Parents and Data

I had a very interesting conversation with my principal the other day. In the course of discussing data utilization/inquiry, we got on the topic of how parents will soon be able to access our gradebooks at any time. At first blush, it feels a little big brother-ish, as though the parents will be checking up on us to make sure we are keeping up with our grading and such. During our conversation it occurred to me that it would be healthier to see this use of technology in a more positive way. Giving parents that access will allow them (require them?) to take a very active role in monitoring their students’ performance and helping to remediate as needed. When I think of this tool in that way it makes me feel more excited than worried.