Import Information feature. Enter or edit teachers and subjects taught to complete this part of the database. If you have an Excel file with this information available, import the file through Import Information feature for further time savings.

It is possible to do all editing for teachers, students, etc. in this field.

Edit Student Lists

Edit student lists in this area. You can also remove students using this database feature, although it is advisable to keep the records in an inactive status rather than removing them. If a student leaves, and later returns to your district, you still have access to that data. For large groups of students, or for PowerSchool (or other grading programs) users, it is quicker to import lists of students into Excel and then into Achieve4 database. Make sure that you import Student ID number with the student name, since all of student records are stored according to this ID number.

It is possible to do all editing for teachers, students, etc. in this field.

Grade Tests

This is where you will input answers on Part 1 of State Tests. The answers on the bubble sheet can be input by keypad or mouse click, depending on personal preference. This must be done prior to accessing reports, as all reports link directly to the test data.

1. First, select class for test to be entered. Go to Classes (Under Reports and Analysis) and select teacher, grade, and subject. Students of that grade level will appear in block to the right. If they don't, check in Edit Student List to makes sure they have been imported/entered. If all students will be scored, go to Edit - choose "Select all students".

2. Next, select Test. A listing of available tests will appear. Double-click on the test that you wish to score.

3. Choose class. Available class lists will appear, based on how many classes you have put together in the "Classes" section.

4. A score sheet will appear for the first student in your class. Enter information with mouse clicks, or keyboard. Note: for tests requiring numeric inputs such as Science, you may type in the numbers. The program processes it as such.

File Control

Importing Information

This is a powerhouse feature to the program. You can import file information from an Excel spreadsheet directly into the database. Importing in this feature is a 4-step process:

1. Select file source. Browse for your document. There are 4 types of data that you can currently import. Teacher, Student, Indicator, Distracter, and Test Question. Some types are not available in the trial version. Make sure that your column headings are always in Row 1.

2. Select first page of Excel Workbook that holds data to be imported. Page will load and be visible in the window on the right.

3. Verify the type of data to be imported. This will present a list of import headings in Step 4.

4. Line up the Achieve4 headings to the headings of the source document. Use spacer, delete button, and arrows to arrange the list so it matches list to import as closely as possible.

5. Click Import. The settings will remain until you close, so you can import multiple workbook pages and multiple workbooks. When importing process is complete, click close. Go to Edit Teacher lists, and click on the field type you imported to see the information you imported.

6. In the trial version, there is a limit on what you can do with local data imports, such as Star and Dibels. You will be able to import and store this information, but it won't be included in any reports. With the subscription, this data can be incorporated into the reports.

Export Record/Import Record

These features are inactive during trial version. These functions are intended for students moving into or out of your district. If a student moves to another district using Achieve4, the files can be sent through email in a Pack and Go format, and can be imported at the receiving school. Likewise, if you receive a student from a school using the Achieve4 program, you can import records for that student.

Install New Test

This is the location for test files. Select this feature after teacher and student lists have been imported. As tests become available, and the CD arrives, this loads the tests and related files to update your program. During the trial version, the tests are already installed for your use.

Record Student Answers

After the lists are imported, and the test has been selected, you are ready to record student answers. Select the teacher, and the students, and begin filling out the bubble sheet. Using the keyboard or the mouse, select the responses for the student whose name is shown at the bottom of the form. When complete, click on next student and you will have a new bubble sheet to fill.

Teacher Resources

These resources are not available within the trial program. With full subscription, teachers will have access to the Integrated Lesson plans, which connect teachers to the standards for their subject area and grade level. Teachers will enjoy the convenience of having their standards easily accessible. Teachers will also be able to reference a tracking for the standards covered. Probes are in the development stage, and are not included in the trial or the subscription at this time.

Process of Importing, Grading and Reporting

1. Import Student Information

Each student needs to have a number associated with their name that is unique to them. All information for that student needs to be input with that number. For testing a large number of students, it is advisable to import from an Excel file, but all student information can be entered directly in the Edit Student tab.

2. Select first page of Excel Workbook that holds data to be imported. Page will load and be visible in the window on the right.

3. Verify the type of data to be imported. This will present a list of import headings in Step 4.

4. Line up the Achieve4 headings to the headings of the source document. Use spacer, delete button, and arrows to arrange the list so it matches list to import as closely as possible.

2. Import Teacher information

Follow the same procedures as importing student information (above)

3. Establish Classes to be scored.

1. Click on Classes. If your teachers have been imported correctly, they will appear in the left column of the page.

2. Select the teacher name and grade level. When you select grade level, student names will appear.

3. Choose the subject and the names to be included. To select all, choose Edit and Select all.

4. Click Apply. You can set up additional classes by repeating this process.

5. When classes are set up, click Close. Return to the main menu and select Grade Tests.

6. Clicking Grade tests activates the test scoring Wizard. You will select the test to be graded, the class to grade, and then you will have a bubble sheet for the first student on your list.

7. Use keyboard or mouse to select choices made by students. The cursor will automatically advance to the next question. Future release will incorporate the use of a scanner to complete this portion of the process.

8. When input has been completed for the last student, close out of this page and return to the Main Menu.

9. Select Print Reports. Available in this release are the Rx and the Rx for teachers. Note that the ELA indicators utilize identification numbers. These have been assigned by Achieve4 staff to assist in organization. The State of New York has not yet released a coding system for ELA indicators.

10. Select the report. An Rx will appear on the screen with all bubbles shaded green with a Plus sign. Select the Test, Student, and Teacher, and the Rx will appear with identifications in the form. To print, click this option before selecting the report.