Working with learning outcomes/standards

Learning outcomes are a popular way for schools to gauge student progress within a subject over a period of time. In MySchool these are applied on a subject level, so that each class level can have specific outcomes designed for their needs. The learning outcomes can be attached to assignments, and used within the continuous assessment strategy to calculate a numerical outcome at the end of the assessment period, or used as evidences to support non numerical grade scales. 

How do we add the learning outcomes to a subject?

Learning outcomes are applied in subject specifications, they can be created manually or via import. If learning outcomes are shared across subjects then you can use the copy functionality. 

1. Find the subject, either by entering the name in the search field or using the folder icon. 

2. By default the system year is selected. learning outcomes will need to be included in your yearly rollover. make sure you have the correct target year when using the copy functionality. Copying into the active or historic year groups will remove assessments.

3. There are two icons are firstly to create a folder to group your learning outcomes. Whereas the second exercise icon allows you to create a learning outcome outside of the folder.

4. Once you have added a folder you can add learning outcomes by selecting the appropriate create button to make sure they are grouped correctly. You can always drag and drop the content after creation. Simply click and hold the left mouse button.

Individual learning outcome

Open the learning outcome creation page, and start to add the information you need. The title will be visible for all users and used within certain grid views. Be careful not to make this too text heavy, as the report cards may have problems presenting this. If you are copying from an external source then make sure you do not copy formatting when you paste. 

The short code is important for the assignment and assess grids. In the grid view, this will appear as a sub header, educators can mouse over the code for the full label. In list view the full title is shown instead. 

If you wish to restrict certain LO's for a period then add a start and end date. Choose to add them for a term or the whole year by using the preset ranges. If you leave this blank then they will be available for the whole year.

Top Tip: To test the LO's in the assessment grid then make sure you have added them to the assessment tab before hand. This does not apply to using them in the assignment module, but without this you will not be able to assess for the report card.

Import

This is only available for learning outcomes. Click on the import icon for the slide over screen to appear with the options. Import is done on a class level (i.e. for all subjects connected to grade 4 for example) or per subject individually. You would need to break down your Lo's onto separate excel workbooks.

Top Tip: If you have generic LO's that cover many subjects then create these first in one subject, and easily copy across all other relevant subjects. When using the copy functionality, uncheck the erase from target box or else your existing LO's will be erased following the copy.

Steps to import: 

1. Select the import method and download the appropriate template. 

2. Choose the class level import and a subject columns will be added, make sure you use the same spelling as the subjects in the system.

3. Choose the year for the LO's. Be careful if you import to a year that already has data, you may risk losing this.

4. Select the appropriate scale. these can be changed individually after import.

5. Map the import columns to the same fields available in the drop down menus.

Here are few common questions around LO's

Can we copy learning outcome assessments from previous assessment periods?

For the moment, each assessment period will require a separate assessment. This is due to learning outcomes being attached to assignments and classed as evidences. If you use the continuous assessment module then educators are able to view assessment grades and then update the overall assessment scale for the learning outcome.

Can we use learning outcomes as the primary assessment field?

No it is not possible to choose learning outcomes as a primary assessment field. If there is one particular learning outcome that you wish to show as primary then use a select or scale assessment type in your assessment build. 

Can we apply a numeric scale to learning outcomes?

Yes, that is possible. The learning outcomes will not be usable within a formula. This is great way to log sport achievements on a periodical basis. 

Is it possible to transfer learning outcomes and their assessments between courses?

Yes, learning outcomes can be transferred with assessments, attendance and assignments IF the courses are linked to the same subject, AND the target course has the same assessment terms as the original.

But the learning outcome is the same across subjects, does this work?

No, we cannot transfer assessments across subjects. Even though the learning maybe copied and worded the same, it is stored separately.

Is there a way to have an average per learning outcome?

For the moment this is not possible, the learning outcome average and continuous assessment average calculate a total average for all LO's in the subject. If you feel this is needed then why not post the idea to our community.