New Grading Program for WHS Brings Changes and Challenges

WHS Lions Pride Original Story:

by Molly Draper

The new school year is among us and with that brings change. These changes include sports, classes, clubs, friends, teachers and much more. One of the changes that has been popular in discussion among students, teachers, and administrators is the implementation of HAC (or TAC- for teachers) at WHS.

If you have never heard of HAC (home access center) it is the new official FCPS program that has replaced pinnacle. HAC is an all-in-one system that has all of a student’s records, grades, attendance, classes, and assignments in one place. Sounds pretty efficient, right? In theory, it is, but some who have tried using it would disagree.

I asked principal Tracy Franklin why are school switched from pinnacle to HAC. Her response was, “The reason for the switch is that HAC better communicates with the online system the school uses called eSchool. This allows administrators to easily access a student’s records, attendance, and grades.”

Many FCPS schools have already made the switch to HAC. The schools had piloted the system and said the integration made grading more efficient compared to Pinnacle. Franklin said, “Like any new thing, it’s going to take time to get comfortable with.”

Last year teachers used TAC (teacher access center) for attendance, but this is the first year they will be using it for grades as well. I interviewed three WHS teachers and learned what they had to say about TAC.

Erica Carbone, chemistry teacher, said, “I like how we have access to attendance and grades all in one, and how we can attach assignments to grades. However, it is a new system, a new format, so it’s going to take some time to get used to.”

Tech teacher, Kim Fogle, has more insight into the new system than most. She said, “I think TAC is easy to use, I used it last year as an experiment, so I am more used to it.” When I told her of others negative responses towards the program she retorted, “I think it just takes some time getting used to.”

I asked science teacher, Susan Faibisch, what her experience using TAC has been. She remarked, “So far so good!” When I asked about the switch from pinnacle, Faibisch continued, “There’s always a learning curve”. “People don’t like change it’s- human nature.”

Senior Kylee Gasse remarked on a technical problem she faced while first trying to use HAC. “I couldn’t log in on my phone and had to go on a computer.”

Sophomore Jonathan Rushbrook said, “It’s too complicated,” When asked to elaborate he explained, “The teachers don’t know how to use it because they only received one hour of training.”

According to administrators, HAC was the best option for the school. It gathers all of a student’s and teacher’s information in one place to save time thus making this the most efficient option. Where there have been some problems, there have been solutions to fix them. So fear not WHS, HAC/TAC may be difficult and confusing at first, but it will all work itself out with time.
“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” -Socrates