HRM Instructional Tech Updates 2026

Vocabulary and key procedures related to the 2026-27 LCPS Instructional Technology updates, including grading protocols, software statuses, and support roles.

Purposeful Technology

The goal of instructional technology that supports student learning, rather than simply having more or less technology.

Digital Experience Specialist (DES)

Jim Widzinski (House B) responsible for providing hardware support.

Instructional Technology Facilitator (IFT)

Michelle Schwartz (House C) who collaborates with teachers to design deeper, more meaningful learning experiences.

Phoenix Hall Pass

A digital hall pass integrated into Phoenix that replaces E-Hall Pass.

Weighted Categories

The gradebook setup all teachers MUST use for the SY26/27 school year.

Schoology Gradebook Visibility Settings

Check the box to 'Hide overall grade'

Schoology Assignment Categories

Categories that must match Phoenix Gradebooks: Diagnostic Assessment, Formative Assessment, Minor Summative, and Major Summative.

Supported (EdTech Catalog status)

Solutions provided by LCPS to all students/staff or specific subsets, with division support available.

Approved with Cautions (EdTech Catalog status)

Titles not provided by LCPS that are generally safe to use only if specific guidance in the catalog details is followed.

Parental Consent Required (EdTech Catalog status)

Titles that may be used only after obtaining verifiable parental consent via Permission Click before creating student accounts.

Not Approved (EdTech Catalog status)

Titles prohibited for use within LCPS due to misalignment, duplication, technical incompatibility, or privacy/security concerns.

Knowt

A tool featured in the updates that allows for the importation of Quizlet sets.

Harmony Staff Hub

The recommended bookmarked location for staff resources since school-specific links can no longer be added to LCPS Go.

Adobe Acrobat Web Extension

A browser tool that must be activated using the short LCPS email address to access the full licensed version of Adobe software for PDF handling.

Google Drive Desktop

An optional software install that enables U: Drive access directly within the computer's file explorer.

Cisco Jabber

An optional application for users to answer LCPS desk phone calls directly from their computer.

50% Quarter Grade Floor Override

A process in Phoenix using the '%Override' field to enter a percentage value for a marking period used in Semester/FG calculations.

Retake (Assignment Code)

A new assignment comment code in Phoenix used to document reassessments, viewable in ParentVUE and StudentVUE.

Phoenix Grade Change Request

A streamlined process within Phoenix SIS replacing the old Permission Click form for submitting grade requisitions.

Phoenix Class Naming Convention

The required format for renaming courses: Subject, Teacher Last Name, Block (e.g., Tech Ed 7, Bonfadini, Block 3).

Section Linking

A Schoology feature that allows teachers to merge sections of the same course into a single course shell.

Schoology Lesson Planner

A new feature within Schoology (via Chalk) allowing educators to organize lesson plans, track standards, and collaborate.

Creativity Tools

Digital tools such as Adobe Express, Canva, and Wixie used by students to make thinking visible and share work.

Digital Whiteboard Tools

Tools like Canva Whiteboard, Lucid Spark, and Newline Engage used during lectures to display, draw, and interact with content.