Chicago Public Schools - Chicago Public Schools
On-line Skills Assessment (COSA)

Client Project Chicago Public Schools Chicago Public Schools On-line Skills Assessment (COSA) Solutions Training Assessment Consulting Desktop Application Training Curriculum and Courseware Development Application Development Technology Needs Assessment Project Summary Bronner collaborated with the Office of Technology Services and the Office of Professional Development to develop a basic technology skills assessment tool that would be made available on-line to all CPS teachers and professional staff.

 

Challenge

The purpose of the Chicago Public School On-line Skill Assessment ("COSA") project was to assess current levels of technical skill related to basic PC operation, and identify any knowledge gaps that could be enhanced through targeted training that addressed specific technology needs. The challenges posed by the COSA project were considerable.

First, Bronner needed to develop an assessment that accurately measured basic computer skill. Next, Bronner was tasked with marketing and promoting participation in the COSA project. Bronner was also tasked with the creation and staffing of a COSA Help Desk that could provide timely assistance to those participating in the project. Finally, Bronner was faced with the sizeable task of establishing a COSA training program that included the scheduling and delivery of hundreds of basic technology skills courses at both elementary and high schools.

Solution

Assessment

Bronner designed the assessment to require CPS personnel to actively demonstrate their current computer capabilities, and not just respond to subjective survey questions.

Technology Solution

Bronner conducted an extensive visioning and requirements phase to ensure the assessment and subsequent learning paths were identified and incorporated into the solution.

Help Desk

Bronner was required to create and staff a help desk to assist teachers with COSA questions and/or technology issues. To assist the Help Desk in providing just-in-time assistance, an application was developed that allowed Bronner to access and edit COSA account and registration data, administer class registration, generate participation reports, and access results data.

Training

Bronner scheduled and delivered over 420 basic skills technology courses to nearly 5,000 CPS teachers and professional staff.

Management Reporting

Teacher participation and performance reporting was required by CPS management and delivered by Bronner.

Results

The COSA project was Bronner’s most significant and important undertaking of 2003. As such, Bronner dedicated its best resources in order to meet and exceed the deliverables established by CPS regarding COSA. Our Help Desk staff was frequently cited for its professionalism and problem-solving skills, while our trainers were lauded for their teaching ability, demeanor, and technical knowledge in delivering COSA training.

 

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