This FAQ is designed to assist JAG Affiliates in troubleshooting access issues to all JAG technologies, including Headrush Learning and JAGForce, when school districts or individual schools block access for specialists and students.
Affiliate Responsibility:
It is the affiliate's responsibility to proactively build and maintain relationships with school districts to identify and establish the appropriate protocols for allowing access to JAG platforms before the program's school year begins. This includes understanding district-specific IT policies, firewall settings, and any required documentation or agreements. Proactive communication and collaboration with school districts are crucial to prevent access issues and ensure smooth program implementation.
General Information
Q: What are JAG Technologies?
A: JAG Technologies encompass all approved online platforms and tools used by JAG to support program delivery, data and reporting, student progress tracking, resource access, communication, and administrative functions. This includes, but is not limited to, Headrush Learning and JAGForce.
Q: Why are JAG Technologies important for JAG programs?
A: JAG Technologies are integral to JAG's mission. They provide centralized platforms for curriculum delivery (including project based learning, employer engagement, and trauma-informed care), student data management, communication, access to essential resources, and streamline administrative tasks. Blocking access to these technologies disrupts program delivery and limits student opportunities.
Q: My school/district is blocking access to a JAG Technology. What should I do?
A: If your school or district is blocking access to any JAG Technology, please follow the steps outlined in this FAQ. Consistent and persistent communication with the school/district is key.
Troubleshooting Steps
Q: What is the first step I should take?
A: Contact your school/district's IT department or the individual responsible for internet access and inquire about the specific reason for the block. Understanding the reason (e.g., content filtering, firewall settings, security concerns) is crucial for addressing the issue.
Q: What if the school/district's concern is about data privacy?
A: JAG takes data privacy very seriously. You can direct the school/district to the JAG National website to review our policy on privacy for technologies. This policy outlines our commitment to student data protection and compliance with relevant regulations.
Q: What if the school/district is concerned about website/platform security?
A: JAG’s platforms utilize industry-standard security measures to protect user data and ensure a safe online environment for all our technologies. You can obtain privacy statements and certification documentation by clicking the links below.
Q: How can I demonstrate that a specific technology is an official JAG platform?
A: The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the JAG Affiliate and the school district may list the key JAG technologies used. Refer the school/district to the MOU. If the specific technology is not listed, your affiliate state should consider having it added. Applicable to certain states.
Q: What if the school/district's IT department needs specific technical information?
A: We can provide detailed technical specifications about any JAG Technology. Contact Natalie Toney at JAG National via email at natalie.toney@jag.org for specific information about Headrush and Michele Cody at JAG National via email at michele.cody@jag.org for specific information about JAGForce.
Q: What if the school/district requires a formal letter or agreement regarding a specific JAG Technology?
A: JAG National can provide a formal letter outlining the purpose of the specific technology, its security measures, and its importance to JAG programs. You can find a generic letter below. This letter is intended to be a template. Feel free to add information specific to your specific affiliate as well as your affiliate’s official logo or letterhead.
Q: What if I've tried all these steps and the block is still in place?
A: Escalate the issue to your direct supervisor or management within your state. They can provide additional support and work with the school/district at a higher level to resolve the issue.
Q: What if students need immediate access to a JAG Technology for critical tasks while the block is in place?
A: Consider these temporary workarounds:
Student Access from Home: Students can access most JAG Technologies from home or other locations outside of the school network.
Alternative Location Access: Explore if students can access the technology from a local library or community center.
Contact JAG National: If these options are not feasible, contact JAG National immediately to discuss alternative solutions for time-sensitive tasks.
Communication with Schools/Districts
Q: What key points should I emphasize when communicating with schools/districts?
A: Focus on these key points:
The technology is an official JAG platform. Reference the JAG Technology Letters and your affiliates MOU, if applicable.
The technology is essential for program delivery and student success.
Headrush: Headrush is an online learning and project management platform designed to support Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) students, specialists, managers, and overall network. Headrush offers a variety of resources to deliver the JAG model. Overall, Headrush acts as a central hub for the JAG program, providing JAG affiliates with the tools and resources to effectively support JAG staff and guide students towards career success.
JAG Students:
Participate in local, regional, state, and national events.
Lead and plan projects for their local, state, and national Career Association within the platform.
Explore different career paths and discover industries that interest them.
Access PBLs, curriculum, tutorials and informational resources to support their development.
Apply for local, state, and national scholarships.
JAG Specialists:
Utilize pre-designed projects or create their own to customize the learning experience.
Collaborate with students on developing Individual Development Plans (IDPs).
Strengthening student career exploration through industry insights.
Access and complete JAG University training for professional development.
JAGForce: JAGForce is JAG’s online platform that functions as a central hub for data management. JAGForce plays a key role in managing program data, affiliate data, and national data. JAGForce tracks student progress, competency attainment, follow up outcomes, overall program performance, and more.
JAG prioritizes data privacy and security. Direct them to the JAG Privacy Policy and the platform’s Privacy Statements and certifications.
JAG is committed to working collaboratively with the school/district to resolve any concerns.
Q: Who at JAG National can I contact for further assistance?
A: For further assistance, please contact Natalie Toney at JAG National via email at natalie.toney@jag.org for questions regarding Headrush and Michele Cody at JAG National for questions regarding JAGForce.
This FAQ will be updated as needed. Please check back periodically for the latest information.