MCALESTER schools use computers to help parents chart student work

McALESTER, Okla. (AP) _ Students may no longer be able to doctor their report cards to make an F look like an A and get away with it. <br><br>Starting this year, McAlester Public Schools will implement

Tuesday, August 7th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

McALESTER, Okla. (AP) _ Students may no longer be able to doctor their report cards to make an F look like an A and get away with it.

Starting this year, McAlester Public Schools will implement a system in which parents can check on their child's progress via computer.

The system is called Schoolkey, Superintendent Lucy Smith said.

McAlester teachers will post grade books, lesson plans, reports, absentee and tardy ballots, test scores and student's averages on a Web site. Parents will get passwords on enrollment day.

``We felt we needed to utilize more of our technical resources,'' said Bob Workman, director of instructional technology.

El Reno is also using the system. Workman said parents will be able to communicate with teachers online and send messages to their children.

Workman said the service would be free for the first semester but would cost $18 during the second. The fee would then be $18 per year, per child, but children on free-lunch programs will receive the service free.