The first version of DeansList was developed in 2010 at Phoenix Collegiate Academy, an award-winning school in South Phoenix, Arizona. There our founder, Akshai Patel, recognized the difference that great software could make for his team of mission-driven educators.
In 2013 DeansList launched as our own company, dedicated to making the technology that had proven to be a game-changer at PCA available to all schools.
Over the past decade DeansList has expanded to serve hundreds of schools across the U.S. and added many new features to increase the ways we help schools, students and families.
We're a team made up predominantly of former teachers and educators, all united around the same goals: to design technology that makes educators lives easier, gives them the tools and data they need to be their most effective, and to help students succeed.
At DeansList, the opportunity to help improve education outcomes for all students is what drives us to do the work we do. We recognize that structures exist that systematically disadvantage specific groups of students in our education systems, perpetuating both the Achievement Gap and the School-to-Prison Pipeline. By not actively and consciously promoting equity, we risk perpetuating a status quo that lifts some students while oppressing others.
As professionals who support school leaders in implementing school systems, we recognize that policy can harm students of color and perpetuate inequality. As a team, we must be knowledgeable about practices that inflict discipline disproportionately. We are our clients' best ally when our software and services are delivered alongside resources that foster equity.
As software developers, we understand that user experience can play a role in reinforcing racist structures. The same interface design principles that help educators complete tasks quickly and without "friction" also can reinforce pre-existing and unconscious biases. We have a responsibility to recognize these behavioral patterns exist and create tools that circumvent them. As partners to our school clients, we must work together to create safe, equitable, learning environments in which all students can thrive.
To design tools and provide services that are tailored to your school, that will empower you to innovate and raise the bar for your students' success.
To respect that time is your most scarce resource, and that it's best spent with students, not on your computer.
To enhance the ways you and your school communicate, leveraging technology to bridge traditional barriers, and to safeguard and protect your data and information.
