Frequently Asked Questions | FAQ

What are simulations?

Simulations are a powerful tool for leadership pipeline development and teacher development that are Engaging, Authentic, Realistic, Interactive, and can be used in a Synchronous or Asynchronous manner (both in-person or virtual).

Simulations are a series of linked scenarios, in a choose-your-own-adventure format, that capture the challenges of school-based leadership problems of practice that sitting and aspiring leaders can experience in a safe manner so they can fail forward.

How do I know if I made the right decisions in a simulation?

The simulations are intended to provide an experience similar to real-life where there are not always clear-cut answers. The decisions should not be considered black and white, and the true value comes from experiencing the nuances of the gray areas. There may be multiple ways to arrive at the same conclusion, and learning the positives and negatives of those paths is valuable.

Can I play a simulation more than once?

Yes, we encourage users to play a simulation multiple times and choose multiple paths in order to experience the different consequences. Choosing a path that is not what you would choose in real life provides an extremely valuable experience. Here is simulation expert Ken Spero speaking about the power of simulations and going through them numerous times.

FAQs

Below, you can find find frequently asked questions that we receive from clients. Cannot find the answer you are looking for? Feel free to contact us at anytime.

What if I forgot my password?

If you have a SchoolSims portal user account, but you are unable to remember your password, simply select the “Forgot Password?” link on the login page. You will receive an email allowing you to choose a new password.

What if a simulation will not play?

If the simulation will not begin when you click the “Play Sim” button, it may be a simple issue to fix. 

  • Make sure your browser is set to accept cookies. Our site uses cookies to track your progress throughout a simulation. If your browser will not accept cookies, it can sometimes prevent you from proceeding. Check that your browser accepts cookies under the Security and Privacy settings of your preferences.
  • It is always a good idea to restart your browser and/or computer.
  • Try clearing your memory cache. This can also be done under the Security and Privacy settings of your browser.
  • To try to pinpoint an issue, it is helpful to try multiple sims in multiple browsers on multiple devices.
What if I cannot hear a simulation?

If the video plays, but you are unable to hear the audio, there are a few quick options to check:

  • Check the audio on your computer or device. Make sure the sound is not muted or turned down too low.
  • Check the audio on your browser. Make sure your browser is set to allow sites to play sound.
  • Check the audio level on your specific window and make sure it is not muted.
  • Right-click on the video and make sure the mute button is not pressed
  • Right-click on the browser tab and choose to unmute the tab
I am a college student, do I need a login to the portal?

Yes! Your professor will provide you a link to enter your information to verify that you are a class member, after which you will receive an email from one of our team members with instructions on how to pay for access. You will be provided login credentials once we receive your payment.

How can I facilitate a simulation virtually with my cohorts?

Zoom is a fantastic tool for virtually facilitating a simulation! When it comes to simulations during our monthly webinars, Zoom is our first choice. You can use the chat tool to start polls at decision points, go into breakout rooms, and allow discussion. Simply invite your colleagues to your personal or scheduled Zoom room and share your screen while playing the simulation. Our simulations are available to anybody, anywhere, and at any time!

How do I create and share links to a simulation?

Above is a video explanation on how to create and share links to a simulation for you to share with your colleagues.

What if I am seeing a blank screen?

First, check your cookie settings. If you are using Chrome:

1. Click on the three dots in the top left corner and choose Settings.
2. In the search bar, type cookies.
3. Click Cookies and other site data.
4. Ideally, allow all cookies is selected. If not, and you cannot choose that, then below that option, you must add our domains to the option that says: “Sites that can always use cookies” by clicking add, and then entering the URLs. Please contact us to find out what domains to allow.

If that does not solve the problem, the next thing to do is search on cache and clear your cache.

Finally, if both options do not work, you may need to request that your IT department allow our domains by whitelisting them. Please contact us to find out what domains to whitelist.

How do I clear my cache?

For each browser type, you will find instructions below on how to clear your cache in the event that your simulation is not responding.

The more data you save in the cache, the slower your computer will browse the internet. Deleting the cache data aids in troubleshooting, improves web page loading times, and boosts your computer’s efficiency. The updated version can be retrieved after you erase the cache data.

Google Chrome

An article on how to erase your cache in Google Chrome can be found below:

How to clear cache

Safari

An article on how to erase your cache in Safari can be found below:

How to clear cache

Microsoft Edge

An article on how to erase your cache in Microsoft Edge can be found below:

How to clear cache

Firefox

An article on how to erase your cache in Firefox can be found below:

How to clear cache

Why are cookies required?

Below is a video on how to enable cookies to personalize your SchoolSims experience:

SchoolSims utilizes cookies in order to know where you are in a simulation so that if you cannot complete the simulation in one sitting, the simulation will restart where you left off. As a necessary part of web browsing, HTTP cookies help us give you more personal, convenient website visits. Not allowing cookies on our site will not allow you to receive the full user experience with our simulations.

Below are screenshots of the process of enabling cookies:

Step 1

Step 2

Still unsure about enabling cookies? You can scroll down and add our website under, Sites that can always use cookies, so only our site will be enabled to use cookies. Just type in: SchoolSims.com

About the Feedback Report

The values that represent the state of environmental variables (e.g., Staff Morale) and those that quantify leadership traits (e.g., Prioritization) are determined together with our content partners in the simulation design process. These can align with defined professional standards or stand independently in a given simulation. The actual quantities that are associated with specific responses are likewise determined with our content partners.

Note that the intent of the quantitative measure is not to assign a grade, but rather to spark discussion and dialogue. For example, what does “70%” mean? 

  • Does it align with how a participant views their decision-making in the simulation? 
  • To what degree does it align with how they make decisions on the job? 
  • What can it help reveal to a participant after some reflection on their own traits and behaviors? 
  • Is there something about the Context that would influence how this manifests? 

These are the types of questions we hope to provoke with quantitative measures.

Still need help?

If you are unable to find the information you require, please complete the form below and a member of our team will contact you as soon as possible.


Additional Resources
Alignment with Professional Standards

SchoolSims aligns with PSEL, NELP, CAEP, InTASC, and CPSEL.

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Monthly Webinar Series

SchoolSims hosts monthly webinars featuring leaders from Districts, Higher Education, Independent Schools, and Organizations.

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Read Our Blog

SchoolSims provides a blog with articles written by educational leadership experts.

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