Introducing the Student Digest- Monthly Formative Reporting
In Term 4 2021, Damascus completed a survey to gather feedback on how parents use PAM and how Damascus can support parents and guardians with utilising PAM. The survey aimed to identify parent usage and potential limitations based on the data below:
Background information -
- PAM accounts at Damascus: 983
- Active accounts: 902 (91.76%)
- 440 people responded. (48.78% of the active accounts)
Responses were from a reasonable spread from all year levels.
Responses regarding parent usage of PAM:
- 44.44% check PAM at least once a week.
- 9.95% once a month.
- 29.63% of respondents said they check PAM only when prompted (estimate once a term).
The recommendations from the survey suggested opportunities to engage parents in using PAM. As a solution, the College has engaged with SIMON to assist. The result is the activation of the Student Digest. The Student Digest is a snapshot of the main components of PAM concerning Student’s academic and pastoral commitments.
The Student digest is viewable as a one-page summary to parents/carers, and this will be sent monthly as an email and notification prompt. The summary will include students’ assessment details including due dates, submissions and results, upcoming excursions, academic and pastoral incident letters, attendance and commendations.
The information provided in the Student Digest is not new; parents and carers already have access to all information on PAM, but essentially provide a ‘gentle’ reminder to engage with the platform.
The College will still be providing two reports a year, one for each semester, however, we encourage families to ensure that they are always keeping up to date with their student’s progress through PAM.
It is hoped that the Digest will provide an opportunity for families to take time to discuss student progress, encourage celebration of successes and address areas for growth. The formative and frequent promulgation of the Student Digest will replace the interim reports at the end of Terms 1 and 3.
The first digest will be released on Friday, September 16 and then monthly.
Should you have queries about any of the information outlined in the email, please contact your students’ Teacher Advisor.