A note to our readers: While this article provides valuable insights and strategies for school administrators to enhance their planning process, it's important to note that no single solution can address all of the challenges mentioned. At Sparkrock, we offer a modern Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system designed to integrate seamlessly with many other solutions like Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), Customer Relationship Management Systems (CRM), and Student Information Systems (SIS) through our APIs. We encourage you to explore our offerings and engage with our team to understand how our ERP can align with your specific needs.
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Welcome to part 2 of our back-to-school series. Ah, August, the blissful final month of summer break. But while students are still lounging around on vacation, schools are busier than ever preparing for the new school year. The impending start of school brings a seemingly endless checklist of tasks and responsibilities that one must tackle before the first bell rings.
Administrators are working around the clock on:
With all of these responsibilities, it's not surprising that school administrators work an average of 58+ hours a week. Every time something gets checked off the list, two more get added. It's overwhelming, stressful, and ultimately unsustainable. But luckily, it doesn't have to be this way.
According to the NASSP Survey of America's School Leaders and High School Students, 70% of administrators said they spend more than 6 hours weekly on administrative paperwork. That's over 10% of their average workweek!
When asked how they would prefer to spend that time, 72% of respondents said they would like to spend more time engaging with students, and 69% replied they would use that time to support teachers better. Visible, empathetic, and engaged administration is critical to breed success in a school district. But how can administrators possibly achieve everything they need to accomplish?
With the right tools and preparation, it won't just be wishful thinking. Modern cloud-based ERP solutions like Sparkrock 365 can play a significant role in helping schools prepare for a smoother back-to-school transition. These flexible and convenient systems can integrate various organizational administrative and operational functions, including finance, human resources, inventory management, scheduling, and more.
Here's how an effective ERP solution can take the weight off of your back-to-school checklist:
As record numbers of teachers continue to leave the classroom, it's integral that schools fill vacancies as quickly as possible. Using Sparkrock 365, administrators can add, modify, and approve job requisitions to streamline their hiring process.
Keeping track of new staff information, documentation, and training can be unwieldy. In Sparkrock 365, administrators can create onboarding tasks and assign them to new employee groups, then track when it is completed. This reduces manual workload and errors. Providing self-serve access for employees enables them to complete forms and submit documentation to HR directly.
Due to staffing shortages, many schools have had to be more creative than ever when staffing classrooms. With the ability to track employee qualifications and availability, ERP systems can help districts allocate their limited staff to meet their students' needs best.
HR can use ERP solutions to schedule and track employee training events. On Sparkrock 365, administrators can register employees for professional development and integrate the event with their scheduling to eliminate double booking. It will also automatically update qualification information for that employee based on training completion.
Sparkrock is an ideal complement to Dynamics 365, Microsoft's Customer Relationship Management system. Administrators can pull relevant data from Sparkrock 365 to incorporate into Dynamics-crafted newsletters to be shared with staff or community members more regularly.
School administrative departments are often siloed, which can make it difficult to collaborate on tasks. ERP systems eliminate manual data entry and duplicated processes with automated, integrated workflows based on a single, centralized database of information. This can help streamline workflows and improve productivity across departments as you enter a new school year.
Sparkrock 365 provides easy-to-use financial reporting allows you to view and analyze data flexibly. Access to real-time reports generated by Microsoft Power BI and powerful visualizations help facilitate deeper insights into operations and better predictive analysis. For example, fixed asset reports can identify what resources will depreciate soon and need replacement.
The Employee Self-Serve Portal helps districts make timely and proactive budget decisions by providing the ability to view purchase orders, enter receipts of goods and services, and view posted invoices and memos. Authorized employees have access to enter purchase requisitions or payment requests and the ability to check their budgets in real time.
Administrators empowered by Sparkrock 365 find themselves with a newfound luxury: time. With the help of an ERP system, they can focus on what really matters such as:
School leadership should transcend the mere management of tasks. Their impact should reverberate through the lives of students, staff members, and the community. Set a course for success by embracing the power of Sparkrock 365. Schedule a demo today to begin your journey towards a smoother back-to-school season.
A note to our readers: While this article provides valuable insights and strategies for school administrators to enhance their planning process, it's important to note that no single solution can address all of the challenges mentioned. At Sparkrock, we offer a modern Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system designed to integrate seamlessly with many other solutions like Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), Customer Relationship Management Systems (CRM), and Student Information Systems (SIS) through our APIs. We encourage you to explore our offerings and engage with our team to understand how our ERP can align with your specific needs.
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The school bell is about to ring once again as summer break draws to a close. While the halls have been quiet, the upcoming season signals the start of a bustling period.
The foundation for a fruitful academic year is laid through the careful planning of dedicated school administrators. Their efforts during the summer months pave the way for success in the year ahead.
Even though summer break serves as a true respite from the routine and fast-paced nature of the school term, it is in this limited span that school administrators hold the power to make a significant impact.
In part one of our back-to-school series, we are sharing some key actions to check off your list before the start of the new academic year:
Consider this previous year's accomplishments, challenges, and areas for improvement. Evaluate what went well for the district and determine how to navigate the missteps better.
Set goals, develop action plans, and establish priorities for the upcoming school year. Review your current curriculum against student achievement rates. Meet with building principals to discuss scheduling, professional development opportunities, and budget.
Find local, state, and national conferences relevant to your role as a district administrator. Explore new educational trends, best practices, and innovative strategies to enhance your leadership skills and knowledge.
Build a community of practice with fellow district administrators, principals, and teachers to exchange ideas, share successes, and discuss challenges. A solid professional network fosters innovation and provides valuable insights into common issues in the education sector.
Refine district procedures by reviewing existing policies, researching new ones, and ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
Strengthen ties with parents, community leaders, and local organizations. Share educational goals, solicit feedback, and explore partnership opportunities that benefit students and the district.
Go to the different schools and classrooms in the district to help gain firsthand insights into the learning environment. Seeing the physical space (better yet, unused space) in schools can help reimagine their purpose.
Assess student and school performance, and identify trends or areas of improvement. This data-driven approach can inform decision-making and help identify strategies to address achievement gaps.
Ensure you have an effective dissemination of information within the district. This can include regular newsletters, online platforms, social media channels, and other means to keep stakeholders informed and engaged.
Take care of yourself during this last month. Engage in activities that help you relax, recharge, to maintain personal and professional priorities. Whether spending time with family, pursuing hobbies or taking a vacation, self-care is essential for sustaining your effectiveness as a district administrator.
An Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is critical for successful school planning. School administrators use ERP tools to manage day-to-day operations and strategic vision.
Here are some ways an ERP can help your school district plan for the academic year ahead:
Student and teacher absenteeism has become increasingly pressing in US and Canadian schools. When managing teacher absenteeism, an ERP solution helps administrators determine patterns in absences and secure necessary pathways for the upcoming school year.
They could provide additional support services to their staff, such as:
Many teachers plan their retirements in the summer, while others announce their departures unexpectedly. With an ERP system, administrators can track staffing patterns and determine where there may be gaps in positions. By identifying potential staffing needs early, districts can begin hiring new staff members and ensure that all jobs are filled before the start of the school year.
ERP software can also streamline teacher recruitment, making finding and hiring qualified candidates easier. Now is the perfect time for HR to focus on standardizing this. Instead of manually inputting and extracting data, HR can easily add, modify, and approve job requisitions. This streamlined process ensures the school district finds and places a suitable candidate efficiently. As many schools face a shortage of qualified teachers, it's crucial to use this time wisely.
Since 2020, school districts have witnessed a consistent rise in the usage of tech tools month by month. A 2022 report from LearnPlatform highlights this trend, indicating a near tripling of the average number of tech products accessed by school districts in recent years. With this increase, it becomes evident that a substantial portion of resources could be underutilized.
This data is essential for school leaders as they prepare to allocate resources for the upcoming academic year. And, the Director of Technology need not "bury their head inside spreadsheets" like one educator in a South Jersey district did to access this critical data. An ERP system can seamlessly identify, track, and manage resources more efficiently. Analyzing the usage of EdTech products allows administrators to discern patterns in resource utilization, enabling them to pinpoint areas for enhancement.
Subsequently, school leaders can generate reports on student scores from their Student Information System (SIS) and compare the resources utilized in previous classes. Strong test scores could align with the efficacy of specific educational resources. Armed with this information, administrators can then confidently remove unused tools and enhance resource optimization, allocating funds toward areas proven to yield value.
As the final days of summer unfold, we can all look forward to an academic year that promises challenges and opportunities like never before. Just as diligent planning has been the cornerstone of your school's success, the tools you choose are equally pivotal.
A modern ERP solution like Sparkrock 365 can empower you to optimize resource allocation, streamline operations, and foster a collaborative ecosystem while being agile in the face of the unexpected. It's more than just software; it's a partner in your journey to elevate education.
Sparkrock 365 is designed to amplify your efforts, align your goals, and maximize your impact.
Now is the moment to transform challenges into opportunities and ensure every student, educator, and administrator can thrive in this evolving educational landscape. Reach out to us today to discover how Sparkrock 365 can empower your school district, ensuring preparedness, resilience, and success. Let's embark on this transformative journey together.
Catch part two of our back-to-school series next week!
School districts have always hinged on crystalline policies and procedures for their staff and students, especially around performance. These directives serve as the backbone for systematic order and strategic planning. While the district establishes some, other policies are mandated by State and Federal law. It is the job of the Board of Education to uphold these policies and procedures, and they often revisit them for timeliness and effectiveness.
In the Golden Age of EdTech, many districts likely felt they were navigating without a compass when acquiring and implementing EdTech resources. An example of this rapid adoption can be seen in the Norwalk Public Schools in Connecticut, where EdTech tools soared during the pandemic. More than 3,000 apps were accessed during the 2021 school year, compared to just 183 in the 2018-2019 academic year. Most of these apps lacked formal district approval, as they were often provided to educators as part of a free trial during remote learning.
However, with an increasing number of administrators now scrutinizing EdTech through a more discerning lens, the moment has arrived for schools to construct a robust blueprint for tech integration. Since district leaders are consistently gauging staff and student performance, it's only fitting for them to create a refined evaluation system for EdTech and not just an Acceptable Use Policy. They must establish specific metrics that define adequate data usage and efficacy for teachers and students. The question is: what are the metrics to measure them?
As administrators look for ways to improve student outcomes, they must also be mindful of the effectiveness of their EdTech investments. School districts can ensure that their EdTech resources are used effectively and efficiently by creating a comprehensive evaluation system.
The first step in creating an effective evaluation system is establishing clear metrics for measuring success. These metrics should include data on teacher and student usage and efficacy. It's not enough for a tool to be theoretically effective - it should also be widely adopted and used by the intended beneficiaries.
In the initial stages of tech adoption, school administrators need to adopt the mindset of an EdTech investor. After all, administrators are investing in these tools at a hefty cost. A case in point is the Mississippi Department of Education spending millions on a virtual tutoring service. Despite educators singing its praises, the data painted a different picture - it was not a hit among students. This instance highlights the urgency for districts to evaluate not just the theoretical effectiveness of a tool but also its actual deployment. A tool's potential is only realized if it's actively used.
One prominent (and successful) EdTech investor always asks to see the company's customer retention rates. His magic number? 90%. After all, satisfied customers are more likely to continue using the product, and a high retention rate indicates that the EdTech solution is delivering value and meeting the needs of educators and students alike. District leaders should always ask to see the vendors' current data on student and teacher usage and retention rates, and more importantly, they should gather this information from districts similar in size, class composition, and demographics.
Here are 15 questions every school district should ask during the initial planning stages:
Review this data with your team against the current tools within the district when the vendors provide it. Also, consider adopting an EdTech rubric to evaluate its efficacy within the needs of your school district.
Future considerations should include:
Collecting and analyzing data regularly will help determine whether or not the EdTech resources are meeting the needs of teachers and students. Additionally, data can inform future decisions about which EdTech resources should be adopted or discontinued.
Once clear metrics have been established, school districts must develop a process for collecting and analyzing that data. This process should involve teachers and administrators to ensure that all perspectives are considered when evaluating EdTech resources. When possible, it should include feedback from students about how they perceive the effectiveness of these tools in improving their learning experience.
School districts must develop a plan using the data collected from their evaluation system to make informed decisions about which EdTech resources are most effective for their district's needs. This plan should include strategies for using the data to inform future decisions about which technologies should be adopted or discontinued. Additionally, it should guide how best to use existing technologies to maximize their impact on student learning outcomes.
By taking a comprehensive approach to evaluating their EdTech resources, school districts can make informed decisions about which technologies will best meet their needs and help them achieve their educational goals. This approach leads to a more discerning technology investment that increases staff engagement while lessening initiative fatigue. Furthermore, it's fiscally responsible. The process and results provide transparency to the community and Board of Education, increasing support and buy-in.
Lastly, school districts can make wise investments in technology that benefit teachers and students by establishing clear metrics for measuring success and developing a process for collecting and analyzing this data.
Ready to make your next EdTech investment? Sparkrock 365 might be the perfect solution for your school district. We offer an all-in-one finance, HR, payroll, and scheduling solution purpose-built for school boards and districts. Our modern ERP system offers a user-friendly interface and robust features, empowering administrators with powerful data and analytics.
We'd love to share what we've learned and help you plan for your next technology investment. Reach out and speak with one of our education product consultants today!
If you're not ready to chat, we encourage you to browse our education resources and view our 7-min demo to see if our product might fit your school district. No need to wait to schedule a meeting; sign up and watch on your own time.
Is your school district at risk of losing its valuable educators?
According to a recent survey, a staggering 65% of educators have been actively browsing other job opportunities in the past year. In normal times, district leadership would find that unsettling. During an unprecedented teacher shortage?
Downright nerve-racking.
Employee expectations are on the rise. Workforce expectations shifted dramatically, and now employees want more from their employers. In a post-pandemic world, more people are asking for:
And yet, schools are constrained by contracted salaries, limited funding for perks, and zero flexibility when it comes to the time and place of work. With these limitations and soaring student behavioral issues, teachers feel drained and overwrought, all significant contributors to a toxic workplace.
So what can be done to meet rising employee expectations?
The solution is simple: Improve the employee experience.
Many people still believe that employee experience is all about perks, but it's much more than that. It's about communication, culture, being heard, and being supported professionally and personally. Improving the employee experience will increase:
These things aren't only on the minds of employees. Teacher recruitment, staff well-being, and retention are top priorities for K-12 human resources professionals. The Director of Human Resources is integral to the functioning of the school district. They can be one of the most influential in improving the employee experience by helping leaders shift from a transactional to a human-first approach.
Here are three ways that the Director of HR can improve employee experience:
Communication is vital to building trust and respect in the workplace. HR has an essential role in creating a welcoming and inclusive work environment. The Director of HR can facilitate relationship-building with employees by engaging in personalized employee experience conversations.
These conversations can help HR:
An intentional plan for how the conversation will proceed will make the discussion productive. For example, HR could initiate the conversation by acknowledging the employee's contributions to the school district. This discussion can be followed by exploring the employee's interests in professional growth. Finally, the Director of HR can collaborate with the employee on a plan to support them with necessary resources and follow-up conversations.
Meaningful, transparent communication will build trust and respect between staff and central administration. In turn, fostering a culture of trust and respect will positively impact the overall school environment.
An engaged workforce is more likely to be:
But how do you boost engagement when teachers have never been more exhausted? The answer is prioritizing employee recognition. Recognizing staff members' contributions and hard work can help them feel valued and motivated to strive for excellence.
Though well-intentioned, recognition must be more than just an all-staff email appreciation or an assembly shout-out. It needs to be timely, specific, and authentic.
Teachers and school staff frequently work outside contracted hours and support their students by attending games, concerts, musicals, and other extracurricular activities. In-person or handwritten acknowledgments of these efforts are highly effective. Writing a personalized thank-you note or showing gratitude in person can go a long way in boosting morale.
San Diego Unified School District created a successful employee recognition program, a platform that allows teachers to receive awards from their peers, administrators, and even parents. This strategy allowed them to promote a culture of appreciation and recognition that benefited both employees and the district.
Recognizing and acknowledging the contributions of staff members will help prevent burnout. It can also increase their motivation to continue going above and beyond for their students.
87% of millennials rate "professional or career growth and development opportunities" as important to them in a job. And yet, more than half of districts do not provide or offer teachers coursework to improve their teaching. A Director of HR that prioritizes opportunities for professional growth will have a more profound impact on employee experience.
HR directors can provide professional development support by offering opportunities for ongoing learning, such as:
In addition to offering training opportunities, the HR Director can provide instructional coaching to help teachers improve their teaching techniques and classroom management skills. An example can be pairing teachers with experienced mentors who can offer feedback, guidance, and support. Coaching programs can be delivered through professional learning communities, where teachers can collaborate with peers and learn from others' experiences.
Schools can also look to other districts for inspiration on how they provide professional development programs. The Los Angeles Unified School District provides teachers with access to resources such as workshops, seminars, and online courses that help them stay up-to-date on best practices in teaching. This district also offers mentorship opportunities with experienced educators who can guide them in improving their teaching skills. By providing these resources, LAUSD has fostered an environment of growth and learning for its teachers.
HR directors can also encourage staff growth by creating a culture of continuous improvement and upskilling. By fostering an environment where educators feel comfortable taking risks and trying new strategies, HR directors can promote a growth mindset that encourages staff to improve their skills and knowledge continually.
Employees want to know that their input is valued and considered. It's evident to educators when district leaders are talking the talk but not walking the walk.
Show employees you're committed to improving employee experience by:
Building a great employee experience within an organization requires the right modern technology. This is where an ERP system comes into play. By leveraging the power of data, particularly in the HR module of an ERP system, organizations can unlock valuable insights that contribute to their understanding of employees' needs, preferences, and performance.
With the ability to collect and analyze employee data, including demographics, compensation details, performance evaluations, training history, and attendance records, an ERP system equips organizations with the necessary tools to make informed decisions. By harnessing the potential of this technology, organizations can implement targeted strategies, foster a positive work environment, boost employee engagement, and ultimately drive overall organizational success.
To help plan your next technology investment, read the in-depth guide to our product, Sparkrock 365. Let us take you through the benefits of integrating HR management with finances, payroll, scheduling, and the key features we've built to help K-12s thrive.
What happens when US public education experiences the most seismic shift of funds ever seen?
As school district leaders and administrators face the looming expiration of the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds in 2023 and 2024, many are taking a hard look at their bottom line.
School administrators are much more selective regarding educational products and curricula. They want viable tech resources with high adoption and customer retention rates. With the unstable economy, teacher shortages, and expiring funding, districts have pumped the brakes on their heavy-handed pandemic spending. Schools must exercise even more discernment in how they allocate resources moving forward. An Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution can assist school districts in being more than ready for the drying up of federal funds.
Congress passed three pieces of legislation due to the pandemic: CARES Act, CRSSA Act, and ARP. Each legislation has its own ESSER fund: ESSER I, II, and III, respectively. These funds must be obligated by September 2022, 2023, and 2024.
ESSER funds provide support to K-12 public schools. Many districts used ESSER funds to purchase technology for remote learning, improve air ventilation and filtration systems, and hire additional staff members. While it's not necessarily a shock to district leaders that these funds have an expiration date, they will need to begin planning now to:
With a recession, districts must tread carefully in using funds to pay for personnel. According to EdWeek Market Brief, educational consultants advise school districts to spend their funding sources on infrastructure and large, one-time costs instead of ongoing salaries and benefits for staff positions.
The best predictor of what's to come is to examine past funding cliffs in the wake of a cooling economy. This phenomenon has been around for a while, and districts have had to pull at their purse strings to bear the brunt of a funding freeze and recession.
During the Great Recession of 2008, many states experienced significant budget cuts, leading to many funding cliffs. Many schools struggled to maintain programs and services, leading to teacher layoffs and larger class sizes. New York state, for example, was forced to cut education spending, which led to widespread layoffs of teachers and school staff, larger class sizes, and program cuts. In 2009, the Rochester City School District laid off over 200 teachers due to budget cuts. These budget cuts and layoffs didn't end in one year, either. The New York City public school system made significant cuts in the following years, with a proposed dismissal of over 4,000 positions.
So what does this mean for public education in the next five years? Some dark days may be ahead without careful financial planning and school management. Thankfully there are resources to drive better decision-making for schools now. Most districts lacked the proper technology back in 2008; fortunately, that's not the case today.
According to a survey conducted by McKinsey, more than 90 percent of districts have yet to use even half of their funding. Based on this survey, they predict that:
"Nearly $20 billion in ESSER funds may not be obligated by the deadline because of various factors, including administrative hurdles, limited internal planning capacity, and talent and vendor shortages."
When making level-headed decisions with limited planning capacity, an ERP solution can help a great deal. ERPs help school districts plan strategically and efficiently by providing comprehensive, real-time data on the following:
This vital data helps school districts make empowered, data-driven decisions that optimize resources and allocate funding where needed most.
School districts can save costs and maximize outcomes by identifying areas where resources can be better aligned and used, including staffing, facilities, and supplies. An ERP solution can help school districts identify underutilized resources and optimize them to their fullest potential or help eliminate excess weight.
Financial planning becomes more effective with an ERP solution because all financial data integrates into one system. School districts can easily track budget and expenditure data and ensure well-managed finances. In turn, this helps them be better prepared for funding cliffs. Now they can efficiently manage their funds for optimal use. Additionally, with more significant financial insights, districts can plan multi-year budgets in the wake of financial constraints.
An ERP solution creates an environment where data is readily available and accessible. This data can inform financial decisions and resource allocation and identify cost-saving opportunities. With real-time data, administrators can readily view the financials and inform decision-making on fees, asset acquisition, construction, or other initiatives.
An ERP solution can automate repetitive administrative tasks such as contractor management, time-sheet management, and excursion approval. Freeing up valuable resources minimizes time-consuming, mundane tasks so administrators can focus on more impactful, strategic projects. The time saved on administrative work allows district leaders to invest in maintaining effective student engagement and educational programming, even during a funding cliff.
An ERP solution can enhance communication between schools, districts, and other stakeholders. School districts can use grant money management and communication tools to maintain, engage and communicate with organizations and alternative funding sources. Monetary efforts and goals can also be tracked and managed with these resources.
An ERP solution is a valuable tool that can help school districts prepare for funding cliffs. It allows administrators to allocate their resources more thoughtfully and strategically to have the greatest impact on any student's educational experience. Staff can see the real-time status of funding projects as improvements and additions are being managed, and these necessities can be prioritized with complete transparency. With the help of an ERP solution, educators and administrators can plan for successful, sustainable educational programming within their budgets, despite funding cuts.
In addition to these benefits, an ERP solution can also increase data accuracy and transparency, enabling more ethical management practices. This is especially useful in the face of tighter funding-- administrators can learn to do more with less. Employee retention climbs as benefits and features become more tailored to district needs. With dynamic planning, budgeting, and budget projection tools within an ERP solution, district management can make determinations that lead their school to success and sustainability.
To help plan your next technology investment, read the in-depth guide to our product, Sparkrock 365. Let us take you through the benefits of integrating HR management with finances, payroll, scheduling, and the key features we've built to help K-12s thrive.
Ah, June, that blissful time of year when students find it hard to sit still, and teachers eagerly anticipate the arrival of their well-deserved summer holidays. June can be a tough time for many reasons, and discipline is one of them. We often associate discipline negatively in schools, but let's not forget its importance.
Discipline helps maintain a safe and productive learning environment for both students and staff. Unfortunately, many teachers feel unsupported in this area, contributing to burnout and frustration. And with a significant increase in principal turnover in recent years, new administrators may struggle to establish and enforce effective disciplinary procedures.
The good news? There are ways for administrators to re-establish discipline and support their staff and students during these final days of the school year. Here are five strategies to help schools overcome that year-end slump.
Schools need proactive approaches to discipline, and they need to be consistent. Teachers should receive the support they need to manage classroom behavior, especially during the last month of school.
Discipline cannot be effective without the support and collaboration of all staff:
Educators play a critical role in creating a positive and supportive learning environment. When equipped with the right:
All personnel effectively respond to student behavior and misconduct.
A school's discipline policy is only as strong as the staff who uphold it, so we must give educators a seat at the table. Through collaboration, educators and administrators can come up with new and fresh ideas.
Each discipline style includes one common thread:
They're all rooted in empathy and understanding.
It's hard when the little indiscretions add up inside the classroom walls. Teachers can only take so much, but kids will still be kids. So remember that corrective action needs to be for empowerment, not retribution.
Let's take a closer look at those strategies:
1. Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a proactive approach to discipline. It focuses on teaching and reinforcing positive behaviors, rather than punishing negative behaviors. This includes:
PBIS reduces the need for punitive discipline by emphasizing positive behaviours and targeting support. This fosters positive learning communities, which perpetuates higher school morale.
But to create a PBIS program that is not "program rich, impact poor," administrators need ongoing training. With high teacher turnover and student behavioral issues, continued PBIS training is an investment with a huge ROI. That's because teachers cite student behavioral issues as a leading cause of their burnout. Since PBIS is an evidence-based practice, it's worth keeping it as continuous professional development for all staff.
2. Restorative justice practices emphasize repairing and restoring relationships rather than punishing. This approach involves bringing together the parties involved in a conflict to:
This empathy-driven approach builds better understanding and support. Some schools don't use this for peer-to-peer conflicts either. Restorative justice works well in repairing student and teacher relationships, too. For example, a teacher refers a student to detention or in-school suspension. Before receiving the consequence, there's a standard procedure. The school building principal can meet with both parties to discuss the incident. This promotes student voice and student agency. And it helps to mend the crucial student-teacher relationship. Restorative justice practices can create a more positive and collaborative school culture.
3. Trauma-informed care recognizes and addresses the underlying trauma that may contribute to a student's behavior. Many students carry the weight of the world on their shoulders. Sometimes school is the only safe place for them. So, they tend to lash out. Trauma-informed care creates a more supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students.
One in every five students at Henry County School District lost a family member to COVID-19. They knew they couldn't return to school with a business-as-usual attitude. That's why administrators applied ESSER III funds to create a new role in mental health. This is the epitome of responsiveness. Now students receive specialized support services through proactive interception instead of reactive punishments.
4. Mindfulness and social-emotional learning (SEL) are also important strategies for supporting students during their last month of school. Some state legislatures clash over SEL's presence in the classroom. Whatever you want to call it, student well-being intersects with student achievement.
Districts can drive SEL with ample student practice in:
Adams-Friendship Area School District is an example of successful SEL implementation. Teachers embed SEL throughout the school day. That way, they don't feel like it's outside their daily responsibilities. Students share how they witness conflict-resolution skills during recess and gym class: a true testament to SEL's impact. Mindfulness and SEL help students cope and manage their emotions and behavior. Students get concrete tools to communicate. As a result, it reduces the need for ineffective, punitive discipline.
5. Teacher recognition. School administrators can foster a positive school culture that emphasizes:
Administrators boost morale and motivation with genuine acknowledgment. Schools with happy staff are contagious. If everyone feels respected and supported, it makes the work joyful again.
One principal in Knoxville, Tennessee, wrote handwritten letters to each staff member's family. This principal wanted to share her appreciation while also acknowledging how hard their job is, how hard they work, and what a difference they make every day. This meant more to them than a casual Friday.
Healthy, supportive learning environments need responsive discipline strategies. Successful implementation of proactive discipline requires:
Collaboration helps everyone navigate challenges more effectively, ending the school year on a positive note. And by setting up these discipline strategies towards the end of the school year, administrators and teachers can ensure a smoother transition into the new one.
School administrators should evaluate discipline policies regularly to ensure effectiveness. First, define the goals and desired outcomes of the disciplinary plan. Then, follow evidence-based methods. Districts can maintain transparency and accountability of their discipline policies by reporting them to the public.
Sparkrock 365 provides a secure platform for sharing disciplinary updates, interventions, and progress monitoring, ensuring that sensitive information remains confidential and only accessible to those with the correct permissions. Our modern cloud-based ERP system promotes effective communication and collaboration among teachers, administrators, and staff members. By fostering improved communication channels, administrators can maintain consistency in implementing the new discipline strategy across the entire school community. Learn more now.
School district leaders understand the value of attending EdTech conferences. These conferences offer resources to help school districts meet their overarching strategic goals. Though sometimes costly and time-consuming, these conferences provide insights into cutting-edge technologies and vetted solution providers. Hearing from industry experts and networking with colleagues from other schools inspire administrators to address their district's unique needs with innovation.
While EdTech conferences can cut into a district leader's time and resources, they're still vital to helping schools reach their goals. That's why administrators need to plan out their EdTech conference attendance.
Careful preparation and coordination are necessary to get the most from these events. Data from your Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system can help create the most intuitive plan. An ERP solution allows organizations to combine siloed applications and systems to:
ERPs can empower district administrators to attend educational conferences with more significant insights. This will ultimately benefit their school and align critical resources with their strategic goals. After all, better data leads to better outcomes.
In one study by Deloitte, organizations that use ERP systems saw improvements in efficiency, decision-making, and scalability. With this in mind, using an ERP to guide conference attendance can help districts become more efficient and effective in meeting their goals.
EdTech conferences can be overwhelming. Knowing where to focus attention can be tricky with many sessions, speakers, and vendors. School districts likely have specific goals they want to achieve from conference attendance, like addressing teacher burnout or improving student outcomes. Without validating these goals with data, conference attendance becomes scattered and disconnected.
An ERP system helps administrators refine their conference goals with insights into past performance metrics. This information makes spotting areas for improvement much more effortless. Once this happens, administrators can readily analyze data on
When seeking out viable solutions for their schools, administrators can now prioritize the sessions and vendors that can significantly impact their strategic goals.
District leaders often create impactful school-wide initiatives, but they can quickly become "top-down" approaches. When initiatives come from the top, no matter how well-intentioned or evidence-based they are, they can be met with resistance from teachers. Teachers are burnt out and want to feel supported. Educators want a seat at the table regarding decisions directly affecting their autonomy and pedagogy. An ERP system enables administrators to involve key stakeholders in decision-making by providing critical data, building consensus, and delivering positive results.
Here are four ways for districts to use their ERP to build better buy-in and solidify their goals:
Before attending any conferences, define what the district wants to achieve. Schools can use their ERP system to analyze data on performance indicators such as student achievement and teacher performance.
District leaders can develop a plan for attending conferences based on their overarching goals. After generating a report and identifying areas for improvement, match the program's vendors and presentations that best align with these goals. Plan out a specific schedule with questions for available solutions. Identifying sessions and vendors well in advance will ensure you can access insights and resources that best meet your district's needs.
Before making any purchase decisions, an ERP can help in better understanding resource allocation. An ERP system can determine any overlapping or duplicate resources and current adoption rates amongst staff members. After conferences, school administrators can use their ERP system to analyze the data collection. They can see how well different solution providers match the needs of their schools.
The administration can communicate with staff members about their conference attendance beforehand. In doing so, district leaders can receive input on what sessions and vendors would be most valuable to the classroom teachers and building principals. District leaders actively involving teachers and staff in the conference attendance process are more likely to develop a well-rounded and effective plan. Additionally, open communication can reduce resistance and ensure teachers feel supported in decision-making.
School administrators drive change based on the decisions they make. An ERP system helps them make the best decisions for their staff. Attending EdTech conferences is a wise investment for districts looking to improve student achievement and meet their strategic goals. By using an ERP solution to analyze data and make informed decisions, district leaders can maximize the value they receive from these events. This powerful needs-based and cost-saving tool allows administrators to confidently plan their conferences and make informed decisions about implementing new ideas and technology.
If you're new to Sparkrock 365, dive into our comprehensive guide to learn more about our K-12 optimized solution, built on Microsoft's cloud platform - Business Central. Discover how integrating HR management with finances, payroll, scheduling, and other key features can empower K-12 institutions to thrive. Explore the possibilities today!
"This program is not user-friendly; it's difficult to navigate, and there are too many layers to reaching the information we need."
"It feels like we are left to our own devices to figure this system out, and it's onerous."
"The support team is not set up to handle anything beyond one-off issues."
How often has your organization adopted a new system that left you with more questions than answers? Shep Hyken, author and expert on customer service, says, "Customers don't just buy a product; they invest in the support that comes with it. The quality of support determines the value they truly receive." Unfortunately, not all support teams are built the same.
When school districts invest in a product to help them, they aren't just throwing money at a solution. They're looking for a partnership. They want a company that adds value to their operations and makes their job easier. So, the support embedded within any ERP solution should be a given-not an afterthought.
There's little worse than purchasing a product at a high cost and then also having to figure out how to use it on your own. Initial training sessions are great, but additional support layers are required after a project has gone live to maximize system usage and mitigate risk. That's where meaningful user support plays a critical role.
User support refers to the services and assistance provided to individuals using a particular product within your organization. It should be designed in a way that helps users resolve issues, answer their questions, and ensure a positive experience with the product or service. High-quality user support can provide the following results:
Adopting and using an ERP system requires some degree of technical aptitude. But with any new system, learning and understanding its uses takes time. That's why effective and timely customer support is critical. Unfortunately, ERP users can face many challenges in their support journey. But it's not just the technical issues themselves; it's not getting the help they need when they need it most that is the bigger problem. Here are some of the most common challenges across finance and HR teams:
Nothing's more frustrating and disruptive than when a customer waits a long time for a response or resolution. They can only proceed once they receive the necessary help to resolve the issue. This causes obstacles for users, hindering progress in completing their work.
Delayed responses don't just impede someone's work, it impacts critical areas like payroll, for example. It causes more than just frustration; it affects people's livelihoods. Imagine being unable to pay staff on time because payroll is waiting for an issue to be fixed.
High-level customer support requires deep product knowledge and expertise. Unfortunately, some ERP companies struggle to adequately train their support teams, so they cannot offer effective troubleshooting and guidance to their customers. As a result, customers feel underserved and think their software provider does not truly understand their needs.
ERP companies might outsource their support to shave off costs to the end user. While outsourcing support functions can offer cost advantages, it can create:
This can make it difficult for customers to get help, exacerbating their frustration even more.
ERP systems can be quite complex depending on the system and the level of customization. Customers often need help with technical issues, and insufficient support can hinder their ability to use the system to its fullest extent.
Many individuals cite needing advanced technical knowledge to leverage the full breadth of the system. The lack of documentation and support post-go-live can leave customers unprepared to navigate and make the most of their ERP system in the long term.
The quality of support can vary within the ERP industry. Certain companies offer excellent support during the initial stages. But, as customers' needs evolve or more complex issues arise, their customer support vanishes.
Without access to knowledgeable support personnel, customers can't:
Once again, a lack of ongoing customer support prevents districts from using and deriving value from their investment.
ERP systems often require heavy customization to align with the specific needs of K-12. This is typical because most solutions are designed for the for-profit industry (think manufacturers, distributors, or other revenue-generating businesses). To avoid this, find software optimized for education that gives you access to critical features upfront. You should be able to easily remove what you don't need as well, saving you time and valuable resources on the project.
That said, some K-12s may still have requirements unique to their district, which software providers should anticipate. Unfortunately, many of them offer little to no support for customizations after a project has gone live. Whether you're a district of 500 or 5,000, having the flexibility to customize your ERP solution can help things run more smoothly. Your software provider should be able to support those customizations throughout your journey.
It's also not uncommon for customer support teams to prioritize the needs of larger districts over smaller ones, limiting the level of support you may receive, especially when they hear "customization."
When users have to contact customer support, a heightened level of frustration mounts after a ticket is left open for some time. Nobody wants to get passed from one representative to another, be on lengthy holds or, the worst offense: lose their connection.
Customers need clear escalation paths and processes when dealing with complex or critical issues. These are necessary to reach the proper support personnel or resolve their problems promptly. Delays or miscommunications prolong issue resolution times and diminish customer satisfaction, which, unfortunately, is a common recurrence with many software providers out there today.
When it comes to ERP software, many solutions on the market can be less intuitive than one might expect. They need a considerable amount of setup and customization to perform essential functions. That's why there are so many benefits to going with a familiar platform like Microsoft. If you've already used products like Microsoft Word or Excel, you'll find ERP systems like Sparkrock 365 a lot more intuitive than others.
"I believe in the fundamental principle that the triumphs of our products and technologies depend on the accomplishments of those who use them. It is our responsibility to equip, assist, and enable our customers to achieve more."
-Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft
Sparkrock seeks to provide its users with unparalleled customer support. No matter their size, each organization deserves a partner to aid them in their daily work. When districts choose Sparkrock 365, they feel supported by an end-to-end solution.
Here are just a few things that Sparkrock 365 users can expect from the get-go:
In addition, accurate tracking of bug-related cases enables their software development team to identify and address issues more efficiently, reducing the risk of recurring problems while prioritizing critical issues. With enhanced traceability, Sparkrock is better equipped to make product improvements, enabling K-12s to stay ahead of trends in education technology.
When a school district invests in an ERP system, they need to understand how it's working for them. Sparkrock support provides organizations with a monthly snapshot and status report of each support case and shares performance indicators related to the quality of their service.
Their customer-centric approach helps by:
Customers who adopt any ERP system deserve a commitment to excellence, guidance, and support. Are you ready to partner with a more supportive ERP solution? Contact us today to get started!
School administrators face infinite challenges:
As you can imagine, there's never a dull moment in the world of education. And let's be honest; it often feels like there aren't enough hours in the day to get everything done.
Because of this, the use of Enterprise Resource Planning systems has become increasingly popular in the education industry. ERP solutions provide schools with comprehensive platforms to:
With the integration of ChatGPT and OpenAI programs, ERP systems can further enhance their capabilities to benefit school administrators across different roles.
Due to fierce debate over the ethics of AI-generated content, many education professionals view ChatGPT as the latest dragon to slay in the name of academic integrity. However, like most technology tools, district leaders can leverage ChatGPT and generative AI in several beneficial ways.
All district administrators can benefit from asking ChatGPT questions about improving their processes, analysis, and decision-making. Let's take a look at how:
As a superintendent, you manage the district's operations and meet its strategic goals. Daily tasks can be overwhelming and exhausting without the right tools. ERP solutions can provide clear access to the information you need. In a survey by the Data Quality Campaign and AASA, 98% of superintendents said they would be more confident in their decision-making if they had better access to information.
One question on the minds of many district leaders is, "How can we implement cost-saving measures without compromising the quality of our educational programs?" ChatGPT in ERP systems can help answer these questions by providing access to real-time data analysis to help make better decisions faster. Because these decisions are backed by data, it empowers school leaders to take decisive and confident action that will drive school performance.
Curriculum coordinators are responsible for developing and implementing instructional programs across all grade levels. They must keep track of curriculum standards and ensure that educational plans meet the needs of students and comply with regulations. One of the most significant issues for curriculum coordinators is limited resources to meet the needs of a diverse array of students.
A curriculum coordinator might ask ChatGPT, "What are the most effective ways to allocate our school budget to improve student performance and engagement?" AI-enhanced ERP solutions can assist the curriculum coordinator by streamlining access to student performance information, which would help them assess program effectiveness. They can use this data to decide what programs are worth the investment and which programs to trim from the budget line.
The duties of payroll and HR are numerous - and high stakes. Payroll and HR are critical functions in any organization, and schools are no exception. They manage employee information such as hiring, onboarding, compensation, and benefits.
Asking ChatGPT, "Can you help us develop custom reports and analytics to improve our HR and payroll workflows?" will help these departments streamline their processes. They can automate tasks like attendance tracking, benefits administration, and payroll processing, which saves time and reduces errors. It also improves employee satisfaction, which is critical during an unprecedented teacher shortage.
Schools are constantly looking for ways to do more with less in today's economic climate. The business administrator manages the school district's financial operations, including budgeting, purchasing, and accounting. ChatGPT could assist the business administrator by providing real-time updates on budget expenditures and revenue projections, helping monitor the district's financial health.
A business administrator looking for innovative ways to utilize existing resources might ask ChatGPT, "What are some effective strategies for optimizing school resources?" The response could help the business administrator make informed decisions about resource allocation and budget choices, balancing the needs of students with the bottom line.
The content supervisor's responsibilities are to evaluate new programs, align content to curriculum standards, and ensure teachers have access to high-quality instructional materials. As the "middle man" between teachers and central administration, they have many demands on their time and only so many hours to meet them. A recent Gallup survey found that K-12 workers experience higher rates of burnout than any other profession. It doesn't need to continue this way.
Content supervisors would benefit from leveraging AI-embedded ERP systems to lighten their workload. For example, a content supervisor could ask ChatGPT, "What are the latest trends and best practices in education that we should consider to stay ahead of the curve?" ChatGPT could help the content supervisor by recommending new resources and providing feedback on existing materials, saving time and energy on research to focus on solutions.
Student problems. Teacher problems. Parent problems. The building principal role often feels like putting out small fires all day. ERP systems already assist building administrators in many ways, from data analysis of attendance, discipline, and performance to scheduling and organizing professional development.
Building principals could benefit from using ChatGPT to complete the many small tasks that take precious time from doing more meaningful work. Some examples of how building principals can use ChatGPT include "Draft a newsletter to update parents and staff; Create a clever social media post about the upcoming book fair; Generate student performance reports for semester two" By leveraging ChatGPT as a tool to accomplish necessary, but not critical, tasks, it allows building principals to focus on more important issues.
As technology continues to evolve rapidly, schools will need to find solutions. The concerns about ChatGPT and AI-embedded tools in education are valid. Strong opinions about the principles of AI-generated work and the impacts it will have on schools have educators scrambling for answers.
Instead of doubting this technology, let's embrace it. Integrating ChatGPT into an ERP system can give school administrators a powerful tool for managing their responsibilities.
With its ability to:
ChatGPT can help school districts operate more efficiently and effectively in the years ahead. At Sparkrock 365, we're committed to driving the future of work forward with our investment in a cutting-edge AI-enhanced ERP solution. If you're interested in learning more about what we have planned, please get in touch with us directly. We would be thrilled to share our vision with you.
To help plan your next technology investment, read the in-depth guide to our product, Sparkrock 365. Let us take you through the benefits of integrating HR management with finances, payroll, scheduling, and the key features we've built to help K-12s thrive.
Artificial intelligence is the defining technology of our time. AI tools and technology are already having an enormous impact on education and nonprofit organizations.
Microsoft recently shared its plan to embed artificial intelligence into all of its products. By building these features into their product lines, they hope to:
At Sparkrock 365, we believe that Enterprise Resource Planning systems are crucial tools for organizations to streamline their operations and make data-driven decisions. AI features will make ERP systems more efficient, accurate, and user-friendly.
Here are five ways AI-enhanced ERP solutions will benefit your organization:
The typical error rate for manual data entry hovers between 1-4%. The risk of errors due to oversight is significantly reduced by removing the need for human intervention.
AI can reduce human error by:
AI-powered systems can automatically capture and input data from various sources into an ERP system. This reduces the time and effort required for manual data entry, minimizes errors, and improves the accuracy and completeness of data.
Routine tasks can be a total time sink. Almost 60 percent of workers surveyed estimate they could save 6+ hours a week if the repetitive functions of their jobs were automated. This is nearly an entire workday that can be spent on more important tasks.
AI features can help automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks. These tasks can include:
By automating these routine tasks, employees can now focus on higher-value activities like data analysis and decision-making. This is both a time and cost savings, which will ultimately improve the efficiency of your organization.
Artificial intelligence tools can analyze data at a scale and rate significantly more than an independent human can. AI algorithms can analyze historical data to identify patterns, trends, and anomalies and use this information to predict future outcomes.
For example, AI tools can be used to:
AI can make these forecasting models more accurate and efficient by analyzing large data sets in real-time. This can help companies make better decisions, optimize resources, and avoid complex problems.
When human-technology interaction is negative, it results in poor product usage. Today more than ever, providing an intuitive product experience is necessary.
AI can improve employee communication and ERP systems by enabling natural language processing (NLP). NLP is how computers understand and generate human language. In turn, it allows ERP systems to understand and interpret human language, such as:
NLP allows employees to interact with ERP solutions using voice commands or chatbots. It can be used to interpret the meaning of a user's typed or written words to improve the user experience. It can also improve accessibility by making products and services easier to use.
The addition of NLP will help companies enhance their communication with employees, which will subsequently improve their user experience.
Employee happiness is a key factor in attracting and retaining quality talent. AI features can be used to deliver a personalized employee experience that sets your organization apart.
Artificial intelligence can help create personalized user interfaces for employees based on their roles, preferences, and past behaviors, improving user adoption and engagement with ERP systems.
AI can be used to:
Improved user experience will directly impact employee satisfaction, but it will also improve client experience.
AI can use data on individuals to personalize their experience within the ERP solution. By integrating AI-powered chatbots and voice assistance into ERP systems, organizations can provide more personalized and efficient services, such as:
A better user experience will increase both client and employee retention and loyalty, improving your organization's outcomes.
Artificial intelligence features can help organizations use their ERP systems better by improving efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making capabilities.
Over time, AI can help ERP solutions become more personalized and user-friendly, providing organizations with a competitive advantage in today's fast-paced business environment.
As the leader in AI, Microsoft has invested hundreds of millions in helping drive innovation in this area for its customers. As a Microsoft partner, Sparkrock will dedicate further resources to expand our AI capabilities within Sparkrock 365, our premier ERP product. As one of the few Microsoft partners focused on delivering modern ERP solutions for nonprofits, human services, and K-12 organizations, Sparkrock is committed to helping our customers achieve the best outcome for their organization. If you're ready for digital transformation, contact us to get started today.