Access to CanDo Recordkeeping System Expanded

The CanDo online competency tracking software is now available for statewide use. This web-based system offers localities an easy-to-use method of tracking student performance on CTE task/competencies. It provides many additional features, such as by-student and by-class reports. It also can address IEPs and incorporate student assignments.

Having gone through two pilot phases and many resulting system enhancements, CanDo can be set up and implemented in any school division, regardless of size. At the direction of the Virginia Department of Education, the CTE Resource Center is available to provide localities the necessary technical support and training for implementing the CanDo system.

There are a few pointers for those school divisions interested in implementing the system this coming school year.

First, engaging the support of your technology department or IT specialists is critical. They should review the hardware and operating system requirements at cando.cteresource.org. The most important information for your technology specialists to know is:

  • All software is free and open source.
  • The system runs on the Ubuntu Linux operating system.
  • The Firefox Web browser is required and must be installed on each user's computer.

Second, you must have access to the required student data. If you wish to implement CanDo this coming fall, summertime is the right time for retrieving and formatting the data, using the spreadsheets provided on the cando.cteresource.org site.

Additionally, you will want to plan training for your teachers. The Center is considering various options for local training, which may include

  • on-site training available on a first-come, first-served basis
  • a Train-the-Trainer session in late summer, which will provide local administrators/lead teachers a hands-on session to equip them to train participating teachers within their school division
  • Web conferencing sessions
  • a training video available on DVD and online.

The CTE Resource Center is available to assist you throughout this process. Please feel free to contact Glenda Lewis by e-mail or by calling (804) 673-3778 whenever you have questions.