2.27% increase in both pass rates and final grades despite an increase in enrollments
6-hour data refresh that ensures information is current and consistent for stakeholders
Open pathways for student, teacher, and parent communication
Together, IDLA and Google Cloud created a data analytics tool called “Clarity” that helped centralize data sources in order to support a better learning environment and experience for all.
Together, IDLA and Google Cloud created a data analytics tool called “Clarity” that helped centralize data sources in order to support a better learning environment and experience for all.
Challenge
In rural states like Idaho, students can face major barriers when it comes to accessing equitable and high quality education. IDLA had success when it came to increasing educational access, but had difficulty using data to support teacher and student success. Internal data, like absence logs and assignment history, was often inaccessible and inactionable. Spread out across multiple environments, IDLA wasn’t yet able to consolidate their information, which was necessary to continue increasing pass rates and final grades. Additionally, any solution would have to be secure, ensuring student information was only accessible to those who needed it.
Solution
To solve this gap, Google and IDLA worked together to create Clarity, the next-generation data platform for the educational organization. Clarity is built on the Google Cloud, which centralizes data sources using BigQuery. It integrates with other solutions across Google, like Google Voice and Workspace, operating on Google's secure-by-design infrastructure to give parents, teachers, and students peace of mind. Securely integrating data across systems means Clarity is able to provide connected, timely, and actionable data that is easy to access. The dashboard and mobile apps were created using an elaborate Insights Generation Workflow (IGW), connecting and aggregating data. Addressing the data and insight gap is crucial to decision-making and the success of students. Watch IDLA talk about how they used Clarity and Google Cloud.
Clarity reports enable me to customize my communications with students, families and site coordinators, providing targeted feedback and personalized interviews.
IDLA Teacher
Results
The centralized dashboard means everyone involved has more time to focus on what matters most—creating better learning environments and educational agendas to improve student performance. For teachers, the switch to Clarity has meant updated grading and feedback for assignments and notifications about the status of submitted assignments. Students and parents benefit from easier access to teacher information, improved login processes, and real-time information on the academic experience. Clarity has provided all users at IDLA access to actionable data that provides quick data access and analysis, to prioritize time on actions that lead to increases in success. Implementing Clarity has been so successful for IDLA that it won the Platinum Award in Learning Analytics at the 1EdTech 2024 Learning Impact Awards.
Clarity helps us see the whole picture before we make decisions.
Jeff Simmons
Superintendent, IDLA
Vision for the future
IDLA plans to continue modernizing its tools and systems to improve student outcomes and ensure greater accessibility. Looking forward, they plan to add AI-powered translation to their parent app to deliver information in multiple languages and develop advising tools to help students of various backgrounds plan their future.
IDLA is also planning to collate data on student experiences, which will improve retention and pass rates. With Google technology at the center, they will be able to reduce manual effort through automation and use AI to empower their teachers, leaving more time for quality student interactions.
Idaho Digital Learning Alliance (IDLA) offers easily accessible online classes to K-12 students throughout the state. Their dedicated Idaho educators help learners earn dual credits, enroll in subjects not currently offered at their schools, or simply provide more flexibility in their day-to-day education.
Industry: Education and Technology
Location: Idaho, United States
Products: Looker Studio, Gmail, FirebaseApp, Google Voice, BigQuery, Cloud Storage, Google Kubernetes Engine
