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Ceres Unified School District
Carey Brock
Coordinator of Information Technology
Ceres, California
12,245 Students

Ceres Improves Student Success with Campus Portal
Ceres Unified School District (CUSD), serving 12,245 students in northern California, began monitoring the Campus Portal Usage Roster several months ago. Teachers discovered that students check their grades and assignments frequently, often daily. After conducting a student survey about portal usage, Ceres found that students were extremely engaged in the learning process and access to real-time information motivated them to work harder and improve their grades.

Choosing Infinite Campus
When CUSD chose Infinite Campus® in July 2008, having access to real-time data was essential to their decision. “Infinite Campus was the most advanced system and forward-thinking company we considered,” said Carey Brock, CUSD Information Technology Coordinator. “We wanted a true web-based system with single data entry to share real-time information across the district. Infinite Campus gave us that ability.”

The most compelling reason CUSD chose Infinite Campus, however, was how it could be used to serve students. A testament to how the district is connecting with students is the portal logon activity at Central Valley High School.

Gaining Perspective on Students
Central Valley High School enrolls about 1,600 students. It experiences an average of 800 student log-ins per week. A survey was sent to all students to learn more about Campus Portal use and the effects it had on student achievement.

Mary Ramer, (English teacher), summed it up: “If you are discouraged and are ready to pull your hair out over students who seem to ‘not care,’ or if you think talking to a student about improving grades doesn’t matter, read on.”

Ramer had discovered the Campus Portal Usage Roster and suggested everyone check it out. “I have changed my tune about my students, and I have gained another perspective on a couple students I have in my class.” In reviewing the portal usage roster, Ramer saw that one of her students checked her grades 35 times in a week and another student who rarely spoke up in class had multiple log ins to check their progress.

Ramer was most surprised by a student who had displayed some behavior issues and lack of motivation. This failing student had checked his grade 13 times in the last couple weeks. It was hopeful to Ramer that this student was taking such an active interest in his grades. She used it as a tool to learn more about what was going on in the student’s life and what kinds of support he needed to succeed.

“If I hadn’t checked the portal, I would have assumed my discussions hadn’t made a difference for him. However, I now see that I haven’t ‘lost’ this student,” said Ramer. “His persistence at checking the portal leads me to believe he is trying harder and expects improved results.”

Students Respond to Portal
CUSD sent a survey to students in the fall of 2008. When the results were in, the student comments were encouraging.

When asked what they like most about the Campus Portal, student responses included:

• I check on my grades all the time and can talk to my teacher right away, if necessary.
• It keeps me on track for graduation or if I have classes to make up.
• I love that I can login the portal ANY TIME.

When asked if they changed their course focus as a result of information posted on the portal, responses included:

• Yes, if I fall behind in one class, I know right away I need to spend more time there.
• It keeps me on track.
• Knowing my grades right away helps me work harder if I fall behind.

When asked if the information on Campus Portal helps them organize their homework, responses included:

• Yes, checking the portal, I can see if I have everything in order for my class.
• I’m able to see homework I’m missing.
• I know what assignments are due and it helps me plan.

When asked what else would they want to say about Campus Portal, responses included:

• I love it. It’s kool!
• It helps me focus on what classes to pay attention to and to try harder at.
• It has improved all my grades because I can check if I’m behind in any classes.
• It’s a great program and I wish we had it a long time ago.

Commitment to Their Goals
CUSD is passionate about responding to and serving the needs of its students and parents. The Campus Portal is one way the district, including teachers, staff and administrators, keep students on track for successful completion of their education.

“Teachers, students and parents can log on to access student performance data, attendance, disciplinary information, grades and assignments at any time through our secured Web server,” said Brock. “We now have documented proof that access to this information gets everyone working together to improve student achievement.”