Can you add preferred names?

[mattm1124]

Is there a way teachers can add preferred names in Power teacher Pro? This feature would be helpful for when printing rosters. I know years ago teachers had that option when you had to launch Gradebook. Since that update (Around 2018), I haven't seen that option anywhere. I'm pretty sure admins can do change the name in the system, but I'm looking for a way to just change it in my Power Teacher for roster use so that way it doesn't change it for all of the system. 

I know I could just export rosters to excel and make my own, but I don't want to miss potential changes when kids are added and removed from my class.

Thanks for any help.

[JeffG9]

Hi @mattm1124 that functionality is not currently built-in to PT Pro, although as you mention there are a number of workarounds.

This will likely also depend on the state/province you live in; in New York, guidance from State Ed is to change all names in the SIS to reflect the student's preferred name, so you would not have two separate names. 

[reynoldsn]

Hi @mattm1124, @JeffG9 

I'm in Louisiana and we need to add the preferred name to PowerTeacher Pro. What are the work-arounds?  

thanks, in advance!

[JeffG9]

@reynoldsnYou can run a class roster report, select Excel for the output and then simply alter the spreadsheet. You could also run a class roster report and add a Blank column, which you could type "Preferred Name" into and fill it in yourself after you print the report. LA may have state-specific fields that you may be able to utilize as well.

There is also the possibility of customization, if you or someone in your district is able.

[reynoldsn]

@JeffG9 

Does the teacher have access to do this?  Are these templates for export standard in the PTP gradebook.

I apologize, but allowing a teacher to see the student's preferred name to best support the student should not require additional $$$ as special customization.  It should be a part of the standard, primary gradebook tool for the teacher.

[JeffG9]

@reynoldsn  The reports I mentioned are part of out-of-the-box PT Pro.

As to your second point, hey, I don't work for PowerSchool.

[mattm1124]

Thanks Jeff. I didn't think that was an option anymore for teachers but wanted to see if I was just missing something. I know you don't work for PowerSchools, but I hope they add it back at some point!

[JeffG9]

@mattm1124They finally added Groups back into PT Pro (although you can only use the feature on Production Servers, which is ridiculous, IMO), so who knows!