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  =The Pinnacle Suite=

**Description** The Pinnacle Suite is a tool that enables districts, schools, and educators’ to effectively track student’s proficiency towards standards. The Pinnacle Suite is a method to creating clear precise educational practices in accordance with the No Child Left Behind Act. Available to schools and teachers for a nominal fee, the Pinnacle Suite is a teacher’s guide to standard-based curriculum, assessments, grading, analytics, professional development and supplemental education.

**History (if relevant)** Using the methodologies of Dr. Robert Marzano, the Pinnacle Suite was created and designed by Excelsior team in 2001. Dr. Marzano is an early pioneer in standard-based education and continues to advocate the importance of appropriate teaching and assessing methods. Dr. Marzano continues to work with Excelsior team to refine and expand the use of the Pinnacle Suite in educational practices.

**Impact on Teaching and Learning**  The Pinnacle Suite is changing how standard-based education is being implemented and assessed within K-12 educational field. Districts, schools, and teachers are implementing the Pinnacle Suite as a way to share, lend or collaborated curriculums and assessments. The Pinnacle Suite has also become a communication tool that enables parents and students the ability to view, track and be involved in the learning process.

**Practical Applications** Educators/Schools: Parents: Student: 
 * Creates a method of recording vital information (personal information, absents)
 * Allows district, school personnel and other teachers’ immediate access to data and/or information.
 * Records students’ proficiency towards standard-based goals and benchmarks.
 * Creates a complete on-line grade book
 * Creates a form of communication with parents/guardians.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Allows parents to become involved with their child’s learning.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Allows parents immediate access of their child’s progress and information.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Allows parents to view each teacher’s gradebook information on their child.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Allows parents the opportunity to email teachers directly.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Shows how the school/teacher is applying standard-based education.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Access to progress and grades.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Access to personal information
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Ability to communicate with teacher
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Ability to track assignments, projects, homework.


 * Examples or Demonstrations**

Excelsior Software at NECC 2009

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">**References**

External Links