The Pinnacle Suite is currently the only system of its kind that allows teachers to analyze student grade data authoritatively and accurately. It provides the greatest flexibility. With Pinnacle, teachers can utilize what I believe to be the most sophisticated approach to standards-based record keeping in the industry.
-- Robert J. Marzano,
Educational researcher and pioneer in standards-based methodologies
www.marzanoresearch.com
With the inception of No Child Left Behind and the movement toward standards-based instruction and assessment, virtually every state in the country is engaged in the process of setting academic standards for students in grades K-12. Leading assessment expert and internationally respected educational researcher, trainer and author Robert J. Marzano, has been a pioneer in developing and advocating alternative methods of grading that more precisely pinpoint individual student strengths and weaknesses.
From his years of assessment research, Dr. Marzano advocates for precise and efficient grading that is amenable to specific feedback. He argues that providing a framework for improving student performance -- instead of simply "labeling" learning at periodic intervals -- has the greatest capacity to impact student achievement. Marzano further maintains that schools employ technology, such as the Pinnacle Suite, to not only enhance and streamline the grading process, but also to help students and parents remain informed about progress and stay involved in the education process.
Since 2001, the Excelsior team has worked closely with Dr. Marzano to incorporate many of his philosophies and methodologies into the standard functionality of the Pinnacle Suite gradebook. The Pinnacle Suite is renowned for its unique ability to utilize multiple rubric-based assessment methods, including Dr. Marzano's Power Law or Learning Trend Formula. It allows teachers to link specific learning standards and benchmarks to assessments; track student attendance, demographics and performance; automatically generate customized, real-time reports for district administrators and parents, as well as standards-based report cards and required district and state agency reports; and tailor data collection according to individual needs. With the Pinnacle Suite, schools have the ability to put Marzano's grading theories into practice.
About Dr. Robert Marzano
About Dr. Robert Marzano
Dr. Marzano is CEO of Marzano Research Laboratory: Powered by Solution Tree. He is also a senior scholar at Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning in Aurora, Colorado, and an associate professor at Cardinal Stritch University. Robert Marzano focuses on translating research and theory into practical programs and tools K-12 teachers and administrators can put to use in their classrooms for immediate gains.
During his 40 years in education, Bob has worked with educators in every U.S. state and a host of countries in Europe and Asia. An internationally known trainer and speaker, Bob has authored more than 30 books, 150 articles and chapters, and 100 sets of curriculum materials for teachers and students in grades K-12. His work focuses on reading and writing, instruction, thinking skills, school effectiveness, restructuring, assessment, cognition, and standards implementation. His best-selling books include Classroom Instruction That Works (ASCD, 2001); What Works in Schools (ASCD, 2003); Building Background Knowledge for Academic Achievement (ASCD, 2004); and The Art and Science of Teaching (ASCD, 2007).
Bob earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Iona College, Master of Education in reading and language arts from Seattle University, and Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from the University of Washington.
For more information, visit www.marzanoresearch.com
Pinnacle offers a student centric differentiated learning solution which includes SIS, performance based scheduler, curriculum, assessments, collaboration, longitudinal data analytics, professional development, supplemental education, and parent portal. Most of these programs can be funded through ARRA education stimulus fund.
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