Navigating COMPASS.
Compass
Noun
1. An instrument containing a magnetized pointer which shows the direction of magnetic north and bearings from it.
In 2017, I became a parent of a secondary school child and fell, ungracefully, into COMPASS. I didn’t just fall, I yelled, I flailed, I failed, experiencing much confusion equating to concussion perhaps. It has been an enduring love hate relationship for 6 years with another 5 to go. This is my year; I am going to be a COMPASS Master.
COMPASS is a digital platform used in the public education system. It is the modern version of the Friday school newsletter provided to the oldest in the family, now relegated to the ‘olden days’ as my children like to say. Via a log in system, the platform provides access for families, teachers and students to communication, timetables, reports, excursions, fees, interviews, events, and lesson plans.
Children are not trained to use COMPASS, and neither are families. I’m all for independence and the strengths-based approach but as it says, there must be a base, to build from.
I have questions. Remote learning provided an opportunity to understand that many families do not have devices at home. Some use recharge cards to access COMPASS via their phones. What does it look like on a phone? Can you navigate it?
Where are these families? How are they doing it? and Are they staying connected to school?
In considering accessibility to digital platforms, we must acknowledge co- dependent factors of digital literacy and complexities such as low literacy, disabilities, trauma, CALD and the day to day life of families and the work life balance.
At home we are learning new class codes and electives. Our routine goes something like this. Each Sunday night I print their timetables, we decode the subjects, they pack what they need. We look at lesson plans, work due or we cram this in at 7am as one will be anxious, or wants to not feel anxious. I apologise. We get it done. They survive. I’ll probably hit my 2nd coffee by 8am.
COMPASS has its place, but I’m always going to be a fan of the newsletter. Give me something to read, that I can stick on the fridge, keep it simple, tell me what I need to know, what to do and it will get done.
Easy English for everyone, for everything, all the time.
Cath
Cath Sharpe
Specialist content writer.
Access Easy English
Office phone: 0466 579 855
Email: catherine@accesseasyenglish.com.au
Website: https://accesseasyenglish.com.au/
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