ACADEMIC REPORTING OVERHAUL PROJECT

status update and coming soon

In 2021 we announced the beginning of a massive project to entirely overhaul the Academic Reporting functionality in TASS.

Since then we've been hard at work, releasing the First Phase in 2022 and gearing up for the first of several Second Phase releases starting in March 2023 - and there's even more coming in the future.

data entry

phase 1

In 2022 we delivered the first phase of the project, with an initial focus on the tools available for setting up and maintaining the Academic Reporting module, including new editable grids and back-end maintenance options.

Teaching

phase 2

Phase 2 is focused on the teacher experience, starting with the migration of Markbook into the Staff Portal, with a new user interface incorporating the key features that teachers are familiar with, in the place they'd use it most.  

unplugged

phase 3

Phase 3 will shift focus to integrations, ensuring that schools can connect their Academic Reporting data to their wider software ecosystems, and leverage this information for more data-informed decision-making.

back to the future computer

phase 4

Phase 4 will see us focus on updates to the remaining areas of TASS Academic Reporting, including academic report generation, and the dissemination and further analysis of academic information.

PHASE 2's recipe for success

The ultimate goal of Phase 2 is to discontinue the webBook portal, which will be retiring after many years of dedicated service.

All functionality from webBook will be relocated to the Staff Portal and then enhanced, to better meet the needs of modern teachers, who need easier access to result information, streamlined navigation, and a clearer User Interface.

To do this, we've put together a 3-step recipe for a successful Phase 2:

Baking step 1

step 1
READY FOR RELEASE

Step 1 sees us lay the foundation for the improvements planned in the future. This involved redeveloping the Markbook with more modern, future-proofed technology, and giving it improved navigation and readability.

This step will also move access to the Markbook into the Staff Portal, where it can be easily accessed by relevant school staff.

step 2
COMING UP NEXT

In Step 2, we'll be migrating the remaining functionality in the old webBook portal, such as the Enter Results program, and moving it into the Staff Portal alongside the new Markbook.

This will bring the Staff Portal up to parity with webBook, after which we can start adding new functionality.

Baking step 2

Baking step 3

step 3
PLANNED FOR THE FUTURE

Now that everything's been updated and moved across, Step 3 provides us with a solid platform to allow us to focus on new development.

To help us prioritise the features and enhancements that schools want the most, we will be relying on your direct user feedback from the Customer Forum, alongside the contributions from the Academic Reporting Advisory Group that was established at the beginning of this project. 

what's coming in 58.3

The first step of Phase 2 is now complete and will be available for all schools later this month, in version 58.3.

Read on for more information on what these new changes will bring, and how they will help streamline reporting processes for your teachers.

Note: Markbook features in webBook will still be available until all webBook features are migrated to the Staff Portal, and the two can be used interchangeably for now.

Phase 2 Documentation

consolidation

There's now one screen to rule them all, with fewer pages to navigate, and more visibility on the main Markbook screen.

New tools allow staff to filter, add, and remove data without leaving the page, and new hamburger menus give users access to multiple functions - all from one location.

This is on top of the major change in Phase 2, which sees Markbook move to its new home in the Staff Portal; providing a more unified, consolidated experience for all users.

Wizard computer

 

Development tech

new user interface

Markbook hasn't just moved - it's also been given a new look.

With a more modern colour scheme and layout teachers can now see clear descriptions for each objective (instead of codes), making it easier to connect the dots between objectives and student performance.

The updated result entry interface also identifies any data that's been changed - highlighting updated cells so staff can be sure nothing's been missed (or mistakenly entered) before they hit save.

built-in stats

No calculator? No problem.

Averages and standard deviation are now automatically calculated and displayed on-screen in the new Staff Portal Markbook, with intentions to expand on the statistical information visible to teachers within the Markbook in future.

This reduces the need for extra reports and external spreadsheets, saving time for staff who can now access statistics at a glance; pre-calculated and ready when they need them.

Grade Calculation-1

want to learn more?

training
tickets(2)

term 2 Small group training expression of interest

Dedicated Small Group Training sessions will be available in Term 2, to help school staff to get properly acquainted with the updated Markbook.

Register below to be the first to find out when these sessions are available, and be ready to learn how implementing the new Markbook could save your school time and effort.

Small Group Training EOI

register to attend our upcoming webinar

We'll be giving a grand tour through the new Markbook's home in the Staff Portal, so you can check out the new User Interface and see how the changes make it easier than ever to manage reports in TASS.

We'll also be running through the project roadmap, so you can get a glimpse at what's coming up next.

Register for Webinar