Frequently Asked Questions
Will
A·B·D work with Understanding
by Design® and Marzano methods?
Yes, the A·B·D system will support any
methodology. The system is a highly flexible tool that
provides the foundational support needed in any
education environment using any method. This is possible
because we take a process approach and build on the
constants in the system including carefully organized
operational level content that gets mapped into
instructional materials delivered to students with
assessments to inform instruction. We include tools to
track and manage that process at the operational content
unit level and at the individual student level with
capabilities to summarize at any level. We are as
capable and as flexible as AutoCAD® is to its
customer base.
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Will A·B·D work with the Common Core State Standards?
Yes. The A·B·D system will work with any content standards because it is a content-independent application. It provides the tools and library repositories and accepts any type of standard. And for Common Core State Standards,
A·B·D is highly suited to state level use where those new standards will need to be compared to existing standards and the exact differences determined. Following that comparison,
A·B·D supports the build-out of the new Common Core State Standards, which are estimated to represent
about 85% of the total needed.
A·B·D provides complete support for creating, editing, saving, versioning and distribution of standards – all with references to a common knowledge and skills library for use downstream for classroom curriculum development and assessment development.
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Does A·B·D support the Race to the Top competition?
Yes. A·B·D totally
supports the Race to the Top, and is a complete solution that qualifies
under the Race's criteria. That’s because
A·B·D is a complete end-to-end
mission support system for education. It naturally
covers the Race to the Top criteria because they are
integral components of the education system. Unlike
other applications with narrow functional purpose, A·B·D covers the designated elements as part of an integrated system - the Race to the Top funding could have identified any area of the education mission process and
A·B·D would have been applicable. For more information on how A·B·D
supports Race to the Top criteria,
contact us.
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What equipment is needed to use A·B·D?
The A·B·D system is a web-based application. Users only need a personal computer with a browser and Internet access to use all the system features. Any brand of PC with any operating system, and running a standard browser will work.
A·B·D is an information rich application and for best viewing, a display screen 1280 pixels wide or higher is recommended.
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Will my information be secure and private?
Absolutely. The A·B·D system is highly secure and protects both the personal information of users and their data. Access to the information
uses secure authentication like web banking sites and all information is transferred to your screen using encryption just like the online banks use. Users decide who can see library files for review, collaboration or sharing. Selections can be made at the individual user level or for all members of a specific
professional community group. Each access selection includes specific access privileges like “read only”. The
A·B·D system protects your information while allowing users of your choice to work together and share information.
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How much training is needed?
The A·B·D system was designed to be intuitive and uses familiar terminology for labeling. The use of difficult-to-interpret application-specific icons was completely avoided in favor of descriptive labels.
Hovering over an object will produce a tool tip for instant help, and there are no hidden action buttons to discover by “clicking around”. Each screen's
function is self evident. As with any well designed application, most users will be productive without formal classroom training. The system comes with an online User’s Guide, help functions, and tutorials.
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Can I use A·B·D with my current Unit
Plans and Lesson Plans?
Yes. A·B·D is purposely designed to
easily load your existing materials, which yields immediate benefits of
organizing, sharing, collaboration, updating, and tracking performance. Using your existing materials as a baseline,
A·B·D assists you in managing and improving them, and guides you in evolving them into perfect alignment with standards and assessments
by using references to the knowledge and skill library.
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Does it make sense to use A·B·D even if my
district has not yet adopted it?
It does. The A·B·D
system was specifically designed to support classroom activities – the teacher’s workplace. The system totally supports the teacher, from developing classroom curriculum with unit plans, lesson plans and activities, to tracking individual student progress, identifying student proficiencies,
and designing individual teaching plans. And when groups of teachers use the system, there
are efficiencies from sharing and synergies from collaboration. You can decide what to share and who can see your materials.
A·B·D fully supports the teacher in carrying out the education mission – the transfer of knowledge and skills to students.
If and when your school or district or state later adopts
A·B·D for common use, your work will already be in
A·B·D and you’ll be ahead of the field.
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