Inside This Issue:

Stop the Outsourcing of Teaching Positions

MicroGrade User Tips

WebGrade User Tips

Product Updates

Help Stop the Outsourcing of Teaching Positions

The growing trend toward outsourcing American jobs is now affecting the teaching profession. Assistant Superintendent Sharon Baker of the Rancho Verde school district said that her district has reduced their teaching salary budget by 27% by outsourcing teaching positions to India. “We really have no choice, our enrollment is growing, and we just do not have the funds to pay for additional teachers.” Ms. Baker said that teachers in India are paid less than 7 dollars per hour compared to the average of $34 per hour her district now pays tenured faculty.

The Indian teachers are based in Bangalore and instruction takes place via two-way closed circuit TV. Ms. Baker said that students know the teacher in Bangalore is observing them so there have been very few behavioral problems. Baker added that the only problems encountered so far have been due to the 12-hour time difference. “At first, students and parents objected to having to start school at 2:00 AM, but now they are used to it.” When asked about the effectiveness of the teaching process, Ms. Baker was pleased to point out that test scores were up over 40% district-wide. With the success of this program, Ms. Baker said her board is considering outsourcing the positions of vice-principals and even principals.

Chariot Software thinks that teachers in the United States should teach American children.

Click here to get a form for contacting your congressional representative.

MicroGrade User Tips

This month’s tip will help you adjust grades by dropping the lowest score in a category. Follow the steps listed below:

Dropping the Lowest Score in a Category

1. Go to the Edit menu.
2. Click on Setup Categories.
3. The Setup Categories dialog will appear.
4. Click on the category that contains the lowest grade.
5. On the right-hand side of the dialog, you should see a box labeled "Number of Low Scores To Drop". Type 1 into the box.
6. Click OK to close the dialog.

Once you have done this, you should see that the students have had their lowest grade in that category dropped. Dropped scores will be indicated with a "d" mark next to the score.

Visit our Technical Support center online for more help with MicroGrade!

http://www.chariot.com/micrograde/mg-support.asp

WebGrade User Tips

Help Students Find Your WebGrade Page

There are several ways you can help students gain access to your published WebGrade reports. Use one of the following suggestions to ensure that students will know how to get the information they need without coming to you directly each time they try to locate your WebGrade page.

1. Your WebGrade Index page displays the web site address that students will need to access grades. Post this address on a bulletin board in your classroom or print it on a handout that can be distributed in class or mailed home to parents.
2. Email the address to students and parents using the email function within WebGrade. Simply log in to your account, select the email action, and check the box that will automatically include WebGrade access information with your message.
3. Send students directly to www.eclassinfo.com. Students can use the search feature at the eClassInfo web site to locate your page quickly.

Encourage your students and their parents to save time by setting a bookmark for your WebGrade page.

Product Updates

Online Exit Exam Preparation Available for Several States

Schools in California, Alaska, Arizona, and South Carolina can subscribe to Chariot’s Exit Exam Preparation service. This online system will help students prepare for the state high school exit exam. Service for additional states will be available soon.

Schools with a MicroGrade site license are eligible to receive a discount on our Internet-based test preparation services. Subscription plans include access to our college placement preparation service. Students can brush up on math and grammar skills to help them score higher on required college placement tests. Students who perform well on these exams can avoid taking costly remedial courses that can delay the completion of their degree program.

To find out more about our online testing services visit http://www.chariot.com

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