February 2009

SnapShot 3.0 Beta Available Soon!

Starting Monday, February 23rd, the beta version of SnapShot 3.0 will be available for you to try out.

When you go to the login page of SnapShot, you will have the option to log into SnapShot 2.2 (the current version) or the beta version of SnapShot 3.0. Both versions of SnapShot access the same database, so regardless of which version you choose to use, all your data will be available.

Some of the new and improved features of SnapShot 3.0 are:

• It is now possible to create queries where the logic includes both ‘ALL’ criteria and ‘ANY’ criteria. In SnapShot 2.2, all of the criteria had to be true – criterion 1 AND criterion 2 AND criterion 3.
• You now have the option to save your current query, as well as the ability to share and import queries with other users. Snapshot 3.0 takes the steps associated with the query one user has saved and shared and allows other users with different data to run the same query but get their data’s results.
• There is now the ability to query tests by percentile (for example, the lowest 25%).
• In the student display table, users now have the ability to show raw scores.
• New to the reports section, users can now select different student groups in Status Reports instead of only being able to show a report by school. Users can now create a Status Report using their current custom query group.

Login and give it a try. We'd love to hear what you think.

Export Your Lowest 25% for February FTE

The February FTE (Full Time Equivalent) happens the week of February 9 – 13 this year to determine the student population (including ESE and LEP students) within each district for funding. Be sure to run your report to find the lowest 25% performers in your school as close to the FTE as possible.

The state only includes students that are in both the October and February FTE counts in the population evaluated for their school grade and AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) each year. If a student is not in one of those, then you know their scores will not be considered in the accountability reports.

Instructions for finding your lowest 25% in SnapShot 2.2:

Most schools focus on the lowest 25%. We recommend that you look at the lowest 30% just to be careful. Here's an activity to help you find the lowest 30%.

Initial set up; finding the number of students

1. Log on with either School Administrator or Counselor access
2. Click Queries button
3. Select the current year and click Continue
4. Click Demographics link, select Grade of Test and then click the box next to the grade
5. Click Add Criterion button
6. Click Tests link, select FCAT SSS Math, and then click the Dev Scale link
7. Click Add Criterion button
8. Click Get Results button
9. On the Data Display screen, note the total number of students listed

Identifying the lowest 25 (make that 30) percent

1. Now that you have the total number of students, multiply that number by 0.30 (30%)
2. Click the school year hyperlink under the Dev Scale heading. The scores will sort from lowest to highest
3. Beginning with the lowest scale score in the column, count through the students until you have identified the number of students you calculated in step 1. Find the scale score for that student at the 30 percent spot: _____
4. Click the Queries button
5. Click Edit link next to the “FCAT SSS Math: Dev Scale between …”
6. Change the maximum score to the score identified in step 3 and then click the Save Changes button
7. Click Get Results button
8. You now have the list of the lowest 30 percent in the selected grade

Some of these students were retained at that grade level for the current roster year; others are in the next grade level for the current roster year. Repeat the above for each of the other grade level groups at your school level. Review the list after October 1st for students who are transferred in or out.

Share Your SnapShot Story

We would love to hear how SnapShot has made a difference at your school. If we feature your story in an upcoming SnapShot bulletin, you will receive a free copy of the SP SnapShot Handbook.

Submit your story to Jennifer at jfilgate@etrafficsolutions.com today.

Only 6 Weeks To Go Before FCAT - Are Your Students Ready?

FCAT Preparation Tool Focuses Students’ Study Time and Raises Test Scores

Florida students in grades 5, 8, or 11 can more effectively prepare for the FCAT Science test by utilizing the StudyBUZZ personalized study guide from Etraffic Solutions.

Oviedo, FL -- January 28, 2009 -- When preparing for the FCAT, students often struggle with the decision of what they should study. Without a personalized study plan from their teacher, they may end up neglecting their weakest areas and studying material they already know. The StudyBUZZ personalized study guide directs study time by providing a list of topics the student should focus on to increase their FCAT Science scores.

Joan Cortez, Technology Coordinator at Oliver Hoover Elementary in Miami says, "Fifth grade students at Oliver Hoover Elementary have used StudyBUZZ for three years. Our school’s FCAT Science scores have been among the highest in our region. Our teachers utilize the program as a teaching tool in a total group setting and to independently assess student knowledge. Teachers are thrilled to have a program that generates the unit tests, scores it and provides results without using valuable teacher time."

To read the entire press release, please click here

Free Monthly Online Training Sessions

Got questions about data? Don’t miss this month’s Data Chat Webinar, designed for current SnapShot users to ask their specific questions about data analysis and/or the SnapShot program. A SnapShot Trainer will be online to virtually walk users through each screen to show them exactly how to get the desired results.

The next scheduled Monthly Data Chat Webinar is:

• Tuesday, March 10th at 9:00 am – 10:00 am EST

If you would like to attend the above session, please send an email to Christine Harrison at christine@studentperformance.com.

If there is a specific topic that you would like addressed, please reference that in your email along with the date that you would like to attend. Space is limited to ensure everyone’s concerns can be addressed within the one-hour timeframe, so book early to save your seat.