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The software is totally
web based, so you don't have to install or download ANYTHING to
use it. However, you do need an internet connection and Microsoft
Internet Explorer (which is the internet browser that comes free with all
Windows operating systems.). Since 1998, the software had only been
available as a desktop application, but the 2004-2005 school year marked the
first time the software was web based. No software required by the users,
no data storage required by the users, and no software updates required by the
users!
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You simply login to the
website (which is built to look just like a desktop application) from any PC
compatible computer that is connected to the internet (and has MS Internet
Explorer installed). All of the data is kept on the SourcePro server, so
you literally can access the software from home, from school, or even the
public library (wherever a computer and internet connection is available!)
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By having the data
stored electronically, the ability to examine the data is much easier.
Generating the reports required by the school board takes only minutes, rather
than hours now!
Additionally, individual classroom reports can be used to identify specific
areas that need work. For example, a report showing only 25% of a first grade
class is "developed" in tasks 1 and 2 indicate more work in the areas of
Blending Word Parts would be useful to the students. Most importantly, the TPRI
System can be effectively used in reporting and analyzing data, bringing to
light information that can't be acquired by just reviewing the scores by hand.
Reports that compare a
single classroom (or campus) to the entire district is now available as
well. Also, a new report that includes intervention plans for each
classroom that is automatically generated once test scores are entered will be
added this year!
In addition, parent letters can be printed for a single student, a classroom,
or the entire district (including a copy of each students TPRI results) with
just a few easy clicks of the mouse! (The parent cover letters and summary
reports are automatically printed in Spanish if the student has a
Spanish home language code) Also, the data required for the Early
Reading Instrument Report (for TEA) can be generated in seconds! Data
exporting (for reporting to warehouse facilities such as SchoolNet, etc), are
also generated at the click of a mouse! The export can be in delimited
text or MS Excel format!
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The software was
developed with "non-computer people" in mind! The teachers simply enter data on
the screen directly from the summary pages in the test booklets. A teacher can
enter a class of 20 students in just a few minutes. The reporting interface is
also easy to use, which includes several pre-designed reports. A sophisticated
report writer and query builder is also available. Full documentation and
technical support is also provided. Additionally, we "preload" the basic
student data, so that all the teacher's have to enter are the student's
scores. If you can check email on your computer, you already possess the
skills needed to use the software!
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