| There are different files for
each grade level K through 8 with each file incorporating
the Indiana Academic Writing Standards for that grade level.
These are Excel™ files though no spreadsheet expertise
is required to use them. Each grade level specific tool includes
a place to record writing goals, activities and resources
used as well as checklist components to track:
- Writing across content areas
- Types of Writing
- Using Technology to Support Writing, and
- Family Involvement in Writing Assignments.
Once entries are made, the program automatically compiles
the data into colorful tables, charts and graphs for a cumulative
summary of writing instruction data.
Download a file copy for your grade level. A PDF file with
the program documentation is also available for download here:
Product Specifications and System Requirements:
The STAR checklist files are quite large and they require
Microsoft Excel™ version ’97 with VBA (Visual
Basic for Applications) or greater on Windows platform, or
’98 or greater on Macintosh platform to run. (VBA is
typically included in standard installation procedures of
MS Excel.) Because these files include a lot of graphic images
and use “macros” to function, it requires a fairly
fast computer (suggest 128K minimum). (If using a Macintosh
with OS 9.x system software, turn virtual memory on then increase
Excel application memory to 10,000K for both minimum and preferred
settings.)
Your Excel application may be set to watch for or disable
macros (sometimes macros can hide viruses). These files, however,
do not contain viruses and they must have macros enabled in
order to function. If you use Excel XP on Windows, it may
not give you an option to "enable" the macros when
opening the file. If not, change the security settings in
Excel (Tools -> Macros -> Security) to medium level.
This way the program will warn you each time you try to open
a file that contains macros, but provides a button to enable
macros each time you work with the file. The original files
were formatted on Macintosh and may be altered slightly (even
give error messages) when being opened for the first time
on a Windows machine. Once set up on your machine, the file
should function properly and without errors upon subsequent
use.
Dependent upon the version of Excel and platform of computer
being used, you may need to open the .xls file from within
the Excel application, at least the first time you use it,
rather than double-clicking on the file icon.
Display resolution should be set high (recommend 1,000 x
1,400 range) to reduce the amount of scrolling needed to view/enter
data in the tool. Experiment with the resolution settings
on your computer display to find the best match for viewing
and using this tool.
Disclaimer: These files are offered “as
is” and with no expressed or implied warranty. While
care was taken to ensure a quality product, Buddy, CET or
its contractors assume no liability for product use by individuals
or organizations. |
