Learning Management System (LMS) Rubric Virtual School Applicant Edition Version 1.1 September 2014 Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education 75 Pleasant Street Malden, MA 02148 Phone: (781) 338-3000 Email: odl@doe.mass.edu
Learning Management System (LMS) Rubric The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education developed the learning management system (LMS) rubric as a tool for virtual school applicants, school districts and interested parties for identifying and evaluating quality indicators for the implementation or selection of an online learning management system. Ratings The rubric outlines the ratings scale from to Not applicable. Each criterion has a comment area to explain the selected rating and/or provide comments. The rubric s final section allows the reviewer to enter in final comments, LMS name, school name and whether the LMS is recommended for an online learning program. The rubric contains 36 criterion divided into 3 domains: (1) student/parent role, (2) teacher role and (3) policies/system technologies. Rating Scale Rating Description Evidence of this criterion is clear, appropriate for this LMS, and demonstrates best practices in a manner that models its use. Evidence of this criterion is clear and is appropriate for this LMS. More could possibly be added. Not present, but should be, based on LMS design and technology; or present, but not appropriate for this LMS. Not applicable based on LMS design and technology.
Student and Parent/Guardian Role C1. Email: Student is able to send messages internally from the LMS to instructor, technical support, or classmate(s). C2. Chat: Student is able to use live chat from the LMS to communicate with the instructor, classmate(s) or participate in class discussions. C3. Video conferencing: Student is able to engage in synchronous two-way video and audio conference with teachers and other students. Conferencing software has a whiteboard or comparable presentation tool. C4. File directory: Student is able to access course folders that contain lessons, worksheet and assignments.
Student and Parent/Guardian Role C5. LMS orientation: Students, parents/guardians and/or designated learning coaches receive an orientation to the LMS and can practice with course tools and activities. C.6 Upload/download Files: Student is able to upload files into a secure drop box and download assignments and other course materials. C7. Discussion forum: Student can post messages to discussion threads and respond to others postings. A spell checker is available. Discussion forums contain a profanity filter that masks inappropriate language. C8. Discussion forum notifications: Student can receive an email notice when a new discussion post is made and/or the discussion forum highlights new postings. Class announcements from the teacher arrive in an email or are prominent in the virtual class.
Student and Parent/Guardian Role C9. Survey: Student and parent/guardians are able to take an online course satisfaction survey. Student can take teacher configured survey as part of the instruction. C10. Wiki: Student is able to manage and update a Wiki individually or collaboratively. C11. Glossary, library or student dictionary: Student is able to access, manage and/or update a glossary or can access an online dictionary and library resources. C12. Adaptive lesson: Student accesses an activity that directs her to another resource based on the type of response.
Student and Parent/Guardian Role C13. Adaptive assessment: Student is able to take an online quiz that contains adaptive questions which returns new questions based on student response. C14. Timed assessment: Student is able to take an online assessment that has been configured with a time limit. Student can extend the assessment time if prompted. C15. Assessment: Student is able to take an online assessment that provides immediate feedback for reviewing areas of performance. C16. Journal: Student can take notes online or write in an online journal to record class notes for each course.
Student and Parent/Guardian Role C17. Performance tracking: Students, parents/guardians and/or designated learning coaches are able to access a gradebook and progress report where they can view completed and current assignments, instructor feedback and view upcoming assignments. C18. Rubrics: Rubrics are configured in the course gradebook which are available to students. C19. Course calendar and agenda: Student has access to a course assignment calendar and activity schedule with due dates, upcoming tests, and other course and school events.
Teacher Role C20. Course editor: Teacher is able to manage (add, update, and remove) activities, content, and resources to meet student performance goals. C21. Student enrollment: Teacher is able to enroll or remove students from the course and manage attendance. C22. Course gradebook: Teacher is able manage a gradebook, create assessment categories and weight assignments and assessments. The assignments in the gradebook reference the academic standards. C23. Course activity: Teacher can access reports and logs regarding student course activity, dates, times, frequency, place and duration. Teacher alerts regarding student participation and/or missing assignments are automatically generated through the LMS.
Teacher Role C24. Messaging and announcements: Teacher can send a message or post announcements to all students. C25. Plagiarism detection: Teacher can validate student submitted work by vetting with a plagiarism application or the student can submit the assignment to a plagiarism detection application configured or linked in the LMS. C26. Academic standards: Academic courses reference the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks or are approved by the College Board for AP courses. For subjects not covered in the Frameworks, applicable national or industry-specific standards are referenced. C27. Forum discussion: Teacher can create and moderate discussion forums and configure group discussions.
Teacher Role C28. Assignment release: Teacher can individually release assignments and assessments to a student depending on the student s readiness. C29. Chat: Teacher can access chat logs, moderate chats and control participation to chat rooms at the student level.
Policies and System Technologies C30. Device portability: LMS is coded or offers an application (app) to be ported on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. C31. Site security: LMS is configured with industry standard HTTP encryption protocols to ensure data privacy over the Internet. C32. Technical support: Technical support for users is available 24/7 or other support hours are posted. Support is accessed via IM chat, phone number and email (web based). Desktop virtualization connection is available and can be deployed with the parents or learning coaches permission. C33. Technical requirements: Minimum technical requirements, software plug-ins, browsers and operating systems supported are provided on the site. A web browser test tool for a system compatibility check is available at the site.
C34. Assessment proctoring: Policies and/or technologies for test proctoring are in place. C35. Security, confidentiality and terms of use policies: The LMS posts policies for the following laws and regulations: Public notice of directory information disclosures and opt-out process. Data security practices and policies. Digital Copyright Millennium Act (DCMA). FERPA and 603 CMR 23.00. 1 Children s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). 2 Children s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). Acceptable Use Policies (AUP). For parents information on their rights under the Protection of Pupil Rights Act (PPRA) when applicable.
Policies and System Technologies C36. Accessibility: The LMS complies with and selfreports U.S. Section 508, W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 or Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) compliance. Assistive technologies are configured into and/or made accessible in the LMS system as required. An ADA policy, process and coordinator are listed at the site s accessibility page. 1 Note: As described in the state Student Records Regulations at 603 CMR 23.00 (see the definition of authorized school personnel in 23.02), no individuals or entities other than the parent, eligible student, or school personnel working directly with the student are allowed to have access to information in the student record without the specific, informed, written consent of the parent or eligible student. Resource at: http://www.doe.mass.edu/lawsregs/603cmr23.html?section=all 2 CIPA requires that schools install internet protection mechanisms and communicate online safety policies regarding appropriate, responsible and legal online behavior.