Redesigned MCPS Website Features Sleek Look; Improved Performance

March 9, 2011

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) today unveiled a redesigned website with a fresh new look that makes it easier for users to find what they are looking for and offers an improved search function using Google technology.

The Department of Public Information and Web Services redesigned and rebuilt the top-level pages of the MCPS website based on feedback from users, analytics data and best practices in web design. The depth and breadth of content and information that’s long been available on the MCPS website will remain.

The website features a new banner and navigation bar that will make it simpler for users to drill down through the pages to find the information they are seeking. Our foreign language “mini-sites” are displayed more prominently in the banner now, with links to information in Spanish, Chinese, French, Vietnamese and Korean.

The homepage layout makes it easier for all users to find what they need, including the most requested links, a regularly updated “to-do” check list, items for staff members, and upcoming dates of note. The redesigned pages are anchored at the bottom by a “footer” that provides a well-organized list of available content.

The new “Parents and Students” page will provide a one-stop shop for important information and links such as EdLine, the Parent Guide and homework resources. A “News” page has been added that will serve as the home for press releases, the weekly MCPS News Update show and other information.

MCPS has also added the power and accuracy of Google search to the website, which will streamline and refine results so users may find what they need more quickly and easily.

Hundreds of people—including parents, teachers and students—provided feedback on the new design before it was launched. However, users are encouraged to provide more feedback through a survey that is linked on the homepage.

The MCPS website is one of the school system’s most critical communication tools and is heavily used by staff members, students, parents, and community members. In January 2011, the website received 2.5 million unique visits, with more than 7 million pages viewed.

The redesign was conceived and executed entirely within the school system’s Office of Communications and did not require the use of any outside contractors.

www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org

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