Gradebook -- Network Edition Schoolmaster

Transcription

SCHOOLMASTER
Student Information Systems
Gradebook
Network Edition
Revised - November 2005
Schoolmaster is
SIF Certified
Schoolmaster uses
ctree Plus® from FairCom®
®
2005 Printed Documentation
Revised November 2005
© 2005 All Rights Reserved
Published by Olympia Computing Company
No part of this publication may be produced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system,
translated into any language or computer language, in any form or by any means, without the prior
written permission of Olympia Computing Company, Incorporated.
Olympia Computing Company, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, real or implied, to the
contents hereof and specifically disclaims any warranties, real or implied, of merchantability or fitness
for any particular purpose. Olympia Computing Company, Inc. reserves the right to revise the
contents of this publication without prior notification to the user.
All names used in this publication are fictitious. Any similarities between persons living or dead is
purely coincidental.
®
SCHOOLMASTER is the registered trademark of
Olympia Computing Company, Inc
7249 Capitol Boulevard South
Tumwater, WA 98501-5519
(360) 352-0922
All other product names, trade names, or trademarks
are the property of their respective owners.
Information in this printed documentation is supplemental and
is not intended to replace Schoolmaster online Help.
Table Of Contents
Welcome to Gradebook ....................................................................................................................... 1
1 - Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 3
Getting Help Using Gradebook ....................................................................................................... 3
Using Gradebook Electronic Documentation............................................................................... 3
Schoolmaster on the Web ........................................................................................................... 3
Online Help .................................................................................................................................. 4
Preliminary Setup Activities (System Manager) .............................................................................. 4
ID, Password, and Classroom Rights.......................................................................................... 4
Establishing Schoolmaster Connection or Disk Transfers .......................................................... 4
Rosters To Download .................................................................................................................. 4
Mark Tables to Download ............................................................................................................ 4
Additional Mark Tables ................................................................................................................ 5
Logging Into Gradebook.................................................................................................................. 5
The Gradebook Desktop ................................................................................................................. 7
Using Menu Functions..................................................................................................................... 8
Menu Overview............................................................................................................................ 9
File Menu Details ...................................................................................................................... 10
Edit Menu Details...................................................................................................................... 11
Display Menu Details ................................................................................................................. 12
Task Menu Details ..................................................................................................................... 13
Report Menu Details .................................................................................................................. 14
Setup Menu Details ................................................................................................................... 14
Utility Menu Details .................................................................................................................... 14
Web Menu Details ..................................................................................................................... 15
Window Menu Details ................................................................................................................ 16
Help Menu Details ..................................................................................................................... 16
Gradebook Shortcut Keys ............................................................................................................. 17
Printing from Gradebook ............................................................................................................... 18
Printing -- Output Destinations................................................................................................... 18
Printing -- Landscape Orientation .............................................................................................. 19
Printing a View........................................................................................................................... 19
2 - Setting Up a New Gradebook ................................................................................................... 21
Importing Schoolmaster Data from a Network .............................................................................. 21
Connecting to the Schoolmaster Database ............................................................................... 21
Importing Your Rosters.............................................................................................................. 22
Disconnecting from Schoolmaster ............................................................................................. 24
Gradebook Data Transfer Without Network Connection............................................................... 24
Exporting Rosters from Schoolmaster to a Disk........................................................................ 24
Importing Rosters from a Disk (from Schoolmaster to Gradebooks)......................................... 25
Exporting/Importing Marks to Disk (from Gradebooks to Schoolmaster) .................................. 27
Manually Adding a Gradebook Page/Students ............................................................................. 27
Teacher Information ...................................................................................................................... 28
3 - Customizing Your Gradebook .................................................................................................. 29
Table of Contents - Gradebook (Network Edition)
i
Setting Workstation Preferences .................................................................................................. 29
Changing the View Order ............................................................................................................. 30
Changing Your Password ............................................................................................................. 31
Changing the Print Setup.............................................................................................................. 32
Changing Print Options................................................................................................................. 33
Mark Tables .................................................................................................................................. 33
How Mark Tables Are Automatically Imported .......................................................................... 34
Creating Customized Mark Tables............................................................................................ 34
4 - Understanding Calculations in Gradebooks ...........................................................................39
Assignment Scores ....................................................................................................................... 39
Assignments with No Score (Blank) vs a Zero Score ............................................................... 39
Special Score Entry NA............................................................................................................. 40
Assignment Score Entry and Display........................................................................................ 40
Alpha Marks as Assignment Scores ......................................................................................... 40
Assignment Weights and Mark Calculation............................................................................... 41
Calculated Marks .......................................................................................................................... 41
Weights in Calculations ............................................................................................................. 41
Relative vs. Percentage Weights .............................................................................................. 42
Group Weight Interaction in Calculations.................................................................................. 42
Optional Settings That Affect Calculations................................................................................ 43
Effect of the Drop Lowest Option in Calculations .................................................................. 43
Effect of the Use Missing Marks Option in Calculations........................................................ 43
Effect of Mark Table Option Calc Override............................................................................ 44
Effect of Mark Table Option Calc Nullify................................................................................ 44
Overall Column Default Calculation Method ............................................................................. 44
Calculation Example - Overall Column Default Calculation (with Weights) .......................... 44
Examples of Configuration/Group/Assignment Setup and Calculation..................................... 45
Example 1 - No Groups-No Weights ..................................................................................... 46
Example 1 - Configuration/Group Setup............................................................................ 46
Example 1 - Assignment Setup.......................................................................................... 47
Example 1 - Score Entry .................................................................................................... 47
Example 1 - Numeric Calculations..................................................................................... 47
Example 2 - One Group-No Weights-Drop Lowest ............................................................... 48
Example 3 - Multi Groups-No Weights-Drop Lowest............................................................. 50
Example 4 - Multi Groups-Weights-Progress Marks ............................................................. 53
Example 5 - Multi Grps w/Wgts-Progress Marks-Calc Mark Grps w/Wgts ........................... 58
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Example 5 - Score Entry..................................................................................................... 62
Example 5 - Numeric Calculations ..................................................................................... 63
5 - Configuration View .................................................................................................................... 65
Using the Configuration View ........................................................................................................ 65
Copying Configurations ................................................................................................................. 66
Task Menu Options in the Configuration View .............................................................................. 66
Establishing Default Setting Options ............................................................................................. 67
Group Settings in the Configuration View ..................................................................................... 69
Assignment Group Options........................................................................................................ 69
Creating Assignment Groups..................................................................................................... 70
Editing Assignment Group Defaults........................................................................................... 71
Group/Configuration Setup Examples ....................................................................................... 71
6 - Students View ............................................................................................................................ 73
Using the Students View ............................................................................................................... 73
Student Status Designations ......................................................................................................... 74
Task Menu Options in the Student View ....................................................................................... 74
Working with Rosters and Students .............................................................................................. 75
Updating Rosters from Schoolmaster........................................................................................ 75
Updating One Roster ................................................................................................................. 75
Copying Students (from another roster) .................................................................................... 76
Deleting Inactive Students ......................................................................................................... 77
Deleting a Student ..................................................................................................................... 77
7 - Assignments View ..................................................................................................................... 79
Reading the Assignments View .................................................................................................... 79
Task Menu Options in the Assignments View............................................................................... 81
Working With Assignments ........................................................................................................... 83
Adding Assignments or Comments ........................................................................................... 83
Adding Calculated Marks (for Groups/Date Range) .................................................................. 84
Duplicating Assignments ........................................................................................................... 85
Creating an Extra-Credit Assignment ........................................................................................ 87
Locking Marks............................................................................................................................ 88
Assignment Setup Examples..................................................................................................... 88
8 - Data Entry View.......................................................................................................................... 89
Reading the Data Entry View ........................................................................................................ 89
Display Options for Mark Entry...................................................................................................... 90
Changing the Overall Column Display .......................................................................................... 92
Task Menu Options in the Data Entry View .................................................................................. 93
Entering Numeric Marks vs. Entering Alpha Marks....................................................................... 95
Working with the Data Entry View -- Entering Marks .................................................................... 96
Entering Marks........................................................................................................................... 96
Entering Comments ................................................................................................................... 96
Attaching Notes to Marks........................................................................................................... 97
Editing/Removing Notes Attached to Marks .............................................................................. 98
9 - Posting From Gradebook to Schoolmaster ............................................................................ 99
Posting Marks to Schoolmaster on the Network ........................................................................... 99
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Using Posting Settings .............................................................................................................. 99
Accessing Posting Settings ....................................................................................................... 99
Flagging a Mark as Postable................................................................................................... 100
Deleting a Posting Setting ....................................................................................................... 101
Posting Comments .................................................................................................................. 102
Sending Postable Marks to Schoolmaster on the Network..................................................... 102
Posting Marks to Schoolmaster Using a Disk............................................................................. 104
Posting Marks to Schoolmaster Using a Disk ......................................................................... 104
Exporting Gradebook Marks to a Disk .................................................................................... 104
Importing Gradebook Marks from a Disk into Schoolmaster .................................................. 105
Posting Gradebook Progress Reports for the Web/PASS.......................................................... 107
Posting Gradebook Progress Reports to EDLINE...................................................................... 108
10 - Producing Gradebook Reports.............................................................................................111
Hard Copy Report ....................................................................................................................... 113
Reading the Hard Copy Report............................................................................................... 113
Printing the Hard Copy Report ................................................................................................ 115
Progress Report.......................................................................................................................... 117
Reading the Progress Report.................................................................................................. 117
Printing the Progress Report................................................................................................... 119
Current Status Report ................................................................................................................. 122
Reading the Current Status Report......................................................................................... 122
Printing the Current Status Report .......................................................................................... 122
Selected Marks Report ............................................................................................................... 123
Reading the Selected Marks Report ....................................................................................... 123
Printing the Selected Marks Report ........................................................................................ 124
Roster Report.............................................................................................................................. 125
Reading the Roster Report ..................................................................................................... 125
Printing the Roster Report....................................................................................................... 126
Student Biographical Report....................................................................................................... 127
Reading the Student Biographical Report............................................................................... 127
Printing the Student Biographical Report ................................................................................ 128
Mark Distribution Report ............................................................................................................. 129
Reading the Mark Distribution Report ..................................................................................... 129
Printing the Mark Distribution .................................................................................................. 131
Test Answer Sheets (84914L) .................................................................................................... 132
Reading Test Answer Sheets (84914L) .................................................................................. 132
Printing Test Answer Sheets (84914L) ................................................................................... 134
Progress Over Time Report ........................................................................................................ 135
Reading the Progress Over Time Report................................................................................ 135
Printing the Progress Over Time Report ................................................................................. 136
Using the Posting Analysis Report ............................................................................................. 138
11 - Miscellaneous Utility/Web Menu Tools................................................................................139
Scanning Test Scores (84914L) ................................................................................................. 139
Scanner Settings ..................................................................................................................... 141
Using Scanner Diagnostics ..................................................................................................... 142
Reading the Diagnostics Display ............................................................................................ 143
Scanning Errors....................................................................................................................... 144
Delete Gradebook....................................................................................................................... 145
Diagnostics ................................................................................................................................. 146
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Emailing Staff/Parents................................................................................................................. 146
Emailing Staff Members........................................................................................................... 146
Emailing the Parent of a Student ............................................................................................. 147
Emailing the Parents of a Class/Section Roster...................................................................... 147
12 – Protecting Your Gradebook Data ........................................................................................ 149
Backing Up Your Gradebook Data.............................................................................................. 149
Windows Backup ..................................................................................................................... 149
Macintosh Backup ................................................................................................................... 150
Restoring Gradebook Data from Backup .................................................................................... 152
Index............................................................................................................................................... 153
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Welcome to Gradebook
The Gradebook features described in this manual are used in the classroom to collect and calculate a
student’s grades for assignments, quizzes, projects, and tests. As described here, Gradebook
automates the process of tracking students’ progress, generates and prints reports based on
Gradebook records, and assists in calculating and reporting final grades.
Topics in this manual include:
1 - Introduction
Provides an overview of accessing the Schoolmaster Gradebook and navigating its desktop, menu,
and keyboard features.
2 - Setting Up a New Gradebook
Provides setup information for configuring a new Gradebook.
3 - Customizing Your Gradebook
Describes how to establish workstation preferences, change the view order, change passwords, set
print options, and obtain/create mark tables.
4 - Understanding Calculations in Gradebooks
Demonstrates how marks are calculated and weighted.
5 - Configuration View
Explains how Configuration and Groups settings affect data entry and assignments. Demonstrates
how to use the view to establish default settings and assignment groups for the each class or coursesection roster.
6 - Students View
Basic information about each student assigned to the class/section roster may be viewed in the
Students view; includes each student’s primary guardian adult/parent name, phone, and email.
7 - Assignments View
Provides information about using this view to create, organize, and view the settings of assignments,
comments, and assignment calculations for the each class or course-section roster.
8 - Data Entry View
The Data Entry display lists the enrolled students, assignments, and marks much like a typical paper
gradebook; describes how to use the Data Entry view to enter assignment marks and calculate
grades based on those marks.
9 - Posting From Gradebooks to Schoolmaster
Provides steps to configure Postable Marks and post elementary, secondary, or standards grading
marks to Schoolmaster. Also describes posting progress reports to Schoolmaster for use on the
school Web site or EDLINE.
Gradebook (Network Edition)
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10 - Producing Gradebook Reports
Provides examples of each report and how to produce them.
11 - Miscellaneous Utility/Web Menu Tools
Demonstrates additional utilities and tools not covered elsewhere (scanning test scores, clearing or
deleting gradebooks, diagnostics, and send emails to parents or staff from the Gradebook).
12 - Protecting Your Gradebook Data
Describes how to protect your Gradebook data by making regular backups and regularly changing
your password.
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1 - Introduction
The Gradebook features described in this manual are used in the classroom to collect marks for
assignments, quizzes, projects, and tests and to calculate each student’s grades . As described here,
Gradebook automates the process of tracking students’ progress, generates and prints reports based
on Gradebook records, and assists in calculating and reporting final grades.
Unlike most Schoolmaster modules, Gradebook is run as a separate program. It establishes a
connection to the Schoolmaster database to obtain information about a teacher's classes/sections,
scheduling, and students and to post marks from the Gradebook to the Teacher Mark File.
Getting Help Using Gradebook
If you have problems using Gradebook or have trouble finding an answer to a question, it may be
time to contact your school’s Schoolmaster System Manager or the Schoolmaster Classroom
Manager (who primarily supports the classroom processes). They have an overall understanding of
the system and how it is configured in your school. If they cannot answer your question immediately,
they have toll-free telephone or Internet email access to Schoolmaster support technicians. The
division of duties between these positions is different in each school; in some schools, one person
may fill both roles. Before using Gradebook, find out how and when to contact the System Manager
and the Classroom Manager in your school.
Using Gradebook Electronic Documentation
Each Schoolmaster system updates electronic documentation, along with their system updates, by
downloading from our Web site (www.schoolmaster.com). Documentation downloads include the
online help files and manuals in PDF format that can be accessed independently of the program
(requires Adobe Acrobat Reader). Electronic documentation has many advantages, most notably:
• You can search for a word or phrase in one manual or across all of the manuals.
•
You can print multiple copies of specific sections.
•
When instructions refer to related information, you can jump right to the hyper-linked page or
manual.
•
As updates become available, they can be downloaded from the Schoolmaster web site.
You may access the documentation from the program or from the program folder. As the system is
updated, revised electronic documentation and online help files are available for downloading on the
Schoolmaster Web site.
Schoolmaster on the Web
Visit Schoolmaster's Web site and review the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page for answers to
the most common questions while you are learning the system. To access the FAQ, on the
Gradebook menu click Web, Open Schoolmaster Home Page (or open your Internet browser, type
www.schoolmaster.com in the Address or Location field, and press Enter). When the Schoolmaster
home page opens click Support and on the second button list click the FAQ button.
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Online Help
To access online help while using Gradebook, choose Help from the menu bar or press F1. The best
resource to consult when you have questions, online help is always available when Gradebook is
running. Online help thoroughly explains Gradebook terms, concepts, and features. You can print a
topic, search for and display topics, and read books that group related topics to help to enhance your
experience with the Schoolmaster Gradebook.
Preliminary Setup Activities (System Manager)
The Schoolmaster System Manager completes the following setup activities prior to access by
instructors.
ID, Password, and Classroom Rights
The Schoolmaster System Manager establishes a Login ID and Password, assigns rights as a
Classroom user, and shows how to access to the Gradebook module from classroom workstations.
Establishing Schoolmaster Connection or Disk Transfers
If the workstation accessing the Gradebook is connected with the school's network, the System
Manager or Classroom manager need only establish the proper path to the Schoolmaster database;
this enables teachers to download rosters from Schoolmaster and send marks and progress reports
to Schoolmaster whenever it is appropriate.
If the workstation is not able to connect with the network, the System Manager or Classroom
manager must transfer appropriate rosters to disk for each teacher and set up or tell the teacher
about the proper default mark table to be used for posting marks. When each teacher supplies
exported marks on disk the System Manager or Classroom manager must import them into
Schoolmaster.
The Schoolmaster Gradebook Data Export only exports secondary course-section
rosters; Schoolmaster does not export Elementary class rosters to disk. If class
rosters are required, they must be created manually (see Manually Adding a
Gradebook Page/Students).
Rosters To Download
Once a connection has been established to Schoolmaster, all of an instructor's assigned class rosters
may be download to Gradebook but only the rosters of course-sections with Collect Marks checked
are downloaded. The System Manager ensures that the course-sections are appropriately identified
to collect marks in the Schoolmaster Section: Roster view.
Mark Tables to Download
The Mark Table(s) downloaded to each instructor's Gradebook depend on the whether classes or
course-sections download for the instructor. If course-sections download, the Mark Table that is
imported is specified in the Setup, Secondary Grading, Preferences, Default Mark Table field. If
classes download, the first elementary mark table is imported and named Default. If the teacher has
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both classes and sections, the secondary default mark table AND the first elementary mark table are
imported. Note: If the secondary grading mark table is actually named Default, a
teacher with both classes and sections may receive only one mark table.
Additional Mark Tables
Instructors can create their own mark tables and link them to any class/section roster in their
Gradebook. If such personalized mark tables do not match the default mark table used for
Schoolmaster report cards, marks posted to Schoolmaster from that roster may result in errors in the
Teacher's Mark File (or subsequently in the Office Marks File). Therefore, it is important that
personalized mark tables contain valid Schoolmaster report card marks.
Logging Into Gradebook
Do not click the Schoolmaster icon to reach Gradebook.
To log into Gradebook:
• Windows -- If you have a Gradebook icon on your desktop, double-click it (or click Start,
Programs, Schoolmaster, Schoolmaster Gradebook).
•
Macintosh -- If you have a Gradebook icon on your desktop, double-click it (or, click the
Apple icon and browse to locate the Gradebook program).
In the Schoolmaster Gradebook Login dialog, enter the assigned user name (login name) and
password provided by the System Manager. For security purposes, the password does not display as
you type it; instead, diamonds are displayed. Click OK to proceed.
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When the blank desktop appears, choose File, Open from the menu bar to access the Classroom
Search dialog.
The Gradebook system is roster based. Initially, you will have one gradebook roster for your assigned
class or one each for your course-sections. This means that if you are an elementary school teacher
who teaches one class of first graders, you will start with one gradebook. If you are a high school
teacher, you will start with one gradebook for each course-section that you teach -- Biology section1,
Biology section 2, and so forth. In other words, there is a one-to-one relationship between your
gradebooks and the class or course-sections for which you enter attendance in the Schoolmaster
Student Information System.
Select a roster from among those assigned to you, and click OK.
For future use, Workstation Preferences may be used to automatically open the
roster selection list each time you start the module (see Setting Workstation
Preferences).
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The first time a roster is accessed, the scheduled students are downloaded from Schoolmaster as
soon as a course-section is displayed onscreen. Each time the Gradebook is accessed and the roster
is displayed for the first time on that day, the roster updates as needed with the latest entries in
Schoolmaster.
The Gradebook Desktop
The Schoolmaster Gradebook module runs in a window. The overall module window features a title
bar at the top, which identifies the name of the module and the person logged in. On the right side of
this bar are the standard buttons to minimize, maximize, or close the module window. Below the title
bar, is a menu of functions.
Within the module window, you may have one or several roster windows open (as shown below).
Each roster window has its own Title Bar displaying the active roster's Title, the current View, and
controls to Minimize, Maximize, or Close the roster. Below the roster title bar are arrow buttons to
access other rosters in the same window and view. The roster header displays the Title, coursesection or class ID, and Teacher. What is appears below these items depends of the View selected.
Click File, Open and select additional rosters to open multiple roster windows. You can even open
the same roster twice; opening the same Gradebook roster in separate windows does not create any
conflict as only one roster window is active and accepting changes at a time. When you switch to
another copy of the same roster, the entries are automatically updated to match the most recent
entries.
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Click any open roster window to make it the active one; click and drag the title bar of any roster
window to change its position on the Gradebook desktop. Click Window on the menu bar to arrange
the open rosters, to close all open rosters, or to list all open roster windows.
Using Menu Functions
Many activities start with menu selections. Functions listed in the drop-down menus are chosen in
accordance with Windows or Macintosh conventions. When menu choices are "grayed out," they are
currently unavailable. For example, until you copy something, the Paste command is gray. Some
menu items are controlled by the currently active view; for example, Display is only active in the Data
Entry and Assignment views. The Task menu options change to suit the activities supported by the
active view.
Accessing Schoolmaster's various features from the menu bar does not immediately launch
procedures or run reports; it only takes you to a location from which you can work with the selected
file, report, or procedure, such as deleting inactive students, printing test answer sheets, or posting
progress reports to PASS.
For a more detailed overview of menu options, see Menu Details.
When you are entering text from the keyboard, it may be inefficient to shift to the mouse to make
choices from the menu. Depending on your operating system, some common menu/submenu
operations can be accessed using shortcut keystrokes (for details see Gradebook Shortcut Keys) or
8
by pressing the underlined letter while holding down the Alt key. [Macintosh users with OS10 or later
may configure their workstation to activate menu options with the Option key]
For example, delete the selected assignment by pressing Ctrl+D (Macintosh =
to open the Task menu then Alt+S to activate Search/Replace.
+D) or press Alt+T
Menu Overview
Menu Options
File
Open the Gradebook's existing class/section rosters or closes the
currently active one, make a copy of the currently active roster with a new
title, set print options, print the window or table, and exit Gradebook.
Edit
Choices available from the Edit menu are:
•
•
•
•
•
Cut, Copy, Paste, and Delete -- Used as in any Windows or
Macintosh program. Undo is rarely available (when you make a
change, it is saved as soon as you leave that field).
Find Student -- Invokes the student search function within the
current class/section roster.
Workstation Preferences -- Allows you to change settings that
affect how you work (see Setting Preferences).
View Order -- Allows you to change the order that Views are listed
and opened. For example, you may arrange the views you use most
so they appear at the top of the list.
Change Password -- Permits you to change your Gradebook
password (see Changing Your Password).
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Menu Options
Display
Display is only active in the Data Entry or Assignment views. Options
available from the Display menu allow you to limit the visible assignment
or comment columns (see 8 - Data Entry View).
Task
Options available from the Task menu depend on the view in your active
window.
Report
Options available from the Report menu allow you to run Gradebook
reports (see Report Menu -- Description of Reports).
Setup
Options available from the Setup menu allow you to:
•
•
View/print the comment list imported from Schoolmaster.
View the Mark Table(s) imported from Schoolmaster or add new
ones particular to your needs.
Utility
Options available from the Utility menu allow you to import mark tables
from Schoolmaster, import/export information for use between
Gradebooks, to post information to Schoolmaster or PASS, to scan test
answer sheets, to clear or delete the Gradebook's class/section rosters,
and to perform various diagnostics.
Web
Use to post progress report that Schoolmaster uses to create Parent
Access Support System (PASS) pages, open Schoolmaster's home page
on the Internet, and email staff or parents.
Window
Indicates which windows/views are open. Use the options available from
the Window menu to switch between, arrange, or close open windows.
Help
On-line help is provided from the Help menu. Click Help, About to check
the Gradebook version and serial number you have installed. You can
also check the location of your server and program. Schoolmaster phone,
fax, Internet, and email contact information are listed. (See Using Help for
tips about using on-line help features, page ).
File Menu Details
File Menu Options
New
Add a new roster to the Gradebook manually.
Open
Open a roster window; repeat to open multiple roster windows.
Windows = Ctrl+O; Macintosh =
10
+O
File Menu Options
Close
Close the currently active roster window. If all roster windows are closed
(the desktop is blank) the module window closes; in this case it functions
the same as File, Exit.
+W
Windows = Ctrl+W; Macintosh =
Backup/Restore
Use to create a backup or restore data from a backup. Because you are
working outside of the Schoolmaster database and possibly off the
network, it is very important that you create backups to protect your data.
Print
Print the selected window or table. The output differs depending on what
is on the screen (for details, see Printing a View).
Windows = use Ctrl+P; Macintosh =
+P
Print Options
Use to adjust printing vertically or horizontally, to set the print font and
size, and to specify the default lines per inch as necessary to
accommodate your printer. Be aware these settings may cause what you
preview onscreen to differ from what actually prints. The default is Arial 10
for Windows (Macintosh OS10, Geneva; earlier Macintosh OS, System
10). For details, see Changing Print Options.
Print Setup
Use to access the Windows or Macintosh default printer settings to select
an alternate printer, change from Portrait to Landscape, or select a
different paper size/source (example below is from the Windows
operating system). For details see Changing the Print Setup.
Exit
Select to exit the module, closing all open roster windows.
Windows = Alt+F4; Macintosh = +Q
Edit Menu Details
Edit Menu Options
Undo
Changes to fields are written to the database as soon another field is
selected, when the window is closed, or when another window is opened.
Therefore, Undo is only available until you move to another field.
Windows = Ctrl+Z; Macintosh =
+Z
Use Cut, Copy, and Paste to copy or move text between Gradebook and other
programs (text from a Word document into Gradebook or the reverse), or
between text fields in Gradebook roster.
Cut
Copy the selected text to the clipboard AND remove it from the field.
Windows = Ctrl+X; Macintosh =
+X
11
Edit Menu Options
Copy
Copy the selected text to the clipboard leaving it in the field.
Windows = Ctrl+C; Macintosh =
Paste
+C
Paste the last text cut or copied into the current field.
Windows = Ctrl+V; Macintosh =
+V
Delete
Delete the selected text (to delete other items, such as assignments or
groups, use the Task menu options).
Find Student
Only active in the Data Entry view. Most often used while entering marks
for a particular assignment, it enables you to locate a student without
leaving the mark column.
Windows = Ctrl+S; Macintosh =
Workstation
Preferences
+S
Workstation Preferences allow you to customize Gradebook Start,
Display, and Message options. A radio button indicates you may click to
activate only one choice. A checkbox indicates you may click to
activate multiple choices; click again to remove a check.
These settings are specific to the workstation or
computer, not the logon ID. If you access Schoolmaster
from various workstations, you must establish these
settings on each.
Edit View Order
Use to change the order in which views available in the roster window,
either in the drop-down list or when you click the up/down arrows.
Change Password
Initially, the System Manager assigns a login name and password.
Thereafter, the maintenance of a secure password is your responsibility. It
is recommended that you change your password regularly. After the initial
change, no one but you knows your password, not even the System
Manager. Should you forget or lose your password, ask the System
Manager to reset your password.
Display Menu Details
Only active in the Data Entry view. The currently active display option has a check on the Display
menu. If the selected Display is other than All Assignments, the display option is also noted in the
Assignment Detail area at the bottom of the Data Entry view.
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You can set the Data Entry view to display assignments in reverse date order.
When active, it is NOT noted in the detail area (see Setting Workstation Preferences).
Display Menu Options
All Assignments
All Assignments is the default display setting. If an alternate display
setting has been operating, click to return the display to the default.
Selected Group
Click to limit the assignments shown to a selected Group (e.g., Classwork
only).
Calculations Only
Click to limit the assignments shown to calculated mark columns.
Postable Columns
Only
Click to limit the assignments shown to postable mark columns.
Select Date Range
This feature can be used with any of the options above to limit the display
to assignments that fall within the specified date range (e.g., only
Classwork assignments dated between Oct. 1 and Oct. 30).
Set Overall Column
Use this to define the operation of the Overall column that follows student
names in the Data Entry view -- date range, whether or not calculated
columns are included, and so forth (see Changing the Overall Column
Display).
By default, the first Overall column displays a mark
calculated from all existing assignments except
calculated mark assignments and those not assigned to
any group. The Overall mark is also affected by
Configuration view settings such as Use Missing Marks
and Total Points.
Task Menu Details
The Task menu lists functions that are applicable to the active view; they change to suit activities in
the current view. See the following to review the activities possible in each view:
• Chapter 5 - Configuration View, Task Menu Options
•
Chapter 6 - Student view, Task Menu Options
•
Chapter 7 - Assignment View, Task Menu Options
•
Chapter 8 - Data Entry View, Task Menu Options
13
Report Menu Details
See Chapter 10 - Producing Gradebook Reports.
Setup Menu Details
Setup Menu Options
Teacher
Stores information about the instructor. If present, may appear in some reports.
Mark Table
View the Mark Table(s) imported from Schoolmaster and create mark tables for
specific assignment group purposes. Postable marks require the use of the school's
Mark Table as maintained in Schoolmaster.
Comments
View the list of comments imported from Schoolmaster; to print the comment list
choose File, Print, Table.
Utility Menu Details
Utility Menu Options
Establish
Schoolmaster
Connection
Use to establish a connection between the classroom computer and the
Schoolmaster database on the network.
Import Schoolmaster When connected to the Schoolmaster database, click this option to import
Rosters
information about your classes/students.
Import Mark Tables
Use to import mark tables from the Schoolmaster system; provides the
choice of Elementary/Standards or Secondary mark tables.
Import Assignments
(XML)
Import selected assignments into a class/section assignment set from an
XML file.
Export Assignments
(XML)
Export selected assignments from a class/section assignment set to an
XML file.
Post Marks to
Schoolmaster
When connected to Schoolmaster, click this option to export Postable
marks from your Gradebook to Schoolmaster’s Teacher Mark File.
Scan Test Scores
(84914L)
Scan test answer sheets using Schoolmaster form 84914L. The results
are posted to a selected assignment column.
Import Rosters from
Disk
If your school has Schoolmaster running on a single computer in the
office or your classroom computer does not have a connection to your
school’s network, your System Manager or Classroom Manager can
create a disk to transfer rosters, comments, and student information; use
this option to import from the disk into your Gradebook.
14
Utility Menu Options
Export Marks to Disk
If your classroom computer does not have a network connection to
Schoolmaster, you can use this option to put your marks on a disk so they
can be imported into Schoolmaster.
Delete Gradebook
Closes all open Gradebooks, then allows you to select and delete a class,
its rosters, and marks from your Gradebook.
CAUTION—THERE IS NO UNDO OPTION.
Diagnostics
Generally used only when a problem is encountered. Diagnostics may be
used by your Systems Manager or at the direction of the Schoolmaster
Technical Support.
•
•
•
•
•
Compact/ Rebuild
Printer Diagnostic -- This function lets you print a sample page,
identify the borders and margins of the page, and evaluate
measurement, distance, and position indicators.
I/O Diagnostic -- The I/O Diagnostic takes a single measurement of
the network's ability to move data. Those with Schoolmaster DSS
(client/server), use this diagnostic to test connection speed to the
server hosting the client program.
Scanner Diagnostic -- The Diagnostics window shows the current
form and scanner settings; the name of the attached optical mark
reader (scanner) appears under the form name. The Scan Form
button is used to read a form and display the results, line by line, on
the lower half of the window.
Network Diagnostic -- The Network Diagnostic tests the overall
performance of the network by simulating the activity produced when
Gradebook repeatedly accesses a database. It is very useful for
diagnosing problems associated with local machines, network
devices, wiring, and the file server.
Open INI File (Windows) or Open Preferences File (Macintosh) -- As
directed by Technical Support, System Managers may access the INI
file or Preferences file to edit specific system default settings in a text
editor (e.g., Notepad, Wordpad, etc.).
Generally used only when a problem is encountered. Use when advised
to by your Systems Manager or at the direction of the Schoolmaster
Technical Support.
Web Menu Details
Web Menu Options
Progress Export
(PASS)
The Progress Export option was created for the Parental Access Support
System (PASS) utility. The Gradebook PASS utility extracts selected student
information from the class/section roster and converts it to HTML files that
the System Manager can post to the school or district Internet site.
15
Web Menu Options
EDLINE Progress
Export
Use to pass Progress Reports to Schoolmaster for use on the EDLINE utility.
The EDLINE utility in Schoolmaster extracts selected student information
from the class/section roster that can be posted to EDLINE.
Open
Schoolmaster
Home Page
Choose this menu option to automatically open your default browser and
connect to Schoolmaster's home page on the World Wide Web
(www.schoolmaster.com).
Email Staff
Members
Must have an active connection to Schoolmaster to use.
Use this option to use send email messages to other staff members. The
utility lists all Staff whose Phones and Addresses records include an email
address, allows selection of specific staff, opens your email program, and
creates a new blank message addressed to the selected staff.
Does not require connection to Schoolmaster.
Email Parents
Use this option to email messages to adults/parents associated with selected
class/section roster(s). The utility lists the students whose Phones and
Addresses records include an email address, opens your email program,
adds the specified a subject line, and creates a new blank message
addressed to the selected parents.
Window Menu Details
Window Menu Options
Close All
Close all open class/section roster windows.
Cascade
Stacks all open class/section roster windows so that each title bar is
visible and may be clicked to make a window active.
(Displayed Rosters)
Lists all open class/section roster windows; the active window is checked.
Use to navigate to an open window not easily visible on the desktop.
Help Menu Details
Help Menu Options
Contents
Opens the online Gradebook help included with the Gradebook program.
Search for Help On
Opens the online Gradebook help at the search window; type text that
narrows the topics offered (e.g., type the label of a field in a dialog to see
topics in which that field is referenced).
16
Help Menu Options
About
Use to check the Gradebook version and serial number you have installed
or the location of your server and program. Schoolmaster phone, fax,
Internet, and email contact information are also listed.
Gradebook Shortcut Keys
Windows
Macintosh
Result
Ctrl+A
+A
Data Entry and Assignment views -- Add Assignment -- Opens
the Add Assignment dialog.
Ctrl+C
+C
All views/all fields -- Copy -- Copy the selected text to the
clipboard leaving it from the field.
Ctrl+D
+D
Data Entry and Assignment views -- Delete Assignment -Deletes the selected assignment.
Ctrl+E
+E
Data Entry view only -- Edit Note -- Functions the same as clicking
the Edit Mark Note button; allows adding, editing, or clearing of a
note for the selected student's assignment.
Ctrl+F
+F
Data Entry view only -- Fill Mark Column -- Opens the fill column
utility to fill blank mark cells in the selected column with a userselected mark.
Ctrl+L
+L
Data Entry and Assignment views -- Add Calculated Mark
Column -- Adds an assignment column for a calculated mark.
Ctrl+M
+M
Data Entry and Assignment views -- Copy (Duplicate)
Assignment -- Copies the selected assignment settings to another
assignment
Ctrl+O
(letter, not
zero)
+O
All views -- Open Class Search -- Opens the class search dialog
to open a class/section roster in a new window on the Gradebook
desktop; repeat to open multiple roster windows.
Ctrl+P
+P
All views -- Print -- Print the selected window or table. The output
differs depending on what is on the screen (for details, see Printing
a View).
Ctrl+S
+S
Data Entry view only -- Find Student -- Most often used while
entering marks for a particular assignment, it enables you to locate
a student without leaving the mark column.
Alt+F4
+Q
All views -- Quit -- Close all open windows and exit the Gradebook
program.
17
Windows
Ctrl+U
Macintosh
+U
Result
Students view -- Update Roster -- Immediately checks the
class/section roster against the Schoolmaster database and
updates if necessary. Does not update Archived/Inactive rosters.
Rosters are automatically updated when they are
accessed for the first time each day as long as
there is a connection to the Schoolmaster
database.
Ctrl+V
+V
All views/editable fields -- Paste -- Paste the last text cut or copied
into the current field.
Ctrl+W
+W
All views -- Close -- Close the currently active roster window. If all
roster windows are closed (the desktop is blank) the module
window closes; in this case it functions the same as File, Exit.
Ctrl+X
+X
All views/editable fields -- Cut -- Copy the selected text to the
clipboard AND remove it from the field.
Ctrl+Z
+Z
All views/editable fields -- Undo -- Changes to fields are written to
the database as soon another field is selected, when the window is
closed, or when another window is opened. Therefore, Undo is
only available until you move to another field.
F12
Apple+/
(forward
slash)
Cycle though all open Windows on the Gradebook desktop
(particularly useful for those running on an ASP).
Printing from Gradebook
See also: Chapter 3 - Customizing Your Gradebook
Printing -- Output Destinations
When printing reports, letters, or labels you are prompted to choose an output destination:
• Click Screen to see the job onscreen and then, after reviewing it, click Print to send the job
to the printer.
If you select Screen, preview a few pages, and then click Print, the entire report
may not be printed. Only those pages you viewed were actually generated. To
be sure you print all of the report, either continue clicking Next until all pages
have been generated, or click Close, click Print again, and select Printer.
18
•
Click Printer to send the job directly to the printer.
•
Click Text File to send the job to a disk file.
Printing -- Landscape Orientation
Occasionally, the information printing requires more room and necessitates changing to the
landscape orientation (the print appears across the 11" width of the document rather than the 8½"
width). In most cases, when you click Print you are prompted to change your printer setup.
•
Click Change if you want to change the output to landscape prior to viewing the report
onscreen or printing it. When your operating system's Print Setup dialog displays, click
Landscape (or Wide) and click OK.
•
Click Print only if you plan to print to a
text file.
When you log out of Schoolmaster the default
orientation resets automatically to portrait.
For details, see Changing the Print
Setup.
Printing a View
More sophisticated print options are often available in reports.
The options below are available from the Data Entry, Students, or Assignments views. The
Configuration view, printed by Table, is restricted to the Group settings. The most common reason for
printing a Gradebook view in this manner is to print a special sort you have created (e.g., Students
view sorted by first name rather than last name or ID; Assignments view sorted by Group) or to print
according to the Display options set in the Data Entry view.
1. Choose File, Print from the menu bar.
2. Specify what to print.
19
► Click Window to print exactly what appears onscreen.
•
Advantages -- Includes the views header information; this may include information not
included in the fields for the current view (e.g., the Student: Primary Data view header
includes enrollment Status).
•
Disadvantages -- Prints all the window title and navigation bars and the control buttons. If
your table is too long to display in one window even after resizing the window to fill the
screen, only what is currently showing on the screen prints. The output is automatically
directed to the default printer (it can't be displayed on screen or sent to a text file).
► Click Table to print all the fields in the view in a full-page format; you are prompted to choose
the output destination (you can preview onscreen) and the output is formatted much like a
report.
20
•
Advantages -- The list of fields is printed without the window bars and buttons. You can
choose the output destination to print to the screen, printer, or a text file.
•
Disadvantages -- Every column currently displayed on the view is included. If the output
does not fit on the Portrait page orientation, there is no automatic prompt to change to
Landscape. Preview onscreen and change the Print Setup, if necessary (see Changing
the Print Setup).
2 - Setting Up a New Gradebook
When you open Gradebook for the first time, you see only an empty Gradebook desktop and the
Gradebook menu. If your System or Classroom Manager has already imported your rosters, click
File, Open, select a class/roster, and click OK to begin.
If the initial setup has not been done for you, your gradebook must be setup by importing student,
teacher, Mark Table, and class information from Schoolmaster’s databases (below). It is possible to
use Gradebook without ever importing from or exporting to Schoolmaster, but you must manually
enter teacher, student, and class information.
Your school’s Schoolmaster System Manager, the Classroom Manager, or the teacher may complete
these tasks. All of the setup information is presented here with no reference to who will perform the
tasks, though some require access to menu options that may be restricted to particular users at your
school.
There are two options for importing information from Schoolmaster. Either the Schoolmaster System
Manager or Classroom Manager creates a disk with the information you need, or you connect to the
Schoolmaster database on your school’s network and import the information.
Importing Schoolmaster Data from a Network
Importing data from Schoolmaster on your school’s network is a three-step operation. First create a
connection to the network, import the rosters you need, and disconnect from the Schoolmaster
database. When rosters are imported, the selected class/section rosters, student and parent/adult
information, default mark table (as identified in Schoolmaster), comment file, and teacher information
from the Staff File are provided by the network import.
Connecting to the Schoolmaster Database
To import information about students and classes to Gradebook, the workstation being used must
have been used to run Schoolmaster at least once; this creates an .ini file (Macintosh, prefs file) that
supplies the path to Schoolmaster data. You also need a Schoolmaster Login ID and Password (this
password may be different from your Gradebook password if you changed your password in
Gradebook).
1. Choose Utility, Establish Schoolmaster Connection from the menu bar. The first time this is
selected, the checkbox No Connection is checked.
21
If the Path field is empty, the workstation has never been used to access
Schoolmaster. As noted above, this must be done at least once prior to
connecting the Gradebook.
2. Click the No Connection checkbox to uncheck it.
3. Enter the Login Name and Password you use to login to Schoolmaster; this allows Schoolmaster
to identify the database information you require.
4. The checkbox Update Rosters Daily is, by default, not checked. If the workstation is on the
network and your rosters are still in flux, you may want to check this option to remain connected
to Schoolmaster. When activated, Gradebook will check your rosters against the network
database once a day when you open each class Gradebook. If you disconnect from
Schoolmaster, this option is disabled.
5. Click OK.
6. A connection confirmation message is displayed if Schoolmaster is successfully contacted and is
able to identify the instructor. Click OK to complete the process.
Importing Your Rosters
The selected class/section rosters, a default mark table (as identified in Schoolmaster), and teacher
information from the Staff File are provided by the network import.
1. Once the connection to Schoolmaster is in place, choose Utility, Import Schoolmaster Rosters
from the menu bar.
22
2. Select Section or Class to indicate the type of rosters to be imported.
3. Select the rosters to be imported (click a single selection, click Select All, or hold down the Ctrl
or Command ( ) key and click to select two or more items).
4. Press OK when your selection is complete.
5. If a class/section roster has previously been imported, a dialog prompts for a new name.
•
Click Cancel to skip import of this roster.
•
Create another copy of the class/section roster; add a term designation to the existing name
or change the name, then click OK.
6. Click File, Open to access the rosters and student information. Click Setup, then choose
Teacher, Mark Table or Comments to see the imported information for each.
23
Disconnecting from Schoolmaster
1. Choose Utility, Establish Schoolmaster Connection from the menu bar. The checkbox No
Connection will be unchecked. (If this box is checked, you are already disconnected.)
2. Click the No Connection checkbox to check it.
3. If checked, the Update Rosters Daily option is disabled. Click OK to complete the disconnect
process or Cancel to abort.
Gradebook Data Transfer Without Network Connection
The Schoolmaster Gradebook Data Export only exports secondary course-section
rosters; Schoolmaster does not export Elementary class rosters to disk. If class
rosters are required, they must be created manually (see Manually Adding a
Gradebook Page/Students).
If your school has Schoolmaster running on a single computer in the office or your classroom
computer does not have a connection to your school’s network, your System Manager or Classroom
Manager creates a disk with the class/section rosters, your students and their parent/adult
information, the comment file, and basic teacher information from the Staff File.
This import does not include a default mark table. For marks that are to be posted to Schoolmaster
for report cards, a mark table must be created that matches the mark table in Schoolmaster. Contact
you school's System Manager or Classroom Manager for details about the mark table to use.
Exporting Rosters from Schoolmaster to a Disk
Follow the steps below to provide Schoolmaster data to Gradebooks not connected to the school's
network. In order to import from a 3rd party student information system, see details on the
Schoolmaster Web site (go to www.schoolmaster.com, click Support, FAQs, and select Importing
from or Exporting to a 3rd Party Gradebook).
1. In Schoolmaster, choose Utility, Import/Export, Gradebook Data Export.
24
2. Establish the specifications.
Report Setup Page 1
Teachers
Select the teacher(s) with course-sections to be exported to disk. Click
to select a single item, click Select All, or hold down the Ctrl or
Command ( ) key and click to select multiple items.
Export Directory
Click Browse and navigate to the location/folder where the export files
are to be stored. A file name isn't required.
Terms
Select the term(s) to be exported.
3. Click Export.
4. After the course-section rosters for the selected teacher(s) and term(s) are exported, a
confirmation similar to the one above displays; click OK to return to Schoolmaster.
The export creates the following files: GMCMNT.DAT - A copy of the Comment
File, GMCRS.DAT - The exported course-sections, GMINS.DAT - The basic
teacher data (Schoolmaster ID, name, room number), and GMROS###.DAT (### represents the teacher's Schoolmaster ID) The rosters and associated
adult/parent information.
Importing Rosters from a Disk (from Schoolmaster to Gradebooks)
1. Obtain the disk with your rosters from the Schoolmaster System Manager or Classroom Manager.
Insert the disk into your floppy drive.
2. Choose Utility, Import Rosters from Disk from the menu bar.
25
3. Click Browse.
4. Navigate to your floppy drive, select the proper location, and click OK.
5. Click Import.
26
6. Select the desired rosters or click Select All, then click OK.
7. A Gradebook is created with each roster selected. Click File, Open to access the rosters and
student information. Click Setup, then choose Teacher or Comments to see the imported
information for each.
8. Create a mark table if marks will be posted to Schoolmaster from the Gradebook (see page Mark
Tables).
Exporting/Importing Marks to Disk (from Gradebooks to
Schoolmaster)
For information see Posting Marks to Schoolmaster Using a Disk.
Manually Adding a Gradebook Page/Students
You can create a Gradebook without importing any information from the Schoolmaster database by
creating each class Gradebook manually (and entering student information manually). When you add
a Gradebook page, you add it to your existing Gradebook.
Or, you may have imported information about your regular classes but you also want to track
activities for non-class groups. For example, you may supervise a group of students for after-school
activities, discipline, or inter-school programs. You can create a Gradebook page, enter the students’
information, and create and track these group activities as easily as you would your regular classes’
activities.
During a roster update, if Schoolmaster encounters students other than those
registered for your classes, it marks their status as D for Deleted (indicating that
they may have been deleted from your rosters in Schoolmaster). You may ignore
the D status, but be sure you do not use the Students view Task menu option
Delete Inactive Students.
1. Choose File, New from the menu bar.
2. Enter a title and ID for the new page. You must make an entry in each field, but entries do not
have to be unique. If you intend to post marks from this page to Schoolmaster, you must use the
school’s ID for the class/section but you may use any title you prefer.
3. Click OK.
4. When the prompt "Associate Gradebook with Existing Roster" appears, respond Yes to use
rosters already imported for other classes or respond No if you plan to add students manually.
5. If you responded Yes, select the Gradebook from which you want to copy the roster and click OK.
27
Teacher Information
Teacher information is imported along with class/section rosters and appears on Gradebook reports.
If you do not import rosters by connecting to Schoolmaster or loading it from a disk, enter teacher
information manually.
1. Choose Setup, Teacher from the menu bar.
2. Enter the requested information in the following fields, pressing Tab to move from field to field.
Teacher Information Options
First Name
Required -- Teacher’s first name.
Middle Name
Optional -- Teacher’s middle name.
Last Name
Required -- Teacher’s first name.
(unlabeled field)
Optional -- This unlabeled field is provided to record entries such as Jr.,
III, etc.
Preferred
Optional -- Add a nickname or preferred name if desired.
Salutation
Optional -- Add a salutation if desired (Mr., Ms., Mrs., Dr).
Search Tag
Optional–Used when more than one teacher has the same name to
help differentiate between them. For example, if there are two Jonathan
Smiths, one may use the search tag Jon. The search tag appears
behind the regular name in lists.
Phone
Optional–Add phone number if desired. You do not need to type
parenthesis or dashes; the number formats automatically. Enter the
area code in the first field, the prefix in the second field, and the fourdigit number in the next. The final field may note an extension number,
a note that the number is a cell phone, etc.
ID
Teacher’s Schoolmaster ID number. If you are exporting marks to a
disk, it is very important that this number matches the SM ID number
assigned to you by the school.
3. Close the dialog when entries are complete.
28
3 - Customizing Your Gradebook
Setting Workstation Preferences
Workstation Preferences control Gradebook Start, Display, and Message options. A radio button
indicates you may click to activate only one choice. A checkbox indicates you may click to activate
multiple choices; click again to remove a check.
These settings are specific to the workstation or computer, not the logon ID. If you
access Schoolmaster from various workstations, you must establish your
preferences on each.
1. Click Edit, Workstation Preferences.
2. Click Startup and activate one of the two options:
•
Do Nothing -- Open Gradebook to a blank desktop
•
Select a Class -- Open the Classroom Search dialog listing you assigned classes each time
Gradebook opens.
3. Click Display and activate one or more of the options:
29
•
Show Headers on Reports -- Include the print date, print time, school name, page number,
etc. at the top of each report.
•
Data Entry - Display Assignments in Reverse Order -- Shows assignments with the most
recent dates first, reversing the default date order display of assignments (e.g., normally
Sept.-Dec., reverses to display Dec.-Sept.). Works with all assignment display options
(selected groups, selected date range, etc.).
•
Screen Font -- By default, text you type in Gradebook fields, on buttons, and on lists is
displayed in the default screen font (Windows, Arial 10; Macintosh OS10, Geneva; earlier
Macintosh OS, System 10). Click here to select a different font for that text, including
typeface and/or size. Text may be truncated for larger sizes. If a roster window is open when
the change is made, close the roster window to implement the change.
Note that the text of reports previewed onscreen is set using Print Options and
is not affected by Screen Font changes.
4. Click Messages and activate one or both options:
•
A reminder to post progress report for use on PASS each time you exit (see information
about Posting Gradebook Progress Reports).
•
Prompt at quit to run backup utility.
5. Click Save to save the settings or Cancel to abort.
Changing the View Order
Use this feature to change the order in which views appear or are listed. For example, if you use the
Data Entry and Student views most of the year, move them to the top of the list; when configuring
assignments and groups, move the Assignments and Configuration views to the top.
Unless you edit the View Order, the Data Entry view appears first when a Gradebook window is
opened; otherwise, the Gradebook opens to the first view in the view list.
1. Chose Edit, View Order on the menu.
30
2. Arrange the items on the List to be Built (right) side in the preferred order.
•
To change the order, select a view in right-hand list and click the Up or Down button to move
the view up or down.
•
To remove a view from the list, select the view in right-hand list and click Clear.
•
To add/return a view to the list, select the view on Master List (left) side and click Add.
3. When satisfied, click OK.
4. If a roster window is currently open, it may be necessary to change views before the new view
order to take effect.
Changing Your Password
Initially, the System Manager will assign to you a login name and password. Thereafter, the
maintenance of a secure password is your responsibility. You should change your password when
you start using Schoolmaster or Gradebook, and regularly thereafter. After the initial change, no one
but you knows your password, not even the System Manager. Should you forget or lose your
password, ask the System Manager to reassign a password for you.
1. Choose Edit, Change Password from the menu bar to open the Change Password dialog.
2. Passwords are not case sensitive; upper and lower case letters are ignored when you use your
password. Type entries as follows:
31
Fields in the Change Password Dialog
Current
Carefully type your current password. Each character you type will be
masked with a diamond. Press Tab to advance to the next field.
New
Type your new password. Press Tab to advance to the next field.
Verify
Re-type your new password.
3. Click OK to continue. If the Current password is correct and the New and Verify fields match, your
password will be changed.
Changing the Print Setup
Gradebooks use Print Setup to change the page orientation between portrait and landscape, to print
from a specific paper tray, or to send your job to a printer other than your default printer. When you
change your printer's orientation or paper source you are changing it within Gradebook only. These
settings remain in effect until you exit your Gradebook or reset them. If you wish to print other reports
using other settings, return to the Print Setup dialog or exit Gradebook and login again so the print
options return to the default settings.
Normally, if you send a report to the
printer and Schoolmaster detects that it
requires the Landscape setting, you are
prompted to change the setting to
landscape mode:
To return your settings to Portrait or to set
the orientation whenever desired, follow
the directions below.
1. Choose File, Print Setup from the
menu bar to open the Print Setup
dialog (the example below is the
Windows Print Setup dialog).
Macintosh users switch
printers and paper source
using Apple Menu,
Chooser.
2. Edit the settings; most often to switch
between Portrait and Landscape
modes or to change the Paper Source
when printing forms.
3. Click OK when finished.
32
Changing Print Options
The font, font size, and lines per inch settings for printing directly affect the amount of data that may
fit on printed reports. Also, printing laser scan sheets or pre-printed forms often requires precise
alignment adjustments to the horizontal and/or vertical print alignment. You may enter decimal
fraction adjustments to four or more positions (e.g., .253469) but most printers don't print with the
precision necessary to produce a visible shift after four decimal places.
Printing font size does not affect Screen font size but if the two are very different,
what you see onscreen when preview a report before printing may not correspond
to what prints.
1. Choose File, Print Options from the menu bar to open the Print Options dialog.
2. Edit the settings.
Fields in the Print Options Dialog
Vertical
Increasing this value will move the print image from left to right. Moving
it too far to the right will cut off the right portion of the report. Decreasing
this value will move the print image to the left.
Horizontal
Increasing this value will move the print image from top to bottom.
Moving it too far down will cut off the bottom of the report. Decreasing
this value will move the print image up.
Font
Select the desired printer font and size.
Default Lines per
Inch
Select the desired default number of lines per inch.
3. Click OK when finished. The changes will take effect immediately.
Mark Tables
Gradebook mark table(s) are imported from the Schoolmaster database to enable posting of marks
for report cards. A mark table identifies the breakpoints in the marks that correspond to particular
33
alpha grades. Each class/section is associated with a single mark table. The mark table allows
Gradebook to perform two tasks:
• Convert the numeric marks entered for assignments to an alpha grade. Though postable
marks are posted as whole numbers (no decimals), decimal values (96.5 or 89.95) are
permitted in mark tables so that numeric values are not rounded to the nearest whole number
before looking up the alpha equivalent.
•
Convert alpha marks entered for assignments to numeric marks for use in calculated mark
columns.
Any class/section Gradebook with Postable grades must use the school’s standard mark table.
Teachers may have more than one mark table and use a non-standard mark table with some
classes/sections as long as those assignments will not be marked as Postable. Postable marks are
always rounded to the nearest full number; Schoolmaster does not support postable marks with
decimal places.
Included for each mark in the table are Alpha Mark, Conversion Threshold, and Averaging Value. The
Alpha Mark is the mark symbol -- A, B, C, etc.
The Conversion Threshold enables the program to determine a mark's range of numeric equivalents
(e.g., 85 through 93 results in a B and 94 through 100 results in an A) and from that range, express a
numeric mark in alpha form (e.g., any mark 85 or above = B and until it reaches the next mark's
conversion value -- any mark 94 or above = A).
The Averaging Value enables the program to convert a mark entered as an alpha mark to a numeric
mark (e.g., B = 85) for use in Calculated Mark columns or calculations such as computing a grade
point average or class rank. If its Averaging Value field is blank, a mark will not be included in mark
averaging computations.
How Mark Tables Are Automatically Imported
Only one mark table is automatically imported during the first import of data from Schoolmaster; that
is the mark table identified in secondary grading preferences as the Default Mark Table is imported
(Setup, Secondary Grading, Preferences, Defaults area, Mark Table field). Regardless of the
name given the mark table in Schoolmaster, it is named Default in Gradebook when it is imported. If
in Schoolmaster, the Default Mark Table or the mark table itself are changed, the Mark Table in the
Gradebook is not updated.
Creating Customized Mark Tables
Instructors have the ability to create their own mark tables and link them to any class/section roster in
their Gradebook. If such customized mark tables do not match the mark table used in Schoolmaster
for report cards, marks posted to Schoolmaster from that roster may result in errors in the Teacher's
Mark File (or subsequently in the Office Marks File). Therefore, instructors who find the mark tables
available for import from Schoolmaster do not meet their needs should consult the System Manager
before creating customized mark tables.
Adding Non-numeric Marks: Add non-numeric marks such as MU for Make Up or D for Drop to the
mark table with a blank threshold and averaging value. Such marks signal that this assignment, for
this student, does not count as a missing mark; its effect is to remove the points possible for that
34
assignment from mark calculations. Whether displaying alpha or numeric, the non-numeric mark
displays as entered (because it doesn't have a conversion value).
Posting Non-numeric Marks: Non-numeric marks with a blank numeric equivalent and conversion
value post the label (as above, MU, D, etc.) not a zero.
1. Click Setup, Mark Table.
2. Click Task, Add Classroom Mark Tbl.
Fields in Add Mark Table
Title
Enter a descriptive title such as Primary K2 or Kindergarten. The mark
table title should distinguish it from other tables.
Maximum
Enter the maximum mark value (the default is 100). This represents the
maximum numeric mark value that can be given in marks to which this
table is attached.
35
4. Click Add Alpha Mark and establish the mark specifications.
Alpha
Enter the alpha mark. Sample entries include A, B+, P, #, *, +, and NA.
The alpha mark must be unique within the table.
Conversion
Threshold
The lowest numeric mark that triggers the conversion to your alpha
mark. For example, if an A+ results for marks of 97-100, the conversion
threshold is 97. Required if numeric-to-alpha conversions are
anticipated; otherwise optional. A mark's conversion Threshold must
exceed that of the mark below it; marks are listed in descending value
order.
Skip if this mark is to be ignored when calculations are performed.
If the Maximum (as entered above) is other than 100,
the conversion threshold you use will be percentages
rather than numeric marks. For example, if your
maximum is 50 and a numeric mark of 47 minus 50 is
an A+, 47 is the lowest mark resulting in an A+, but
the entry for Conversion Threshold is 94%. (47 divided
by 50 = 94).
36
Averaging Value
Used when teachers enter an alpha mark rather than entering a
numeric mark; allows the alpha mark to be converted to a numeric
value for calculations. For example, if an A+ is typed and 97-100 is the
range for an A+, 98.5 is the average of that range and would be the
Averaging Value entered for an A+. Required if alpha-to-numeric
conversions and subsequent use of alpha marks in arithmetic
operations are anticipated; otherwise optional.
The averaging value field of marks such as I (incomplete) and S
(satisfactory) that are not typically used in averaging are left blank.
If you use a Maximum other than 100, the averaging
value you use will be percentages rather than numeric
marks. For example, if your maximum is 50 and a
numeric mark of 49 minus 50 is an A+, 49.5 is the
average mark but the entry for Averaging Value is
98%. (49 divided by 50 = 98).
Calc. Override
If all assignments in a Group must be completed to receive a grade,
create a grade like I for Incomplete, make no entry for Conversion
Threshold or Averaging Value, and check the Calc. Override box. When
grades are calculated, it ignores all marks entered if an I is among them
and returns a final grade of I for Incomplete.
Calc. Nullify
If you have entries to withdraw students with a pass or fail, use this
option to cancel any calculations and report this grade. For example,
create rows for WP and WF (withdraw pass or withdraw fail) and check
this option for both to export WP/WF rather than a grade based on their
marks.
5. Use the Up/Down buttons to position the alpha marks as desired.
37
38
4 - Understanding Calculations in Gradebooks
Many teachers who use Gradebook never need Gradebook’s full calculation power. But to automate
the grade calculations currently performed by hand, start by understanding Gradebook’s calculation
engine process and rules. This chapter explains how calculations are processed and provides
numeric examples that help teachers understand and use the powerful and versatile calculation
engine in Gradebook.
The marks displayed in the Data Entry view represent an assessment of the day-to-day work
completed by students. The mark columns in the Data Entry view may contain either:
• Assignment Scores -- Entered by the instructor as numeric or letter scores that are
compared to the points possible and mark table; they represent the student's
performance/mark on one assignment.
•
Calculated Marks -- Not entered by the instructor, these are automatically calculated marks
based on assignment scores for a selected group of assignments, date range, or combination
of the two; they represent the student's performance for the selected assignments. Calculated
marks are often used to provide the final mark posted to Schoolmaster.
Assignments may also be used to store and post comments, but these are not used
in calculations.
In Schoolmaster calculations, rounding does not take place until the results are displayed; then, the
number of decimals displayed depends on the option set in the Configuration view Precision field.
Postable marks are always rounded to the nearest full number; Schoolmaster does not support
postable marks with decimal places. In the calculations examples, rounding to four places is used
only to simplify/condense the illustrated calculations.
Assignment Scores
Unless certain special options are in effect, only those assignments with scores
entered affect calculations; this means that assignments may exist in the
Gradebook, but have no effect on calculations until a score is entered.
When an assignment meant for entry of scores by the instructor is created, it is assigned two
elements that are required for calculations, a Value that represents the maximum points it is possible
to earn and a weight that represents the assignment's contribution to calculations that involve other
assignments.
Assignments with No Score (Blank) vs a Zero Score
When a zero (0) score is entered for an individual student's assignment, it significantly
impacts calculations! When an assignment has no score entered (the student's assignment cell is
blank), the points possible for the assignments are not included in calculations unless the Use
Missing Marks option is active for all students. When a zero is entered for an assignment, the points
possible for that assignment are included in calculations, resulting in a lower mark.
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Special Score Entry NA
The Gradebook always provides an entry NA (not applicable), that allows the teacher to exempt a
student from any individual assignment. It is not necessary to have an NA entry in the Mark Table, it
is automatically available at all times.
Aside from exempting an assignment from mark calculations, the NA entry clearly differentiates
excused assignments from missing assignments on progress reports.
This mark is particularly useful when the Use Missing Marks option is active; it allows teachers to
remove assignments not yet available or due from calculations.
Assignment Score Entry and Display
The instructor may enter either a numeric or an alpha score. Subsequently, the results may be
displayed as alpha or numeric marks (as designated in the Assignment view). In the Data Entry view
Assignment Detail area, the marks that are displayed are the result of a calculation of the assignment
score and the assignment value (points possible) which is evaluated according to the Mark Table
associated with the class/section (assignment weight comes into consideration when the calculation
involves other assignments). The most basic calculation of a mark is:
Assignment Score divided by Assignment Value
The results of the calculation above are evaluated according to the Mark Table associated with the
class/section as follows:
Assignment's
Display is
Teacher enters
Mark as displayed
For Calculations
Alpha
Alpha mark
Alpha as entered.
Uses the Averaging Value of the
alpha mark from the mark table.
Alpha
Numeric mark
Alpha based on the
Uses the numeric entry.
Conversion Threshold of
the mark table.
Numeric
Alpha mark
Displays the Averaging
Value of the alpha mark
from the mark table.
Uses the Averaging Value from the
mark table.
Numeric
Numeric mark
Numeric as entered.
Uses the numeric entry.
Alpha Marks as Assignment Scores
If alpha marks are entered as assignment scores, the Averaging Value in the associated Mark Table
supplies a numeric value to serve as the Assignment Score in calculations.
Since calculations using alpha marks are based on the Averaging Value, they are not as precise as
numeric marks. Therefore, the use of numeric scoring of assignments is strongly recommended; it
40
allows calculations using exact scores rather than averaging values. The calculations are more
precise and predictable when numeric scores are entered.
Assignment Weights and Mark Calculation
Though not often done, an individual assignment may be given a weight that affects its contribution to
calculations involving other assignments and the Overall mark. Lowering the Weight of one
assignment most often occurs when a teacher decides to discount the scores for that assignment. For
example, if everyone in the class struggled with an assignment and got low marks, the teacher may
do additional classwork to resolve the problem and discount the scores for that assignment for the
entire class. In this case, during calculation that include this assignment, the scores for each
assignment involved are evaluated as follows:
(Assignment Score divided by Assignment Value) x Assignment Weight
For example, all assignments have a weight of 100 while the discounted assignment has a weight of
25. Each individual assignment is calculated as shown above and the result is that the discounted
assignment has much less impact in the calculation.
This method is rarely used because teachers prefer to use the Drop Lowest option or
because the resulting marks may appear skewed with no apparent cause for the
discrepancy.
Calculated Marks
Calculated marks allow you to add an additional degree of sophistication to the Gradebook. Create
calculated mark columns to show student performance for a particular week, for a date range (e.g.,
half term progress, month, etc), or for a particular assignment group (e.g., homework, classwork,
etc.). A calculated mark column may be configured to compute and post a final mark to Schoolmaster
that uses simple or complex assignment and group weights as discussed below.
Remember, assignments with no score entered (Blank) and assignments with a
score of zero are significantly different in calculations. When an assignment has no
score entered (the student's assignment cell is blank), the points possible for the
assignments are not included in calculations unless the Use Missing Marks option is
active for all students. When a zero is entered for an assignment, the points
possible for that assignment are included in calculations, resulting in a lower mark.
Weights in Calculations
The <Overall> calculation and calculated marks may use weights to make some assignments or
groups of assignments worth more in calculations than others. For example, use assignment weights
to make the first quarter exam contribute only 40% toward overall grade while the second quarter
exam counts for 60% or assign group weights such that all exam assignments count for twice as
much in a calculated mark as homework or classwork assignments.
For details about establishing groups see Group Settings in the Configuration View.
When a Gradebook recalculates, the program scans all assignment columns, identifies assignments
that are members of the same group, and within the group it uses the Configuration view group
settings to perform appropriate assignment calculations where scores exist. It arrives at a percentage
41
score for each assignment in the group, multiplies it by assignment weight, compares the results to
the Mark Table associated with the class/section and determines the appropriate assignment marks.
For <Overall> or calculated mark columns that involve groups, the calculation includes the Group
Weight calculation.
Relative vs. Percentage Weights
There are two methods for designation of weights, both supported within the Schoolmaster
Gradebook:
• Relative Weighting -- Weights are assigned relative to others. For example, if the Homework
group has a weight of 1 while the Exams group has a weight of 3, then an exam score is
worth 3 times more than a homework score in computations.
•
Percentage Weighting -- Each group has a weight associated, but all weights added
together total 100. For example, the Exam group has a weight of 50, the Classwork group a
weight of 25, the Quiz group a weight of 15, and the Homework group a weight of 10 -adding the group weights gives a total of 100.
Generally, teachers, parents, and students find it much easier to interpret
percentage weighting.
Group Weight Interaction in Calculations
When you calculate assignments within a group, they may have differing Assignment Values (points
possible) but usually have the same Assignment Weight. For clarity in the following group weight
example, assume the same value and weight for each assignment within a group; all Homework
assignments have a Value of 25 points possible with a Weight of 100, while all Exams have a value of
100 points possible and a weight of 100. Each assignment, no matter the group, is calculated as:
(Assignment Score divided by Assignment Value) x Assignment Weight
A typical calculation for a Homework assignment for which the student had 17 correct is:
(17 divided by 25) x 100 = 68 -- According to the assigned Mark Table = D+
A typical calculation for an Exam assignment for which the student had 93 correct is
(93 divided by 100) x 100 = 93 -- According to the assigned Mark Table = A
When the assignments in these two groups are used in a calculation involving each group's weight
<Overall> or a calculated mark, the results may differ widely depending on the weights of the groups
(the groups below use percentage weighting).
The example shows a single assignment in each group for simplicity's sake though
normally, each group contains multiple assignments with multiple values that are
calculated prior to the calculations involving group weight.
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Group Weights
Homework = 100
Exam = 100
(total weight possible 200)
Homework = 10
Exam = 90
Homework = 90
Exam = 10
Calculation
Result
[(Score 17 divided by value 25) x
weight 100/200] PLUS [(Score 93
divided by value 100) x weight
100/200]
.34 + .47 = 81%
According to the assigned
Mark Table = B-
[(Homework 17 divided by value 25) .068 + .837 = 91%
x weight 10/100] PLUS [(Exam 93
Mark Table = Adivided by value 100) x weight
90/100]
[(Homework 17 divided by value 25) .612 + .093 = 71%
x weight 90/100] PLUS [(Exam 93
Mark Table = Cdivided by value 100) x weight
10/100]
Optional Settings That Affect Calculations
Unless the following options are in effect, only those assignments with scores entered affect
calculations. Assignments may exist in the Gradebook but have no effect on calculations until a score
is entered.
Effect of the Drop Lowest Option in Calculations
When the class/section Configuration view has one, some, or all of the groups showing a check for
Drop Lowest, the effect is that for each student, assignments in the group are evaluated and the
lowest mark from among all assignments in the group, is dropped from calculations along with its
points possible. The lowest mark is determined by percentage (points earned divided by points
possible). Therefore, the points possible within a group may differ from student to student, depending
on the value of the assignment dropped.
Effect of the Use Missing Marks Option in Calculations
When the class/section Configuration view Default Settings Area shows a check for Use Missing
Marks, the effect is that all existing assignment affect calculations. In other words, if no score is
entered, a zero score is assumed and all assignment values (points possible) are used within the
group calculation and between group calculations.
The Gradebook always provides an entry NA (not applicable), that allows the
teacher to exempt a student from any individual assignment. It is not necessary to
have an NA entry in the Mark Table, it is automatically available at all times.
Entering a zero (0) for one student's assignment has the same effect but does not
affect the calculation of other students/assignments.
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Effect of Mark Table Option Calc Override
If all assignments in a Group must be completed to receive a grade, the mark table includes an alpha
mark like I for Incomplete that has a check in the Calc. Override box. The result is that, during
calculation, all marks are ignored if an I is among them and a grade of I for Incomplete is reported.
Effect of Mark Table Option Calc Nullify
If you have entries to withdraw students as pass or fail, this option cancels all calculations and
reports pass/fail. For example, the mark table contains entries for WP (withdraw pass) and WF
(withdraw fail), with this option checked for both; all marks are ignored and WP/WF is reported.
Overall Column Default Calculation Method
According to the preferences of the instructor, the Overall column in the Data Entry view can be
hidden, be set to calculate on a date range of assignments, be replaced with a calculated mark,
and/or may ignore or include calculated mark assignments (see Changing the Overall Column
Display).
However, by default, the Gradebook calculates individual assignment performance, group
performance, and the Overall mark as follows:
• Each assignment mark is entered, calculated, compared to the associated Mark Table, and
displayed:
Assignment Performance = (Score divided by Value) x Assignment Weight
•
Assignments that are members of the <Overall> group or calculated mark columns calculate
Group Performance scores (including optional settings such as Drop Lowest and Use Missing
Marks described in Optional Settings That Affect Calculations):
Group Performance = (Sum of Scores divided by Sum of Values) x Group Weight
• The Group Performance scores are used to calculate the Overall mark, the results are
compared to the associated Mark Table, and displayed.
<Overall> = Sum of Group Performance
Calculation Example - Overall Column Default Calculation (with
Weights)
The following example assumes that assignments within a group have the same weight (all are 100).
Group Weights in the example use the percentage method; the sum of all group weights is 100 so
that group weights represent percent of contribution to the Overall mark. Homework contributes 25%,
Classwork contributes 25%, and Exam contributes 50% of the Overall mark.
1. Within the group Homework:
a.
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As each score was entered the assignment performance calculated as follows:
• Homework 1 Score is 10 and Value is 15 (so 10/15 = 67 for this assignment)
•
Homework 2 Score is 12 and Value is 15 (so 12/15 = 73 for this assignment)
•
Homework 3 Score is 8 and Value is 10 (so 8/10 = 80 for this assignment)
b.
The group performance for the various member assignments of the Homework group are
calculated. The Homework Group weight is 25. So the Homework Group calculation is:
[(10 + 11 + 8) divided by (15 + 15 + 10)] x 25 so
(29 divided by 40) x 25
= 18.125 Homework Performance
2. Within the group Classwork:
a.
• Classwork 1 Score is 50 and Value is 75 (so 50/75 = 67 for this assignment)
•
b.
Classwork 2 Score is 70 and Value is 100 (so 70/100 = 70 for this assignment)
• Classwork 3 Score is 65 and Value is 100 (so 65/100 = 65 for this assignment)
The group performance for the various member assignments of the Classwork group are
calculated. The Classwork Group weight is 25. So the Classwork Group calculation is:
[(50 + 70 + 65) divided by (75 + 100 + 100)] x 25 so
= 16.818 Classwork Performance
3. Within the group Exam:
a.
b.
• Exam 1 Score is 390 and Value is 500 (so 390/500 = 78 for this assignment)
• Exam 2 Score is 180 and Value is 200 (so 180/200 = 90 for this assignment)
The group performance for the various member assignments of the Exam group are
calculated. The Exam Group weight is 50. So the Exam Group calculation is:
[(390 + 180) divided by (500 + 200)] x 50 so
= 40.714 Exam Performance
4. The sum of all Group Performance marks is calculated to provide the <Overall> mark.
Homework 18.125 + Classwork 16.818 + Exam 40.714 = 75.657 <Overall> Mark
5. The <Overall> mark is compared to the Mark Table associated with the class/section to provide
the appropriate alpha mark.
Examples of Configuration/Group/Assignment Setup and
Calculation
The following examples walk through setting up groups, assignment, and weights from the most basic
(no weights and no groups) to the most complex (groups with weights and calculated marks with
additional weights). The detailed examples show how to configure groups and assignments and gives
numeric examples of the resulting calculations.
All the examples use the Mark Table shown below to convert the final numeric mark to an alpha mark
according the Conversion Threshold.
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In Schoolmaster calculations, rounding does not take place until the results are displayed; then, the
number of decimals displayed depends on the option set in the Configuration view Precision field. In
the examples that follow, rounding to four places is used only to simplify/condense the illustrated
calculations.
Example 1 - No Groups-No Weights
This is the most generic and simple setup for a Gradebook. In this case, all assignments count toward
and are of equal weight toward the final grade and the Overall column's calculation is sufficient to
serve as the postable mark.
Example 1 - Configuration/Group Setup
In this case, it is not necessary to use assignment groups. But, in order to be included in the Overall
calculation, an assignment must belong to some group. Therefore, replace the name of the default
Classwork group with two hyphens (--); the group name is -- or blank. In the Configuration view
Default Settings area, Default Group field select -- (blank).
46
Example 1 - Assignment Setup
Add assignments with the -- group association. For the postable mark column, simply add a
calculated assignment that calculates on the group <Overall> for the required grading period's date
range, make it postable for that grading period, and set its assignment weight to 0. The circled
assignments shown below are used in the numeric calculation example that follows.
Example 1 - Score Entry
Enter the assignment scores. The circled assignments scores below are used in the numeric
calculation example that follows.
Example 1 - Numeric Calculations
1. Each score is entered and the assignment performance calculated as follows:
•
Assignment (Cls6) Score is 10 and Value is 15 (so 10/15 = 67 for this assignment)
•
•
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2. The <Overall> performance for the various assignments group is calculated. All assignments
have a weight of 100; they contribute equally to the <Overall> mark.
(Sum of Scores divided by Sum of Values) x Weight = <Overall> Performance
So the <Overall> calculation is:
[(10 + 12 + 8) divided by (15 + 15 + 10)] x 100 so
= 75 <Overall>
and from mark table Conversion Threshold (Overview of all examples), the Overall mark = C
This mark appears in the Overall column AND in the calculated mark column added
to contain the postable mark.
Example 2 - One Group-No Weights-Drop Lowest
This basic setup uses one group with the Drop Lowest option active. This configuration uses a
calculated mark column that calculates on the single group or <Overall> to provide the postable mark.
The calculation of the postable mark is identical to the Overall column default calculation example
previously detailed UNLESS the Drop Lowest option has been checked. The example that follows
uses the default Classwork group to detail how the Drop Lowest option affects the calculation.
In the Configuration view, name the group (or use the default Classwork group); establish the most
common Default Value, Default Display, Weight (100 for this example), and Drop Lowest settings. In
the Default Settings area Default Group field select this group's name.
In this case, all assignments belong to that group and it is used to calculate the postable mark (rather
than the <Overall> group).
48
Add assignments associating all assignments with the group Classroom. For the postable mark
column, simply add a calculated assignment that calculates on the group Classroom for the required
grading period's date range and make it postable for that grading period. The circled assignments
shown below are used in the numeric calculation example that follows.
1. Within the group Classwork, as each score was entered, the assignment performance calculated
as follows:
•
Classwork (Cls4) Score is 50 and Value is 75 (so 50/75 = 67 for this assignment)
•
Classwork (Hwk4) Score is 70 and Value is 100 (so 70/100 = 70 for this assignment)
•
Classwork (Qz4) Score is 65 and Value is 100 (so 65/100 = 65 for this assignment)
49
2. In the calculated mark column, while the group performance for the various member assignments
of the Classwork group are calculated, the one assignment with the lowest assignment
performance, BY PERCENTAGE not by points, is identified. In this example, the third assignment
above, at 65%, is the lowest. The score and value for that assignment are dropped from the
calculations. The Classwork Group weight is 100, so the Classwork Group calculation with Drop
Lowest is:
[(50 + 70 + 65) divided by (75 + 100 + 100)] x 100 so
(120 divided by 175) x 100
= 68.57 Classwork Performance
and from mark table Conversion Threshold (see Overview of all examples), the Classwork/Overall
mark = D+
This mark appears in the Overall column AND in the calculated mark column added
to contain the postable mark.
Example 3 - Multi Groups-No Weights-Drop Lowest
This is another basic setup for a Gradebook (all assignments count toward and are of equal weight
toward the final grade) but uses multiple groups to satisfy the need to track progress for certain types
of assignments. These groups are often added to Progress Reports to show how performance in
each area contributes to the overall grade earned by a student. In this case, multiple groups organize
assignments into trackable groups, calculate progress marks for the assignment groups, and
calculate the postable final grade based on <Overall>.
The calculation formula for each group is the same unless the Drop Lowest option is active in one,
several, or all of the groups. If such is the case, each group with the option active calculates as
shown below.
Group Performance = (Sum of Scores divided by Sum of Values) x Group Weight
Note that because there are 3 groups of equal weight in this example, each
contributes a weight of 100/300 (or 1/3) to <Overall>; Group Weight =.33333
In this example, three groups are used to organize typical assignments; the group names may be any
you prefer. These groups are often added to Progress Reports to show how performance in each
area contributes to the overall progress of a student.
• Classwork -- Representing participation and contribution in classroom activities. For the
calculation example, Drop Lowest is active for this group.
•
Homework -- Representing assignments completed outside the classroom. For the
calculation example, Drop Lowest is active for this group.
•
Quiz -- Representing chapter/segment assessment (generally not finals/exams). For the
calculation example, Drop Lowest is NOT active for this group.
Select the group likely to have the most numerous assignments as the Default Group; for the
example, Homework was selected. Note the Drop Lowest settings are checked for the example that
follows.
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Create assignments, associating them with appropriate groups. Create calculated assignments for
each group, with appropriate term date ranges, and an assignment weight of 0. These may be added
to progress reports.
For the Semester Final postable mark, add a calculated assignment that calculates on the group
<Overall> for the required grading period's date range and make it postable for that grading period.
The circled assignments shown below are used in the numeric calculation example that follows.
51
1. Within the first group, Classwork, as each score was entered the assignment performance
calculated as follows:
•
•
•
2. The group performance for the various member assignments of the Classwork group are
calculated. The Classwork Group weight is 100 and Drop Lowest is active. With Drop Lowest
active, the lowest percentage assignment performance is 65% for assignment 3, so the score 65
and value 100 are dropped from the calculation:
[(70 + 82 + 65) divided by (75 + 100 + 100)] so
(152 divided by 175) = 87% Classwork Mark = B+
and
(152 divided by 175) x 100/300 = .2895 Classwork Contribution to Overall
3. Within the next group Homework, as each score was entered the assignment performance
calculated as follows:
•
Homework (Hw1) Score is 8 and Value is 15 (so 8/15 = 53 for this assignment)
•
•
4. The group performance for the various member assignments of the Homework group are
calculated. The Homework Group weight is 100 and Drop Lowest is activated. With Drop
Lowest active, the lowest percentage assignment performance is 53% for assignment 1, so the
score 8 and value 15 are dropped from the calculation:
(8 + 9 + 6) divided by (15 + 15 + 10) so
(15 divided by 25) = 60% Homework Mark = Dand
(15 divided by 25) x 100/300 = .1999 Homework Contribution to Overall
5. Within the next group, Quiz, as each score was entered the assignment performance calculated
as follows:
52
•
Quiz (Q1) Score is 390 and Value is 500 (so 390/500 = 78 for this assignment)
•
•
6. The group performance for the various member assignments of the Quiz group are calculated.
The Quiz Group weight is 100 and Drop Lowest is NOT active. So the Quiz Group calculation
is:
(390 + 180 + 85) divided by (500 + 200 + 100) so
(655 divided by 800) = 82% Quiz Mark = Band
(570 divided by 700) x 100/300 = .2456 Quiz Contribution to Overall
7. The sum of all Group Contributions to Overall is calculated to reach the Overall mark.
Homework .1999.2895 + Quiz .2456 = 74 Overall Mark
and from mark table Conversion Threshold (page Overview of all examples), the Overall mark = C
Example 4 - Multi Groups-Weights-Progress Marks
The example that follows is a typical use of groups/assignments organized into groups, assigned
proportionate weights for each group. It features calculated marks that provide a postable weighted
mid-term progress mark, a breakdown of progress by assignment type, and a postable weighted final
grade for the term.
The primary benefit of this process is that the calculated mark columns provide visible and meaningful
progress marks in the Data Entry view. The image above illustrates how the breakdown by
assignment type/groups is useful in the Data Entry view (or added to Progress Reports). It clearly
shows how performance in each area impacts the student's overall grade; the student's Quarter 1
mark has been significantly lowered by low scores in classwork and homework.
As in the previous calculation example, three groups are used to organize typical assignments; the
group names may be any you prefer. The weight given to each group provides a proportionately
heavier/lighter importance toward the calculation of the postable marks.
• Classwork -- Typically worth 10, 75 or 100 points (default set to 10), entered as numeric
points, with a weight toward the Overall mark of 40 (worth twice as much Quizzes).
•
Homework -- Typically worth 10 or 50 points (default set to 10), entered as numeric points,
with a weight toward the Overall mark of 40 (worth twice as much Quizzes).
•
Quiz -- Typically worth 25, 200, or 500 points (defaults set to 25), entered as numeric points,
with a weight toward the Overall mark of 20 (worth half as much as Classwork and
Homework).
Two groups are added to organize calculated marks; the group names may be any you prefer. The
asterisk added to the names in this example was added as a convenient way to display them together
in the Configuration view and indicate their use for calculations. For both groups, Value is irrelevant
except that assigning the Default Value of 100 allows the Data Entry view Assignment Detail area to
display useful information (numeric value of the mark and its percentages). The display is set to alpha
53
because numeric scores are not entered for calculated marks. The most important entry for these
groups is that the Weight is set to zero -- they do not contribute to the Overall calculation; they
calculate on assignments that are members of <Overall> using assignment weights.
•
*Qtrs/Prog -- Used to calculate quarter or progress marks. Each has an assignment weight
of 100 toward the final semester grade.
•
*Semester -- Used to calculate semester grades in multi-semester (year-long) courses. Each
has an assignment weight of 100 toward the final year's grade.
Group Weights in this example use the percentage method; the sum of all group
weights is 100 (e.g., Homework 40%+Classwork 40%+Quiz 20%=100% Overall).
The graphic below shows typical assignments in the appropriate groups (see Adding Assignments).
The assignments with checks in the Calc column are calculated mark assignments added to calculate
Quarter or Progress marks and provide a weighted contribution to calculation of the Semester Final
mark.
54
The QUARTER 1 FINAL MARK assignment highlighted above is a member of the group *Qtr/Prog
and has an assignment weight of 100. It is postable to the Secondary Mark Position Quarter 1. It
calculates on members of <Overall> (that is, all groups contributing to the Overall mark) and has a
date range limiting it to assignments in the first quarter. The Quarter 2 Final Mark has similar settings
except that it posts to Quarter 2 and calculates on the quarter two date range.
As shown above, each assignment group has a calculated mark that provides the breakdown of
progress by assignment type. They are not assigned to a group and have a weight of zero (either of
which would ensure that they do not affect the Overall calculation).
The semester 1 final calculation (above) is a member of the *Semester group (used to compute the
end of year mark). It is postable to the Secondary Mark Position Semester 1. It calculates on the
*Qtr/Prog group (the quarter 1 and quarter 2 marks); and has a date range limiting it to assignments
in the first semester.
If the course is multi-semester (e.g., year-long) create calculated assignments for semester 1 and 2
that are members of the *Semester group, add quarter 3 and 4 assignments and calculated marks as
previously described, and create a Year Final calculated assignment that has no group membership
and calculates on the *Semester group with a date range encompassing the entire class/section term.
Enter the assignment scores. The circled assignments scores below are the quarter 1 scores used in
the numeric calculation example that follows. The score that appears in red with the black dot in the
upper right corner has a note attached.
55
In the image above, note that an assignment (Qz3) has no score entered, it is
blank. Therefore, the points possible for the assignment are not included in
calculations (unless Use Missing Marks is active for all students -- see Establishing
Default Setting Options). Entering a zero (0) for any assignment significantly
impacts calculations! When a zero is entered, the points possible for that
assignment are included in calculations, lowering the mark.
At the end of the first grading period (quarter):
1. Within the group Classwork, first quarter:
a.
• Classwork (Cls1) Score is 68 and Value is 75 (so 68/75 = 91% for this assignment)
•
b.
Classwork (Cls2) Score is 72 and Value is 100 (so 72/100 = 72% for this assignment)
• Classwork (Cls3) Score is 65 and Value is 100 (so 65/100 = 65% for this assignment)
(68 + 72 + 65) divided by (75 + 100 + 100) so
(205 divided by 275) = 74.5% Classwork Mark = C
and
(185 divided by 275) x 40 = 29.8181 Classwork Contribution to Calculations
2. Within the group Homework, first quarter:
a.
• Homework (Hwk1) Score is 20 and Value is 50 (so 20/50 = 40 for this assignment)
•
b.
Homework (Hwk2) Score is 32 and Value is 50 (so 32/50 = 64 for this assignment)
(20 + 32 + 6) divided by (50 + 50 + 10) so
(58 divided by 110) = 52.7% Homework Mark = F
and
(58 divided by 110) x 40 = 21.0909 Homework Contribution to Calculations
3. Within the group Quiz, first quarter:
a.
b.
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• Quiz (Qz1) Score is 425 and Value is 500 (so 425/500 = 85 for this assignment)
The group performance for the various member assignments of the Quiz group are
calculated. The Quiz Group weight is 20. So the Quiz Group calculation is:
(425 + 184) divided by (500 + 200) so
(609 divided by 700) = 87% Quiz Mark B+
and
(590 divided by 700) x 20 = 17.4000 Quiz Contribution to Calculations
4. A calculated mark column that calculates on the group *Qtr/Prog for the proper date range
calculates the first Progress/Qtr Mark by summing all the Group contribution marks calculated
according to their weights:
Classwork 29.8181 + Homework 21.0909 + Quiz 17.4000 = 68.3090 1st Quarter
and from mark table Conversion Threshold (see Overview of all examples), the Overall mark = D+
At the end of the second grading period (quarter):
5. Within the group Classwork:
a.
• Classwork (Cls4) Score is 65 and Value is 75 (so 65/75 = 87 for this assignment)
•
b.
• Classwork (Cls6) Score is 88 and Value is 100 (so 88/100 = 88 for this assignment)
(65 + 79 + 88) divided by (75 + 100 + 100) so
(232 divided by 275) = 84.4% Classwork Mark = B
and
6. Within the group Homework, second quarter:
a.
•
b.
Homework (Hwk5) Score is 46 and Value is 50 (so 46/50 = 92 for this assignment)
(35 + 46 + 8) divided by (50 + 50 + 10) so
(89 divided by 110) = 80.9% Homework Mark = Band
7. Within the group Quiz, second quarter
a.
b.
The group performance for the various member assignments of the Quiz group are
calculated. The Quiz Group weight is 20. So the Quiz Group calculation is:
(470 + 187) divided by (500 + 200) so
(657 divided by 700) = 93.9% Quiz Mark = A
and
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8. A calculated mark column that calculates on the group *Qtr/Prog for the proper date range
calculates the second Progress/Qtr Mark by summing all the Group contribution marks calculated
according to their weights:
Classwork 33.7454 + Homework 32.3636 + Quiz 18.7714 = 84.8804 2nd Quarter
9. The 2nd Progress mark is compared to the Mark Table associated with the class/section to
provide the appropriate alpha mark; the 2nd Progress mark = B.
At the end of the final grading period for the class/section (semester):
10. A calculated mark that calculates on the group *Qtrs/Prog for the proper date range calculates
the final mark for the grading period. Since the group's weight is 100, note that in this case, the 2
progress assignments each contribute a weight of 100/200 (or 1/2) to the calculation; Group
Weight =.5. If the grading period contains more or less progress marks, the weight multiplier is
adjusted. For this example, the final grade calculation is:
(1st progress 72.1427 + 2nd progress 88.2466) x .5 = 80.1946 Final mark
11. The Final mark is compared to the Mark Table associated with the class/section to provide the
appropriate alpha mark; the Final mark = B-.
Example 5 - Multi Grps w/Wgts-Progress Marks-Calc Mark Grps w/Wgts
This example uses both group and assignment weights. Though many teachers may never require
the level complexity shown, this example demonstrates some of the advanced operations possible in
the Gradebook.
This calculation example uses the Configuration settings detailed in the previous example; but it adds
further layers of sophistication. Rather than using the <Overall> group to calculate the Quarter final
mark, the progress marks for each assignment group and a quarter exam are used to calculate a
weighted final quarter mark (members of the *Qtr/Prog group with assignment weights):
Quarter marks = Classwork 30% + Homework 30% + Quiz 30% + Quarter exam 10%
Semester final marks are calculated in a similar manner, the marks for each quarter final and a
semester exam are used to calculate a weighted Semester final mark (members of the *Semester
group with assignment weights: Qtr 1 40% + Qtr 2 40% + Semester Exam 20%).
A year-long course could continue the calculations using the Semester group
members and a year-end exam to provide the year's final mark.
Again, the primary benefit of this process is that the calculated mark columns provide visible and
meaningful progress marks in the Data Entry view. In the example above, the quarter 3 mark for
Homework assignments (Q3-Hwk) significantly reduces the quarter final mark (Q3FGrd). Note that
the quarter 3 final mark of D+ differs from the Overall mark of C due to the group and assignment
weights that are be described in this example.
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As in the previous example, three groups are used to organize typical assignments; the group names
may be any you prefer. This example does not use the Drop Lowest Option. The weights given to
each group provide an example of how to give a proportionately heavier/lighter importance toward the
calculation of a final mark.
Establish the three assignment group options as follows:
• Classwork -- Typically worth 75 or 100 points (default set to 100), entered as numeric points,
•
Homework -- Typically worth 50 or 100 points (default set to 50), entered as numeric points,
•
Quiz -- Typically worth 200 or 500 points (default set to 200), entered as numeric points, with
a weight toward the Overall mark of 20 (worth half as much as Classwork and Homework).
Two groups are established to organize calculated marks.
• *Qtrs/Prog -- Used to calculate progress marks or quarter grades. The group has a weight of
0 (zero) toward Overall; it is not used in <Overall> calculations.
•
*Semester -- Used to calculate semester grades in multi-semester courses. The group has a
weight of 0 (zero) toward Overall; it is not used in <Overall> calculations.
The group names for the calculated mark columns may be any you prefer; the asterisk was added as
a convenient way to display them together in the Configuration view and indicate their use for
calculations. For either group, Value is irrelevant except that assigning the Default Value of 100
allows the Assignment Detail area to display useful information (numeric value of the mark and its
percentages). The display is set to alpha because numeric scores are not entered for these
calculated marks. The most important entry for these groups is that the Weight is set to zero -- they
do not contribute to the Overall grade.
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The example below shows typical assignments assigned to the appropriate groups (see Adding
Assignments). The assignments with checks in the Calc column are calculated mark assignments
added to calculate Quarter/Progress marks and to calculate the Semester Final mark.
The Quarter 3 final exam highlighted above is a member of the *Qtr/Progress group and is not
included in the <Overall> group calculations (group weight = 0). But it has an assignment weight of 10
when used in the calculations that follow. Note that Qtr3 Progress marks are calculated for each
assignment type, each assignment belongs to the *Qtr/Progress group, and each has an assignment
weight of 30 when used in the quarter final mark calculations that follow.
GA postable Comment also appears below the Final Grade; it is not active in any of
the calculations but it is assigned a posting position.
Note that the assignment weights of the *Qtr/Prog assignments give each a percentage weight in
calculating the final grade for the quarter. The Quarter 3 Final Grade assignment highlighted above is
assigned to the group *Semester; is assigned to be postable to the Secondary Mark Position Quarter
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3; calculates on members of the *Qtr/Prog group with a date range limiting it to assignments in the
third quarter; has an assignment weight of 40 when used in the semester final mark calculations that
follow.
The Quarter 4 Final *Qtr/Prog assignments for each assignment type have similar settings but
calculate on the quarter four date range. The Quarter 4 Final Grade has similar settings -- it belongs
to the *Semester group, posts to the secondary mark position Quarter 4, calculates on the *Qtr/Prog
group for the quarter four date range, and has an assignment weight of 40 when used in the semester
final mark calculations that follow.
The *Semester group includes these assignments: the Semester Final Exam assignment weight of 20
(previous page) the Quarter 3 final grade with an assignment weight of 40, and the (shown above)
Quarter 4 final grade assignment weight of 40. Each assignment in the *Semester group contributes
the assignment weight toward the term's final mark.
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The Semester 2 final grade calculation has no group membership because the example is for a one
semester course. It is assigned to be postable to the Secondary Mark Position Semester 2; calculates
on the *Semester group; and has a date range limiting it to assignments in the second semester.
If the course is multi-semester (e.g., year-long) the Semester Final Grades would be members of a
*Year group, along with the Year Final Exam. The Year Final Grade would be calculated by an
assignment that has no group membership and calculates on the *Year group for the entire
class/section date range. The Semester Final Grades and Year Final Exam may be given differing
percentage assignment weights if desired.
Enter the assignment scores for Quarter 3.
As shown below, note that the Overall column mark and the final mark for Quarter 3 (Qtr3FGrd) differ.
The Overall is based on all the assignments in the Homework, Classwork, and Quiz groups but does
not include the Q3 Exam because it is a member of the *Qtr/Prog group with zero weight toward
Overall. The exam has a weighted contribution toward the Quarter 3 final mark.
Enter the assignment scores for Quarter 4 (scores shown are used for the calculation example).
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At the end of the first grading period (quarter):
1. Using the figures in the previous example, the calculated mark column that is a member of the
*Qtr/prog group calculates for each assignment group (the group weight of each is 30):
a.
b.
c.
For Homework (Hwk2, Hwk3, Hwk4):
(20 + 32 + 6) divided by (50 + 50 + 10) so
(58 divided by 110) = 52.7% Homework Mark = F
and
For Classwork (Cls2, Cls3, Cls4):
(63 + 65 + 68) divided by (75 + 100 + 100) so
(196 divided by 275) = 71.2% Classwork Mark = Cand
For Quizzes (Qz3, Qz4):
(410 + 173) divided by (500 + 200)] x 50 so
(583 divided by 700) = 83.2% Quiz Mark = B
and
2. For the quarter exam assignment that is a member of the *Qtr/Prog group, the score is entered
and calculates as follows (the assignment weight is 10):
score 65 divided by value 100 = 65% Quarter Exam Mark = D
and
(65 divided by 100) x 10 = 6.5000 Quarter Exam Contribution to Calculations
3. The Qtr Final mark is calculated in a mark column that is a member of the *Semester group. It
calculates on the group *Qtr/Prog for the proper date range (and has an assignment weight
toward the semester final of 40). The weighted Group contribution marks sum as follows:
Hmwrk 15.8181 + Clsswrk 21.3818 + Quiz 24.9857 + Exam 6.5000 = 68.6856 3rd Qtr Mark
and from mark table Conversion Threshold (see Overview of all examples), the 3rd quarter mark =
D+
At the end of the second grading period (quarter):
4. Using the figures in the previous example, the calculated mark column that is a member of the
*Qtr/prog group calculates for each assignment group (the group weight of each is 30):
a.
b.
c.
For Homework (Hwk5, Hwk6, Hwk7):
(35 + 46 + 8) divided by (50 + 50 + 10) so
(89 divided by 110) = 80.9% Homework Mark = Band
For Classwork (Cls5, Cls6, Cls7):
(65 + 79 + 88) divided by (75 + 100 + 100) so
(232 divided by 275) = 84.3% Classwork Mark = B
and
For Quizzes (Qz6, Qz7):
63
(470 + 187) divided by (500 + 200)] x 50
so
(657 divided by 700) = 93.8% Quiz Mark = A
and
5. The 4th quarter exam score is a member of the *Qtr/Prog group. The score is entered and
calculates as follows (the assignment weight is 10):
score 75 divided by value 100 = 75% Quarter Exam Mark = C
and
(75 divided by 100) x 10 = 7.5000 Quarter Exam Contribution to Calculations
6. The Qtr Final mark is calculated in a mark column that is a member of the *Semester group. It
calculates on the group *Qtr/Prog for the proper date range (and has an assignment weight
toward the semester final of 40). The weighted Group contribution marks sum as follows:
Hmwrk 24.2727 + Clsswrk 25.3090 + Quiz 28.1571 + Exam 7.5000 = 85.2388 4th Qtr Mark
from mark table Conversion Threshold (see Overview of all examples), the 3rd quarter mark = B
At the end of the final grading period for the class/section (semester):
7. For the end of semester exam assignment is a member of the *Semester group, the score is
entered and calculates as follows (the assignment weight toward the semester final is 20):
score 48 divided by value 50 = 96% Semester Exam = A
8. A calculated mark column that is not a member of a group calculates on the group *Semester for
the proper date range and sums all the weighted Group contribution marks:
Quarter 3 final 68.6856 x .40 = 27.4742
Quarter 4 85.2388 x .40 = 34.0955
Semester Exam 96 x .20 = 19.2000 so
27.4742 + 34.0955 + 19.2000 = 80.7697 Semester Final Mark
from mark table Conversion Threshold (see Overview of all examples), the 3rd quarter mark = B-
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5 - Configuration View
The Assignments, Configuration, Data Entry, and Students views configure and organize the data in
your Gradebook. he Gradebook system is roster based. Initially, teachers have one gradebook for
each of assigned class and course-section. In other words, there is a one-to-one relationship between
rosters in gradebooks and the class or course-sections for which attendance is entered in the
Schoolmaster Student Information System.
This means that an elementary school teacher who teaches one class of first graders starts with one
gradebook; whereas a high school teacher starts with one gradebook for each assigned coursesection -- Biology section 01, Biology section 02, Physical Science, and so forth.
Most often, initial activities for each class/section roster consist of establishing settings and groups in
the Configuration view) then importing or adding assignments in the Assignments view). Thereafter,
the majority of day-to-day activities take place in the Students view for contact purposes.
Using the Configuration View
Use this view to establish default settings and assignment groups for the selected class/section
roster. The header area displays the selected class/section roster's Title, ID number, and teacher
name. Settings affect only the selected class/section roster. Configuration settings may be
established here or imported from another class/section roster (see Importing Configurations).
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Copying Configurations
Use to copy default settings and groups (does not copy associated assignments) from one
class/section roster to another. If the receiving class/section roster already has assignments with
group associations, those group associations may be removed in this process.
1. In the Configuration view of the class/section roster to receive the import, click Task, Copy
Configuration.
2. In the dialog, select the class/section roster with the configuration to be imported then click OK.
3. Respond when prompted with "Replace Groups? Yes/No."
•
Yes -- Removes ALL existing groups (assignments associated with the existing groups are
no longer associated with any group) and imports the Groups in the source. If assignments
exist, establish association with the new groups as appropriate.
•
No -- Adds only Default Settings; makes no changes to Groups.
Task Menu Options in the Configuration View
Task Menu Options: Configuration View
Copy Configuration
Copy the configuration and/or group settings from one class/section roster
to another.
Copy Students
Allows you to copy one or more students from another class/section roster
into the currently active class/section roster. Often used by elementary
teachers to create multiple Gradebooks for a single group of students – one
for each subject area; or by secondary teachers to duplicate rosters used to
group assignments by grading period.
Delete Inactive
Students
Use to delete inactive students, those with a status of D (deleted) or W
(withdrawn), from the currently selected roster; all marks are removed as
well.
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Task Menu Options: Configuration View
Select Posting
Settings
From all views, this utility allows you to identify a particular mark column(s)
as a mark or comment that is postable to a mark position; stored in
Schoolmaster's Teacher Mark File.
Does not actually move or post the marks, just flags them
as Postable.
Update Roster from
Schoolmaster
When connected to Schoolmaster, click this option to update names,
addresses, phone numbers, and enrollment information in the current
roster. Each roster is automatically updated when it is displayed for the first
time in a day after logging-in to Gradebook.
Does not overwrite grade information or erase students
from rosters; if students have been withdrawn or left the
school, the update flags their status as W or D.
Establishing Default Setting Options
Default settings affect how students are listed in the roster, how marks are displayed and calculated,
and whether a class/section roster is active (updated from Schoolmaster and able to post marks to
Schoolmaster) or inactive. Default settings may be imported from another class/section roster or
establish for each roster as described in the following table.
Default Settings in the Configuration View
Data Imported from
Schoolmaster
Yes indicates that the data was imported from the Schoolmaster database;
blank/No indicates that it was manually entered.
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Roster Last Updated Displays the date that the roster was last compared to the Schoolmaster
database and updated.
Student Identifier
Indicates how students are identified in the Data Entry view: Name (default)
or Schoolmaster ID number.
Sort
Sorts the class/section roster in the Data Entry and Students views by
Name, Schoolmaster ID number, or Manual (in the Students view, Task,
Edit Student Order).
Default Group
When creating a new assignment, offer this as the group by default (you
may select others).
Mark Table
Select the Mark Table containing the Alpha Grade, Conversion Threshold,
and Averaging Value required for entering assignment marks in this
class/section roster. Normally, the mark table imported from Schoolmaster
as required for postable marks.
Default Display
This default display type (alpha or numeric) is offered when a new
assignment is made a member of the group; it may be changed in the Add
Assignment dialog, or later in the Assignment and Data Entry views.
Precision
Allows you to display numeric marks as whole numbers only (no decimal
digits), decimals to one place, or decimals to two places. You may enter
marks with as many decimals as are necessary for precise calculation, but
the decimals are rounded up to display only the degree of precision you
specify here.
For example, enter 86.87624. If the display is set to no
decimals, 87 displays; one decimal, 86.9 displays; two
decimals, 86.98. And regardless of the display, the entire
mark as entered is used if the mark is part of a
calculation.
Use Missing Marks
Determines if an assignment for which no marks were entered should lower
the grade of a student. By default, this checkbox is blank, meaning that if no
mark is entered, the assignment does not count as part of the grade. If
checked, any assignment with no mark entered counts as a mark of zero/F
and it lowers the overall grade AND any calculated mark that includes that
assignment in its calculations. When using the Missing Marks option, you
may enter NA for students who were absent or excused.
Disable Auto
By default, all calculations are updated automatically when you move to a
Calculation of Marks field, move to a new class/section roster, or change to a new view. If you
turn Auto Calculation off, be sure you manually recalculate before using any
of the information displayed (in the Data Entry view, choose Task,
Recalculate Gradebook).
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Ignore Group
Weights
Check to ensure that calculations are calculated solely by points score
divided by total points possible and group weights are ignored.
Group Settings in the Configuration View
Gradebooks may be as simple as the cases where all assignments count toward and are of equal
weight toward the final grade, and the Overall calculation is sufficient to serve as the postable mark
(see Example 1 - No Groups / No Weights). Or, the teacher may want to use the Drop Lowest option
or quickly format new assignments, and therefore uses a single assignment group and a single
calculation to post marks to Schoolmaster (see Example 2 - One Group / No Weights / Drop Lowest).
Teachers requiring more sophisticated tracking and
calculation of marks may use multiple groups (see
Example 2 - One Group / No Weights / Drop Lowest and
Example 4 - Multi Groups / Weights / Progress Marks)
and/or layers of weighting (see Multi Groups with
Weights / Progress Marks / Calculated Mark Groups
w/Weights).
Whether using a single assignment group or multiple
groups, you may add a calculated mark column to show
student performance for a particular week or date range
(e.g., half term progress, month, etc). But establishing
multiple groups adds a wide range of sophistication to
the possible calculations. For example,
• Use groups and calculated mark columns to show a student's performance for a particular
assignment group (e.g., homework, classwork, quizzes, etc.) and clearly illustrate each
group's combination to the student's final grade.
•
Use group weights to control each group's contribution to the overall mark (e.g., Classwork
and Homework assignments each contribute 40% of the Overall; Quizzes contribute 20%). A
calculated mark column may be configured to compute a final mark for posting to
Schoolmaster that uses simple (see Example 2 - One Group / No Weights / Drop Lowest) or
complex group weights (see Example 5 - Multi Groups with Weights / Progress Marks /
Calculated Mark Groups w/Weights).
Assignment Group Options
By default, every class/section roster has one group, Classwork. You may make all assignments
members of this group and use this group's settings to establish the default value, display, weight,
and drop lowest options for new assignments.
Group Area in the Configuration View
Group Name
Name or title associated with a group of assignments. If a group Name is
changed, the member assignments display the new name
69
Group Area in the Configuration View
Default Value
This default value (points possible) is offered when a new assignment is made a
member of the group; it may be changed in the Add Assignment dialog, or later in
the Assignment and Data Entry views.
Default Display
This default display type (alpha or numeric) is offered when a new assignment is
made a member of the group; it may be changed in the Add Assignment dialog,
or later in the Assignment and Data Entry views.
Overall Weight
Use to give the value of points in one assignment group more or less value
relative to the others toward the Overall mark as displayed in the Data Entry view
(defaults to 100). Values entered here are relative to each other; they don't have
to be percentages. If each of the groups has an the same weight entered, they
contribute equally to the overall mark (e.g., if all have groups have a weight of 1,
they contribute the same toward Overall; if all have 33, the effect is the same).
For details see Weights in Calculations and Group/Configuration
Setup Examples
Drop Lowest
Check to indicate that the lowest mark, from among all assignments in the group,
should be dropped from calculations. The lowest mark is determined by
percentage (points earned divided by points possible).
Creating Assignment Groups
1. Click Add Group and establish the specifications.
2. Enter the Name (title) of the group. Keep group names short.
3. Enter the Overall Weight; it determines the weight of a group's contribution to the overall mark
(defaults to 100). If each of the groups have an overall weight of 100, they contribute equally to
the overall mark (may be relative or percentages).
See Assignment Group Examples for more group Weight information.
70
4. Enter the Default Value, the points possible of a new assignment that is created as a member of
the group.
5. Select the appropriate Display Type, alpha or numeric, for a new assignment in this group.
6. Click OK.
7. If desired, click to check Drop Lowest to drop the lowest mark in this group, by percentage, from
the calculations.
Editing Assignment Group Defaults
If a group Name is changed, the member assignments display the new name. If a group is deleted,
any member assignments are no longer associated with any group. Checking or clearing the check
for Drop Lowest causes immediate recalculation of all calculated marks based on the group. For all
other group defaults, after you have created assignments and assigned them to a group, editing
these group settings has no effect on existing assignment settings (e.g., changing Default Value
doesn't change an existing assignment's value).
You can change assignment settings to differ from the group defaults when the assignment is created
or edit the settings in the Assignments view.
Group/Configuration Setup Examples
See the Examples of Configuration/Group/Assignment Setup and Calculation for detailed examples of
five ways to configure groups, group weights, and assignment weights. Also provides numeric
examples of the resulting calculations.
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6 - Students View
your Gradebook. The Gradebook system is roster based. Initially, teachers have one gradebook for
the Configuration view then importing or adding assignments in the Assignments view. Thereafter, the
majority of day-to-day activities take place in the Students view for contact purposes.
Using the Students View
Basic information about each student assigned to the class/section roster may be viewed in the
Students view. None of the information is editable because student information is imported and
updated from Schoolmaster's database; therefore, edits to the student demographic data should be
made in Schoolmaster and passed to Gradebook via roster updates.
The selected student’s primary guardian adult/parent name, phone, and email is displayed in the
detail area at the bottom of the view.
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Student Status Designations
The column to the left of the student’s name (first column) is a status column; any designation present
originates in the Schoolmaster student information system as a result of schedule changes (note the
3rd student in the example above).
Student Status Designations
blank
Enrolled
Student is currently enrolled and in this roster.
P
Pre-enrolled
The student is enrolled at a future date (e.g., next term).
W
Withdrawn
The student has been withdrawn from this class or course-section as of a
particular date. The student’s schedule shows a previous enrollment in
this class or section this year. You can post report card marks for a
withdrawn student if the student’s schedule in Schoolmaster has the
Collect Marks box checked; otherwise, the office has to enter the
student’s report card mark, if a mark is to be given.
D
Deleted
The student has been deleted from this class or course-section. The
student’s schedule does not show prior enrollment in the class or section.
Task Menu Options in the Student View
Task Menu Options: Students View (also in other views)
Copy Students
Allows you to copy one or more students from another class/section
roster into the currently active class/section roster. Often used by
elementary teachers to create multiple Gradebooks for a single group of
students – one for each subject area; or by secondary teachers to
duplicate rosters used to group assignments by grading period.
Delete Inactive
Students
In the currently displayed Gradebook roster, deletes all students with a
status of Deleted (D) or Withdrawn (W). Do not use if you must post
marks for withdrawn students as it removes all mark records as well.
When a student is withdrawn from a class/section or the
school in Schoolmaster, at the next roster update the
student's status is indicated as inactive in the Gradebook
(a W appears in the column to the left of the student's
name). The student remains in the roster so that marks
can be recorded and grades can be posted to
Schoolmaster if necessary.
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Task Menu Options: Students View (also in other views)
Select Posting
Settings
From all views, this utility allows you to identify a particular mark
column(s) as a mark or comment that is postable to a mark position;
stored in Schoolmaster's Teacher Mark File.
Does not actually move or post the marks, just flags
them as Postable.
Update Roster from
Schoolmaster
roster. Each roster is automatically updated when it is displayed for the
first time in a day after logging-in to Gradebook.
Working with Rosters and Students
Updating Rosters from Schoolmaster
When the Gradebook is connected to Schoolmaster, data automatically updates as you access each
roster, once each day. Individual class/section rosters can be updated using the Task menu
command. During an update, Gradebook data is checked against the information in Schoolmaster
and updated to reflect changes made in Schoolmaster. During updates the roster(s) are updated as
follows:
• New students are added to rosters in alphabetical order.
•
For students withdrawn from a roster in Schoolmaster, a W is added to the status column of
the Gradebook roster.
•
For students deleted from a roster in Schoolmaster or for students in the Gradebook who are
not in the Schoolmaster roster, a D is added to the status column of the Gradebook roster.
•
Student data elements are updated if they have changed.
Updating One Roster
This function is used to force the immediate update of a single roster.
1. Choose File, Open, and select the roster to be updated.
2. From the any view choose Task, Update Roster from Schoolmaster.
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Copying Students (from another roster)
Use this function to copy selected students into the currently displayed Gradebook roster from
another class/section roster. If a student is already in the roster and also selected in the copy
operation, a duplicate is not created.
A student may be copied into a class/section roster even though they are not in
that roster in Schoolmaster, but at the next update, they are marked as Deleted
(D) because they don't appear in the Schoolmaster roster.
1. Choose File, Open and select the roster to which the students are to be added (any Gradebook
view); or, create a blank Gradebook to receive the roster (see Adding a New Gradebook).
2. Choose Task, Copy Students.
3. Select the gradebook roster that includes the students to be copied and click OK.
4. Click Select All to copy the entire roster or select the individual students required (Windows, Ctrl
key+click each; Macintosh, Option key+click each).
5. Click OK to copy the students or Cancel to abort.
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Deleting Inactive Students
An inactive student is one whose status is W (withdrawn) or D (deleted). Do not use this function if
you intend to post report card marks for any of the withdrawn students.
1. Choose File, Open and select the roster to be changed.
You may initiate this operation from any view. But to ensure that you do not
lose marks you may later need to post, check the Data Entry view of the
Withdrawn students prior to deleting inactive students.
2. Choose Task, Delete Inactive Students.
3. Click Delete to confirm your intention or click Cancel to abort.
Deleting a Student
If you delete a student who is still in your roster in Schoolmaster, the student
reappears at the next import/update.
1. Choose File, Open and select the roster you wish to change.
2. Select the Students view.
3. Select the student and click Delete Student.
4. Click Delete to confirm your intention or click Cancel to abort.
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78
7 - Assignments View
Reading the Assignments View
Use this view to create, organize, and view the settings of assignments, comments, and assignment
calculations for the active class/section roster. The header area displays the active class/section
roster's Title, ID number, and teacher name. Below the header area, the Assignment Detail shows the
current options set from the Display menu (e.g., all assignments, a specified assignment group, etc.).
Assignment View Columns
Calc
Assignments with a check in the Calc column are calculated mark assignments,
created to calculate marks based on the entries for other assignments.
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Assignment View Columns
Assignment Title The title of the assignment; displays in the Assignment Detail area of the Data
Entry view.
Column Heading Short designation that appears above the assignment column in the Data Entry
view.
Date
The assignment date; controls the order of the columns in the Data Entry view
and may be used to control which assignments are used in calculations.
Group
Indicates the group to which the assignment belongs; not editable in the table
column, edit in the detail area below (for details see Group Settings in the
Configuration View).
Value
Represents the points possible for the assignment. Members of an assignment
group may have the same value or each assignment in the group may have its
own. The student's score divided by the value determine the assignment mark
Weight
Assignment Weight is used to give the value of points in one assignment more
or less value relative to others used in a calculation. Assignment weights may
work in conjunction or independently of Group Weight depending on the
calculation and the source assignments used in the calculation (for details see
Understanding Calculations in Gradebooks).
Display
Determines whether a numeric or alpha mark is displayed in the mark entry cell
of the Data Entry view. Regardless of the display setting, entering numeric vs.
entering alpha marks may profoundly affect calculations.
Threshold
Use to enter a Pass/Fail threshold for the assignment. Students achieving the
threshold or above receive 100% of the points possible; students below the
threshold receive 0% of the points possible. For example, enter a threshold of
10 for a 20 point assignment. Students scoring less than 10 receive a zero;
students scoring 10 or more receive 20 points.
Mark Lock
When checked, the assignment's marks are not editable.
Assignment View - Detail
Group
Same as above in the table column, but editable.
Post To
Not active unless the assignment has been flagged as a postable mark (see
Establishing Posting Settings).
Assignment Is
Comment
If checked, the mark table is replaced with the Comment table. Up to 3
comments may be posted each mark period (for details see Entering
Comments).
If the selected assignment is a calculated mark column, the Calculation Detail area displays.
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Assignment View - Calculation Detail
Calculate On
Members Of
Indicates the assignment group member assignments to be included in the
calculation.
From / To
Indicates the date range of the assignments to be used in the calculation.
Task Menu Options in the Assignments View
Task Menu Options: Data Entry View and Assignment view
Add Assignment
Add a new assignment to the current class/section roster's assignment set.
(Windows = Ctrl+A; Macintosh = +A)
Add Calculation
Add a new assignment that calculates a mark based on an existing
assignment Group. (Windows = Ctrl+L; Macintosh = +L)
Delete Assignment
Delete the currently selected assignment. (Windows = Ctrl+D; Macintosh =
+D)
Import Assignments Use to import assignment by selecting another class/section roster,
specifying which of it's assignments to import, and whether to copy existing
marks if the same student exists in both rosters.
Duplicate
Assignment
Opens a dialog that allows you to select the assignment to copy, select
which assignment to replace with the copy, and edit selected elements of
the original assignment specifications. Most often used to copy, lock, and
disable Auto Calculation for a grading period's marks after grades have
been posted and prior to adding marks for the next grading period.
(Windows = Ctrl+M; Macintosh = +M)
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Edit Assignments
Use to edit the following for the current class/section roster:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Delete Assignments -- Delete multiple/selected assignments.
Clear Student Marks -- Clear the marks for the selected assignments
and/or selected students.
Set Display Type -- Set the display to Alpha or Numeric for selected
assignments.
Set Lock Status -- For selected assignments, lock or unlock marks to
prevent or activate recalculation.
Set Assignment Value -- For selected assignments, set the value
(points possible) to the number entered in the Value/Weight field.
Set Assignment Weight -- For selected assignments, set the
assignment weight to the number entered in the Value/Weight field
(works in addition to any existing group weight).
Set Assignment Group -- For selected assignments, change to a
selected Group, keep the existing Value (points possible) or replace
with the new Group's value, and keep the existing Display or replace
with the new Group's display (Alpha or Numeric).
Search/Replace
For assignment Titles or assignment Column Headings, search for specific
text and replace with the specified text. Includes options to Match Entire
Word or make it Case Sensitive.
Copy Students
Delete Inactive
Students
Use to delete any students with D or W as their status. Do not use this
option if you have created a Gradebook for a group that is not officially
assigned to you in the Schoolmaster database (i.e., unofficial study group or
after-school disciplinary group). When you update your rosters by
connecting to the network, a D will appear in the status for any student who
is not on your official rosters; this option will delete these students and any
marks you recorded.
Select Posting
Settings
as Postable.
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Update Roster from
Schoolmaster
addresses, phone numbers, and enrollment information in the current roster.
Each roster is automatically updated when it is displayed for the first time in
a day after logging-in to Gradebook.
Working With Assignments
Adding Assignments or Comments
1. Open the appropriate class/course-section roster in either the Data Entry or Assignments view.
2. Choose Task, Add Assignment on the menu.
Fields in the Add Assignment Dialog
Title
Enter a descriptive title for the assignment.
Heading
Type a short designation to appear above the assignment column in the
Data Entry view.
Assignment is
Comment
If checked, creates a special assignment column that is used to store a
comment. Comments are not included in calculations; therefore, the
Value field is disabled if this option is checked. (For details see Entering
Comments.)
Group assignment is irrelevant for comments.
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Fields in the Add Assignment Dialog
Date
Enter the date of the assignment. The Date field determines the order in
which the assignments are displayed.
Group
If applicable, make the assignment a member of a group by selecting
the Group (the default group name displayed depends on the setting in
the Configuration view).
Value
Enter the value (points possible) of the assignment (the default value
displayed depends on the default group and its value setting in the
Configuration view).
4. Click OK to create the assignment(s) or Cancel to abort.
5. New assignments default to a Weight of 100 or the Weight assigned to the group (in the
Configuration view). If desired, the individual assignment's weight may be edited in the
Assignments view.
Assignments are rarely given differing Weights. An example of such an exception
might be when all of the students get very low scores for the assignment. For that
single assignment, the instructor may lower the weight or set it to zero to discount
the impact of that assignment in overall marks.
Adding Calculated Marks (for Groups/Date Range)
1. Open the appropriate class/section roster in either the Data Entry or Assignments view.
2. Choose Task, Add Calculation on the menu.
Fields in the Add Calculation Dialog
Title
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Enter a descriptive title for the assignment.
Heading
Type a short designation to appear above the assignment column in the
Data Entry view.
Weight
Enter a multiplier representing the contribution toward the total made by
this assignment in subsequent calculations. The default is 100; edit if
desired.
Weight may be used to make some assignments worth
more in calculations than others.
Calculate on
Members of
If applicable, indicate the Group of the assignments that are included in
the calculation.
From/To (Dates)
If applicable, indicate the date range of the assignments to be included
in the calculation. For example, to show student performance for a
particular week or for a date range (e.g., half term progress, month,
etc).
Prompt for posting
information
If checked, after clicking OK to create the assignment, a dialog displays
the mark periods list; select one indicate that the results of the
calculation are postable to Schoolmaster.
4. Click OK to create the calculation or Cancel to abort.
Duplicating Assignments
This option is most often used to copy and lock a grading period's final marks after grades have
been posted and prior to adding marks for the next grading period. The Title and Column Heading
entries are not duplicated.
Unless you plan to overwrite an existing assignment, create a placeholder with the
desired title and column heading prior to beginning the copy.
1. Open the appropriate class/section roster in either the Data Entry or Assignments view.
2. Add an assignment with the desired title and column heading as the destination for the duplicated
assignment or look for an assignment to be overwritten/replaced by the selected assignment.
3. Optional -- Select the assignment to be duplicated now (may also select in the Duplicate dialog).
To copy the Overall column, which is a calculated mark column, click any
student's name or the Overall column prior to initiating the copy.
4. Choose Task, Duplicate Assignment.
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Select the source The selected assignment appears; leave as is or click the list arrow to
assignment to
select a different assignment as the source to be duplicated.
copy from
Select the
destination
assignment to
copy the
information to
Selected the assignment established/identified as the destination for the
duplicated assignment.
Source
Assignment
Detail
The settings for the source assignment are displayed; any or all may be
edited so the resulting copy differs from the original.
•
•
•
•
•
•
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Date -- Establish the date to be used for the copy.
Value -- Enter the value (points possible) for the copy.
Lock Mark -- Click to lock disable If creating a copy of a grading
period's marks after grades have been posted and prior to adding
marks for the next grading period.
Display As Alpha -- Accept the original or edit the display option for
the copy (affects only display and does not limit mark entry to Alpha).
Group -- Accept the original group or edit to make the copy a member
of a different group.
Weight -- Accept the original weight or edit to give the copy a different
weight.
Calculate on
members of
If a calculated mark has been selected as the source (as shown below),
this option is checked and settings for the source calculation are displayed.
Remove the check to make the duplicate a regular assignment or leave the
check to keep it as a calculated mark; retain the same settings or edit the
selected group and/or date range so the resulting assignment differs from
the original.
6. Click OK to complete the copy or Cancel to abort.
Creating an Extra-Credit Assignment
An extra credit assignment is one that has no penalty for if not completed, yet raises the student's
overall performance. In other words, any score entered for a student are added to the student’s total
for the group that the assignment is a member of, while points possible for that group remains the
same.
1. Create an assignment (see Adding Assignments).
2. Set the value of the assignment to zero (the points possible for the assignment).
3. Set the display setting to numeric. This setting can be edited in the Assignments view.
4. Enter student scores.
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Locking Marks
This option is most often used to lock marks that have been posted to Schoolmaster to ensure that
the Gradebook marks are not altered and remain a match those posted to Schoolmaster and on
report cards. If a calculated mark assignment is locked, it no longer recalculates. If the mark to be
locked is a calculated mark, consider also locking the assignments contributing to the mark; though
changes to those assignments no longer result in recalculation of the locked mark, such changes
could cause what appear to be calculation discrepancies in your Gradebook.
1. Access the class/section Assignment view.
2. If necessary, expand the window or scroll to the right to display the Lock column.
3. To lock applicable marks, click to place a check in the Lock column's checkbox.
Assignment Setup Examples
See the Examples of Configuration/Group/Assignment Setup and Calculation for detailed examples of
five ways to configure groups, group weights, and assignment weights. Also provides numeric
examples of the resulting calculations.
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8 - Data Entry View
Reading the Data Entry View
Normally, the Data Entry view appears when a Gradebook window is opened, unless the View Order,
has been changed (in which case it opens to the first view in the view list). The Data Entry display
lists the enrolled students, assignments, and marks much like a typical paper gradebook. Use the
Data Entry view to enter assignment marks and calculate grades based on those marks.
Click to select any mark cell to enter marks or view details about the assignment in the Assignment
Detail area at the bottom of the window. These include the assignment's Title and Date; the selected
student's alpha mark, point score, and percentage of possible points summarized in the Detail field;
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and the assignment's point value, weight, and group. If a calculated mark cell is selected, the
assignment group used in the calculation is displayed. If the mark cell is in a mark column flag as
postable to Schoolmaster, the mark position is displayed.
If a note has been attached to a mark, the score appears in red and the top right corner of the cell
displays a black dot. If the mark cell is selected, the detail area includes as much of the note text as
can be displayed.
Fields that appear with a colored background do not accept entries in this view; they may be entered
or edited in a different view or they may be calculated fields. For example, the Overall field is a
calculated column; in its default configuration, it displays the mean of all assignment marks (see
Changing the Overall Column Display). In the example below, the rightmost column is also a
calculated mark that is based on the Homework group; it shows each student's homework progress
mark.
Display Options for Mark Entry
The Data Entry view default is to display all assignments associated with the class/section roster in
date order. The Display menu choice is only active in the Data Entry view. Use it to display selected
assignment groups, calculation assignments, postable columns, and impose a date range in
combination with any of the first four options.
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A check on the Display menu indicates which of the four options is the active display option; if the
active option is anything other than the default, it is also noted in the Detail area at the bottom of the
view (as shown on the right). The Select Date Range option is not checked when active but is always
noted in the detail area.
You may set the Data Entry view to display assignments in reverse date order;
when active it is NOT noted in the detail area (see Setting Workstation
Preferences).
All Assignments
This is the default display setting. If an alternate display has been operating,
click to return the display to the default.
Selected Group
Click to limit the assignments displayed to a selected assignment Group
(e.g., Classwork only) and calculated mark assignments that are based on
the group selected to display (note that a date range may further limit the
display).
Calculations Only
Click to limit the assignments displayed to calculated mark columns only
(note that a date range may further limit the display).
Postable Columns
Only
Click to limit the assignments displayed to postable mark columns only (note
that a date range may further limit the display).
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Select Date Range
This option may be used with any of the options above to limit the
assignments displayed to those within the specified date range (e.g., only
Classwork assignments dated between Oct. 1 and Oct. 30).
Set Overall Column
Use this option to reconfigure the Overall column that follows student names
in the Data Entry view (see Changing the Overall Column Display).
By default, the Overall column displays a mark calculated
from all existing assignments except calculated mark
assignments. The Overall mark is also affected by
Configuration view settings such as Use Missing Marks and
Ignore Group Weights.
Changing the Overall Column Display
In the Data Entry view, the Overall column appears immediately following the student's names and
remains in view even when scrolling the assignment list. By default, the Overall column displays a
mark calculated from all existing assignments except calculated mark assignments.
The Overall mark is also affected by Configuration view settings such as Use Missing Marks and
Total Points (see Configuration View Default Setting Options).
1. Select the Data Entry view for the appropriate class/section roster.
2. Choose Display, Set Overall Column from the menu.
3. Establish the specifications by selecting one of the following:
Report Setup Page 1
Default Usage
The default display may with one or both of the following:
•
•
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Start Date/End Date -- Limit to assignments within the date range.
Include Calculated Assignments in Overall Calculation -- Either
all assignments or assignments within the date range will include
calculated mark assignments.
Report Setup Page 1
Hide Overall Column Remove the Overall column from the view.
Replace with
Replace the marks in the Overall column with the selected
Assignment's marks. For example, display a recent assignment's marks
by the students' names for an easy review; replace with a calculated
mark for a particular assignment group, or replace with the postable
mark column).
4. Click OK to accept the changes or cancel to abort.
Task Menu Options in the Data Entry View
See also Task Menu Options in Data Entry and Assignment views.
Task Menu Options: DATA ENTRY VIEW ONLY
Fill Column with
Mark
For the currently active assignment, enters the specified mark for any
student who has no mark; does not overwrite previously entered marks. If
the column contains a Comment, this function copies and fills the comment
number. (Windows = Ctrl+F; Macintosh = +F)
Clear Column
For the currently active assignment, clears all marks.
Recalculate
Gradebook
Only useful for class/section rosters with the Configuration view Disable
Auto Calculation of Marks field checked. In this case, marks only
recalculate when this Task option is chosen.
By default, marks Auto Calculate whenever the Data Entry
view is displayed and when a mark is entered or changed.
Add Assignment
Add a new assignment to the current class/section roster's assignment set.
(Windows = Ctrl+A; Macintosh = +A)
Add Calculation
Add a new assignment that calculates a mark based on an existing
assignment Group. (Windows = Ctrl+L; Macintosh = +L)
Delete Assignment
Delete the currently selected assignment. (Windows = Ctrl+D; Macintosh =
+D)
Import Assignments
Use to import assignment by selecting another class/section roster,
specifying which of it's assignments to import, and whether to copy existing
marks if the same student exists in both rosters.
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Duplicate
Assignment
Opens a dialog that allows you to select the assignment to copy, select
which assignment to replace with the copy, and edit selected elements of
the original assignment specifications. Most often used to copy, lock, and
disable Auto Calculation for a grading period's marks after grades have
been posted and prior to adding marks for the next grading period.
(Windows = Ctrl+M; Macintosh = +M)
Edit Assignments
Use to edit the following for the current class/section roster:
•
Delete Assignments -- Delete multiple/selected assignments.
•
Clear Student Marks -- Clear the marks for the selected
assignments and/or selected students.
•
Set Display Type -- Set the display to Alpha or Numeric for selected
assignments.
•
Set Lock Status -- For selected assignments, lock or unlock marks
to prevent or activate recalculation.
•
Set Assignment Value -- For selected assignments, set the value
(points possible) to the number entered in the Value/Weight field.
•
Set Assignment Weight -- For selected assignments, set the
assignment weight to the number entered in the Value/Weight field
(works in addition to any existing group weight).
•
Set Assignment Group -- For selected assignments, change to a
selected Group, keep the existing Value (points possible) or replace
with the new Group's value, and keep the existing Display or replace
with the new Group's display (Alpha or Numeric).
Search/Replace
For assignment Titles or assignment Column Headings, search for specific
text and replace with the specified text. Includes options to Match Entire
Word or make it Case Sensitive.
Copy Students
Delete Inactive
Students
Use to delete any students with D or W as their status. Do not use this
option if you have created a Gradebook for a group that is not officially
assigned to you in the Schoolmaster database (i.e., unofficial study group
or after-school disciplinary group). When you update your rosters by
connecting to the network, a D will appear in the status for any student who
is not on your official rosters; this option will delete these students and any
marks you recorded.
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Select Posting
Settings
as Postable.
Update Roster from
Schoolmaster
roster. Each roster is automatically updated when it is displayed for the first
time in a day after logging-in to Gradebook.
Entering Numeric Marks vs. Entering Alpha Marks
Schoolmaster uses a numeric mark as the Assignment Score in the calculation; if alpha marks are
entered, the Averaging Value in the associated Mark Table supplies a numeric value to serve as the
Assignment Score in calculations.
Since calculations using alpha marks are based on the Averaging Value, they are not as precise as
numeric marks. Therefore, the use of numeric scoring of assignments is strongly recommended; it
allows calculations using exact scores rather than averaging values. The calculations are more easily
read and more predictable when numeric scores are entered.
95
Note that in this roster example, the assignment has a value of 10 points while the mark table
displays alpha marks on a 100 point score. When a mark table entry is chosen, it is converted to a
properly scaled numeric mark based on the Averaging Value in the Mark Table (for details, see Mark
Tables). Click Hide Mark Table to return to the Assignment Detail display.
Working with the Data Entry View -- Entering Marks
Entering Marks
To enter marks by typing:
1. Click the mark entry cell for the appropriate assignment and student.
2. Type the alpha or numeric mark; it is automatically converted to the proper display format.
3. To enter additional marks choose one of the following:
•
Press Enter to move to the next student (below) for the same assignment
•
Press the Up/Down Arrow keys to move to the previous or next student for the same
assignment.
•
Press Tab to move to the next assignment for the same student, or Shift+Tab to move to a
previous assignment for the same student.
•
Press the Left/Right Arrow keys to move to the previous or next assignment for the same
student.
•
Or click the mark entry cell for the appropriate assignment and student.
To enter marks using the mark table:
2. Click Show Mark Table to view the Mark Table associated with the class/section roster.
3. Double-click the desired mark to enter it and move to the next student (below) for the same
assignment.
Entering Comments
In the Assignments view, those assignments with a check in the Assignment is Comment field are
comments. The text of comments displays in the Assignment Detail area of the Data Entry view.
Comments are not generally assigned to a Group. Up to 3 comments per grading period may be
assigned to post to a comment mark position. Comments may be posted from the Gradebook for a
mark position/grading period even when marks are not posted.
To print a list of Comments and their codes, click Setup, Comments. Then click
File, Print, Table, and specify the output destination.
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To enter comments by typing:
1. Click the mark entry cell for the appropriate comment/assignment and student.
2. Type the code number of the comment; the comment code displays In the table and the comment
text displays in the Assignment Detail area..
3. To enter additional comments choose one of the following:
•
Press Enter to move to the next student (below) for the same assignment
•
Press the Up/Down Arrow keys to move to the previous or next student for the same
assignment.
•
Press Tab to move to the next assignment for the same student, or Shift+Tab to move to a
previous assignment for the same student.
•
Press the Left/Right Arrow keys to move to the previous or next assignment for the same
student.
•
Or click the mark entry cell for the appropriate assignment and student.
To enter comments using the comment table:
2. Click Show Mark Table to view the Comment Table.
3. Double-click the desired comment to enter it and move to the next student (below) for the same
assignment.
Attaching Notes to Marks
Notes may be associated with any student's mark, whether assignment score or calculated mark.
Mark notes may be included in Progress Reports (setup dialog option Detail Items to Print or Detail
Options).
If a note has been attached to a mark, the score appears in red and the top right corner of the cell
displays a black dot. If the mark cell is selected, the detail area includes as much of the note text as
can be displayed.
97
1. Click to activate any mark cell.
2. Click Edit Mark Note.
3. Type the desired text.
4. Click OK. As shown above, the presence of the note is indicated by the addition of a black square
in the top right corner of the mark cell and any entry in the cell turns red.
Editing/Removing Notes Attached to Marks
1. Click to activate the mark cell with an attached note.
2. Click Edit Mark Note.
3. Edit the text as desired or click Clear to remove the note entirely.
4. Click OK.
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9 - Posting From Gradebook to Schoolmaster
Gradebooks with a network connection to Schoolmaster may post to both marks for report cards and
progress reports for use by PASS or EDLINE on the Internet.
Gradebooks without a network connection to Schoolmaster may export marks to a disk if the marks
are for secondary course-sections. Elementary marks can be exported, but they cannot be imported
into Schoolmaster at this time.
Gradebooks with a network connection to Schoolmaster may post to both marks for report cards and
progress reports for use by PASS or EDLINE on the Internet.
into Schoolmaster at this time.
Posting Marks to Schoolmaster on the Network
Prior to posting marks to Schoolmaster, ensure that the Gradebook has a connection to
Schoolmaster and establish posting settings for the marks to posted (below). At appropriate times as
established by school policy, post marks to Schoolmaster. Verify that the valid marks are recorded in
the Teacher Marks file by viewing them in Schoolmaster or by reviewing a printed copy of the
Teacher Marks Verification Report.
Using Posting Settings
The report card established for use in your school contains user-defined mark and comment
positions. These marks and comments originate in your Gradebook. Let’s assume that the
administration wants the first quarter grade and three comments from you at the end of the quarter. If
you were not using Gradebook, you would most likely be asked to enter the mark and comments with
Schoolmaster’s teacher mark entry facility. If the mark and comments are in Gradebook, they can be
"posted" to the teacher mark entry area right from your Gradebook.
If you intend to post marks from Gradebook, you have to indicate to the Schoolmaster program where
the postable marks are in your gradebooks. Which of your assignment marks represents the first
quarter mark required for the first quarter report card. Which one represents the first quarter's
comment 1? Which one holds comment 2? Which one holds comment 3? These correlations are
established by relating your Gradebook's Posting Settings for each class/section to Schoolmaster's
Mark Periods.
Accessing Posting Settings
1. Access a class/section roster to establish its posting settings (File, Open, select a class or
course-section).
2. Choose Task, Select Posting Settings on the menu.
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3. Review the table. Ensure the Posts To column displays the correct grading period. Do the entries
account for each mark/grading period you are asked to post for this class/ course-section?
Flagging a Mark as Postable
1. Access a class/section roster and choose Task, Select Posting Settings on the menu.
2. Click Add.
3. Select the assignment with the postable mark and click OK.
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4. Select the mark position:
•
If the selected assignment is a comment, comment mark positions are offered.
•
If an elementary class assignment is selected, subject/skills and mark positions are offered
(as identified in the report card layout associated with the class).
•
If a secondary course-section assignment is selected, secondary mark positions are offered.
5. Click OK. Continue in this manner until all required mark/grading period items you are asked to
post for this course-section are listed.
Deleting a Posting Setting
1. Access a class/section roster and choose Task, Select Posting Settings on the menu.
2. Select the posting item you intend to delete.
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3. Click Delete.
4. Click Yes to confirm your intention or No to abort.
Posting Comments
Only three (3) comments can be posted during a single grading period -- three comments each
quarter. You can manage comments by one of the following methods:
• Three Reusable Comment Assignments -- Create three comment assignments (e.g.,
Com1, Com2, Com3). For each grading period, select a new comment in the 3 comment
assignments for each student. Then change the Posting Settings -- delete the previous
comment Posting Setting(s) and add new ones for the appropriate Post To setting. Note that
reusing the same 3 comment assignments means you can't look back through your
Gradebook to see which comments you selected for a student in previous grading periods.
•
Multiple Comment Assignments Used Once -- Create three comment assignments for
each grading period (e.g., 2 semesters x 3 comments = 6 comment assignments -Sem1Com1, Sem2Com1, Sem1Com2, Sem2Com2, etc.). For each grading period, select a
comment in the appropriate comment assignment for each student. Then change the Posting
Settings -- delete the previous comment Posting Setting(s) and add new ones for the
appropriate Post To setting.
Sending Postable Marks to Schoolmaster on the Network
1. Ensure that you have an active connection to Schoolmaster; choose Utility, Establish
Schoolmaster Connection from the menu bar.
•
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If the No Connection checkbox is not checked (blank), you are already connected and may
proceed to the next step; click Cancel or OK.
•
If the No Connection checkbox is checked, remove the check, enter your login name and
your Schoolmaster password (this password may differ from your Gradebook password if
you have changed one but not the other). Click OK.
2. You will see a confirmation message if you connect successfully -- click OK.
3. Choose Utility, Post Marks to Schoolmaster from the menu bar. If you have both sections and
classes, a dialog displays allowing selection of either Classes or Section, choose the appropriate
selection and click OK. A list of your Gradebook classes/sections appears.
4. Select the classes/sections from which to post marks.
5. The next dialog displays the Postable mark positions that are appropriate to the current grading
period in Schoolmaster; select the marks position(s) to be exported and click OK.
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The marks are recorded in the Schoolmaster database, stored in the Teacher Marks file. They can be
viewed and edited in Schoolmaster (Module, Elementary/Secondary Grading, Teacher Entry by
Class/Section or Student: Elementary/Secondary Marks view). If necessary, these marks can be reposted from your Gradebook or can be edited in Schoolmaster (be sure to update your Gradebook to
match if editing marks in Schoolmaster).
Posting Marks to Schoolmaster Using a Disk
Posting Marks to Schoolmaster Using a Disk
into Schoolmaster at this time. The export creates an individual file for each course-section exported.
Exporting Gradebook Marks to a Disk
The export creates a file in ASCII format named gm, the course ID number, and the extension .dat
(for data). For example, if you export a course with an ID number of 3040-07, the export file will be
named gm304007.dat. The exported file contains the class ID number, the student’s ID number, and
the grade or comment for each selected assignment.
To edit marks, it is easiest and safest to edit the Gradebook entries and repeat the
export; but you may view or edit the marks using Notepad or Wordpad to open the
file (be very careful not to change the class or student ID numbers).
1. Open the class/section roster(s) in the Gradebook and identify the assignment(s) containing the
marks to be exported.
2. Choose Utility, Export Marks to Disk from the menu bar to open the Gradebook Mark Export
dialog.
Setup Options
Teachers
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Click and select the teacher(s) whose gradebook marks are
represented in the ASCII data files.
Setup Options
Export Folder
Specify the location in which to place the ASCII files; click Browse to
navigate to a folder. Each file created contains marks for one coursesection.
They files are named gm######.dat, where # is the
six-digit course-section number.
Gradebook
Select a class/section roster and click OK.
Assignments
Select the assignment(s), calculated column(s), or comment(s) to be
exported and click OK.
Click to select a single item, click Select All, or hold
down the Ctrl or Command ( ) key to select multiple
items.
4. When satisfied with the specifications, click Export.
5. When the export is complete, a confirmation message displays the total number of marks
exported. Provide the staff member responsible for importing the marks with the disk or location
of the exported marks.
Importing Gradebook Marks from a Disk into Schoolmaster
Use this utility to import course-section marks and comments from third-party gradebooks from an
unattached Schoolmaster Gradebook. The imported marks and comments are written to the Teacher
Mark File, where they can be edited (Teacher Mark Entry) and subsequently posted to the Office
Mark File. The import is designed for secondary school gradebooks. The current grading period
determines the Schoolmaster Mark Positions to which the marks are imported; the first mark
encountered in the ASCII record is copied to the first collectable mark position specified in the current
Marking Period.
1. Choose Utility, Import/Export, Gradebook Data Import from the menu bar to open the
Gradebook Data Import window.
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Setup Options
Teachers
Click and select the teacher(s) whose gradebook marks are
represented in the ASCII data files.
Import Directory
Specify the location of the ASCII files; click Browse to navigate to the
folder containing the ASCII files. Each file contains marks for one
course-section.
They files are named GM######.dat, where # is the
six-digit course-section number.
Mark Positions
Click and select the mark position(s) and comment(s) to be imported.
The choices offered are controlled by the current grading period (Setup,
Secondary Grading, Preferences, Grading Period).
Terms
Click and select the applicable course-section terms; this is a coursesection filter. Only course-sections with the term specifications are
imported.
3. When satisfied with the specifications, click Import.
4. A confirmation dialog displays the results of the import. Verify the results in the Teacher Marks
File; teachers (Classroom users) may review the marks (Module, Secondary Grading, Teacher
Entry by Section). Or print the Teacher Mark Verification Report for their review.
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Posting Gradebook Progress Reports for the Web/PASS
Gradebooks with a network connection to Schoolmaster Use this option to export progress reports to
Schoolmaster in preparation to posting to the school's Web site using PASS or EDLINE.
Version 5.25 (or later), after exporting, view the latest HTML-formatted page
created for a student by selecting the student and choosing Task, View PASS
Progress Report.
1. Ensure that the Gradebook is connected to Schoolmaster.
2. Choose Web, Progress Export (PASS).
Setup Page 1
Gradebooks
Select the class/section Gradebook(s) to be included.
Assignments
Select the assignment(s) to be included (if multiple class-sections were
specified above, this option is not available).
The inclusion of Comment columns depends on the
Detail Options setting below.
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Setup Page 1
Detail Items to Print
Select the amount of detail to be printed (see previous examples).
•
•
•
Detail Options
Print Assignment and Group Detail -- Includes details about
each assignment (title, date, score, value/points possible, etc.) and
subtotals for each assignment group according to the detail options
specified below.
Print Assignment Detail -- Lists each assignment in date order
along assignment details specified in the Details Option.
Print Group Detail -- Provides a summary of selected groups
showing percent correct, percent of Overall (Weight), and letter
grade. Though they may be selected in detail options below, Mark
Notes and Comments are not exported.
Select the level of detail to be included. Although some items are
selected, they may not export depending on Detail Items selections.
•
•
•
•
•
Show Overall Score -- Includes the point score, value (possible
points), and letter grade representing the average of all
assignments.
Show Alpha Mark -- Includes the alpha equivalent of the score.
Show Mark Notes -- Includes notes that may be attached.
Show Comments -- Even if assignments that are designated as
comments are within the date range and included in the list of
assignments to be included, they will not print unless this option is
selected.
Show Total Points (Group Detail Only) -- Available only when
Group Detail is specified. If checked, the student’s point score and
value/points possible for each Group are included in the export.
Date Range
Select the date range of assignments you want to report.
General Message
If desired, click General Message, type the desired text, and click OK.
Auto-save
Check to save the selections for use the next time the export is
generated. If this is not checked, click Save each time you change a
selection you want to save. If you have restricted the report to certain
classes/sections or assignments needed now but not for reuse, be sure
Auto-save is not checked. The next time you run the export, it will revert
to the last saved or auto-saved settings.
4. Click Export.
Posting Gradebook Progress Reports to EDLINE
Gradebooks with a network connection to Schoolmaster use this option to export progress reports to
Schoolmaster that may be subsequently posted to the school's Web pages on EDLINE.
1. Choose Web, EDLINE Progress Export.
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Setup Page 1
Gradebooks
Select the class/section Gradebook(s) to be included.
Assignments
Select the assignment(s) to be included (if multiple class-sections were
specified above, this option is not available).
The inclusion of Comment columns depends on the
Detail Options setting below.
•
•
•
each assignment (title, date, score, value/points possible, etc.) and
subtotals for each assignment group according to the detail options
specified below.
along assignment details specified in the Details Option.
Print Group Detail -- Provides a summary of selected groups
Notes and Comments are not exported.
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Setup Page 1
Detail Options
Select the level of detail to be included. Although some items are
selected, they may not export depending on Detail Items selections.
•
•
•
•
•
Show Overall Score -- Includes the point score, value (possible
points), and letter grade representing the average of all
assignments.
Show Alpha Mark -- Includes the alpha equivalent of the score.
Show Mark Notes -- Includes notes that may be attached.
Show Comments -- Even if assignments that are designated as
selected.
Show Total Points (Group Detail Only) -- Available only when
Group Detail is specified. If checked, the student’s point score and
value/points possible for each Group are included in the export.
Date Range
General Message
If desired, click General Message, type the desired text, and click OK.
Auto-save
Check to save the selections for use the next time the export is
Auto-save is not checked. The next time you run the export, it will revert
3. Click Export.
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10 - Producing Gradebook Reports
Gradebook allows you to generate reports based on the information you have entered into your
Gradebook. You may find it useful to view the following sample reports to get an idea of what each
report conveys.
Description of Reports
Hard Copy
Select the class/section rosters, students, and assignments to include,
then print a paper copy of the current Gradebook entries.
Progress
Provides a student-by-student progress report. Allows you to show mark
information by Group (Classwork, Homework, Tests, etc), select particular
assignments, set a date range, limit the report to missing assignments,
and choose whether or not to include mark details.
Current Status
Presents the current status (mark) of one assignment for each student in
the class/section gradebook.
Selected Marks
Use this function to identify and report students who received selected
marks (either high/low numeric or selected alpha marks).
Roster
Prints a list of students for each of your class/section rosters, including
name, Schoolmaster ID number, and Grade. May also include phone
numbers and/or a grid for checking off attendance, assignments received,
etc.
Student Biographical Prints information about each student, including Schoolmaster ID number,
name, address, grade level, phone, and (optionally) district ID number.
Mark Distribution
Produces a report showing how marks for one assignment are distributed
among the students, including a count and percent of students attaining
each alpha grade. Options allow you to vary the report by producing:
•
•
•
A statistical summary including highest mark, median, mean, count,
lowest mark, range, and standard deviation.
A bar graph illustrating the number of students receiving each alpha
grade.
A list of students with a percentile ranking within the class and letter
grade for the assignment.
Test Answer Sheet
(84914L)
Use this report to print scannable test answer sheets for a class/section
roster. An optional scannable answer key may also be printed.
Progress Over Time
This report gives a view of student progress on selected assignments
over a selected time period, similar to the Progress report, but adds
features similar to the Mark Distribution report to analyze a student's
progress.
Posting Analysis
Lists pertinent information about postable columns.
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Gradebook allows you to generate reports based on the information you have entered into your
Gradebook. You may find it useful to view the following sample reports to get an idea of what each
report conveys.
Description of Reports
Hard Copy
Select the class/section rosters, students, and assignments to include,
then print a paper copy of the current Gradebook entries.
Progress
Provides a student-by-student progress report. Allows you to show mark
information by Group (Classwork, Homework, Tests, etc), select
particular assignments, set a date range, limit the report to missing
assignments, and choose whether or not to include mark details.
Current Status
Presents the current status (mark) of one assignment for each student
in the class/section gradebook.
Selected Marks
Use this function to identify and report students who received selected
marks (either high/low numeric or selected alpha marks).
Roster
Prints a list of students for each of your class/section rosters, including
name, Schoolmaster ID number, and Grade. May also include phone
numbers and/or a grid for checking off attendance, assignments
received, etc.
Student Biographical
Prints information about each student, including Schoolmaster ID
number, name, address, grade level, phone, and (optionally) district ID
number.
Mark Distribution
Produces a report showing how marks for one assignment are
distributed among the students, including a count and percent of
students attaining each alpha grade. Options allow you to vary the
report by producing:
•
•
•
A statistical summary including highest mark, median, mean, count,
lowest mark, range, and standard deviation.
A bar graph illustrating the number of students receiving each
alpha grade.
A list of students with a percentile ranking within the class and letter
grade for the assignment.
Test Answer Sheet
(84914L)
Use this report to print scannable test answer sheets for a class/section
roster. An optional scannable answer key may also be printed.
Progress Over Time
This report gives a view of student progress on selected assignments
over a selected time period, similar to the Progress report, but adds
features similar to the Mark Distribution report to analyze a student's
progress.
Posting Analysis
Lists pertinent information about postable columns.
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Hard Copy Report
The Hard Copy report presents all the information in the selected Gradebooks in tabular form. This
report may be printed in various formats; see Reading the Hard Copy Report for details. The Hard
Copy report is particularly useful in creating a file copy of class/section records before deleting the
Gradebooks of completed classes/sections.
Reading the Hard Copy Report
The Hard Copy report presents all the information in the selected Gradebooks in tabular form; this
report may be printed in various formats. Print options include: Legend, Overall Mark, Page Break by
Student, Grid, Assignment Label, and Configuration Settings
The Hard Copy report is particularly useful in creating a file copy of class/section records before
deleting the Gradebooks of completed classes/sections. Checking the Print Config option allows you
to include all the setup information (Configuration view), making it possible to recreate the same
Gradebook configuration for future classes/sections.
If only one class is selected, you may also select which students and assignments to include (as
shown below). The number of assignments/students that fit on the report depend on your print font
(File, Print Options) and your printer.
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The Legend option is shown above, the Overall Mark option is shown below.
The report may also be printed using student IDs rather than names.
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Printing the Hard Copy Report
1. Choose Report, Hard Copy from the menu bar to open the Hard Copy Setup dialog.
Report Setup Page 1
Gradebooks
Select the class/section Gradebooks you want to include. Click to select a
single item, click Select All, or hold down the Ctrl or Command ( ) key
and click to select multiple items.
Include Students
Available only when a single class/section Gradebook is selected. Select
the students you want to include (make multiple selections as described
above).
Include
Assignments
Available only when a single class/section Gradebook is selected. Select
the assignments you want to include (make multiple selections as
described above).
Date Range
Select the date range of assignments you want to include then click OK.
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Report Setup Page 1
Student Identifier
Select the preferred identifier for each student.
•
•
•
•
Use Gradebook Setting -- Use the Student Identifier set in the
Configuration view of this Gradebook.
Name -- Use the student's name.
ID -- Prints students' Schoolmaster ID; no names.
Preferred -- Prints the entry from the Students view Preferred
column; if field is blank, no identifier displays.
Student Sort
Click to select the sort order for the list of students in the report (same
options as above).
Print Assignment
Legend
To conserve space, the assignment headings do not appear; they are
numbered. Check to include a legend at the bottom of each Gradebook’s
report displaying each assignment number and all its details (title, group,
date, value, weight, etc.).
Print Overall Mark Check to include the Overall Column mark. If the Legend is included,
groups calculating on Overall now display ‹overall› in the Calc On column.
Note that the Overall Column options (Display, Set
Overall Column) and the weights set for assignment
groups and calculated marks may result in a disparity
between the Overall mark and a calculated final grade.
Note also that if Print Overall Mark is checked, it honors
any Display settings established in the Data Entry view
(e.g., if an Overall date range is in effect that differs
from your report date range, you may get a blank
column; if your Overall in Data Entry is displaying
another assignment or calculated mark, it may have little
relation to the assignments included in the Hard Copy
report).
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Page Break by
Student
Check if you want each student’s information to appear on a page by
itself. Leave unchecked to print as many students as will fit on each page.
Print Grid
Check to print a report with a box around each student's portion that may
be cut into slips for handout to individual students. When this option is
checked, the report is reconfigured to print up to 35 students and 20
assignments per page with the assignment Legend at the bottom of each
page, if that option is checked. The number of assignments per page
depend on whether the Print Overall Mark option is checked and whether
decimals are used for numeric marks.
Print Config
Settings
Includes all of the settings displayed in the Configuration view. This is
particularly useful in replicating the Gradebook settings for use with future
classes/sections.
Report Setup Page 1
Auto-save
Check to save the selections for use the next time the report is generated.
If this is not checked, click Save each time you change a selection you
want to save. If you have restricted the report to certain classes/sections
or assignments needed now but not for reuse, be sure Auto-save is not
checked. The next time you run the report, it will revert to the last saved or
auto-saved settings.
3. Click Print and make output selections.
Progress Report
This report presents mark information for each student. It calculates the student’s mark across the
specified date range to the detail level of assignment and group set. If only one Gradebook is
selected, you may select the students, groups, and assignments to be reported.
Reading the Progress Report
The example below shows assignment and group detail.
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Detail may be limited to specific Assignment Groups and include notes attached to specific marks as
shown below.
Limit the report to Group Detail to provide a simple summary resembling the example below.
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To track students not completing assignments, specify Missing Marks Only (example below).
Printing the Progress Report
1. Choose Report, Progress from the menu bar.
Report Setup Page 1
Gradebooks
Select the class/section Gradebooks you want to include. Click to select
a single item, click Select All, or hold down the Ctrl or Command ( )
key and click to select multiple items.
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Report Setup Page 1
Students
Available only when a single /section Gradebook is selected. Select the
students you want to include (make multiple selections as described
above).
Groups
Available only when a single class/section Gradebook is selected.
Select the assignment groups you want to include (make multiple
selections as described above).
Assignments
Select the assignments you want to include (make multiple selections
as described above).
Note that assignments that are comments print or
don't print depending on the Detail Options setting
below.
•
•
•
•
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each assignment (title, date, score, possible points, etc.) and
subtotals each assignment group according to the detail options
specified below.
with the specified Details Option that apply to assignments (score,
points possible (value), mark notes, and alpha grade).
Print Group Detail -- Provides a summary of each selected group
Notes and Comments do not print on this version.
Print Missing Assignments Only -- Lists assignments with no
mark entered; note that entering a zero (0) constitutes entering a
mark and eliminates an assignment from this report.
Report Setup Page 1
Detail Options
Select the level of detail to be included. Though some items are
selected, they may not print depending on the Detail Items and
Assignments specified.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Overall Score -- include the point score, value (possible points),
and letter grade representing the average of all assignments.
Alpha Mark -- Adds a column providing the alpha equivalent of the
score.
Weight -- Each assignment in a Group and each Group can have
a different weight. Check to include the weights in the report.
Mark Notes -- Individual assignment marks may have notes
attached to them; select this option to print the notes.
Comments -- Even if assignments that are designated as
selected.
Total Points -- Available only when Group Detail is specified;
prints the student’s point score and possible points (Value) for each
Group included.
Date Range
Student Identifier
•
•
•
•
Student Sort
options as above).
Page Break by
Student
Print each student's progress report on a separate page.
General Message
Available only when Page Break by Student is checked. Click General
Message, type the desired text, and click OK.
Auto-save
Check to save the selections for use the next time the report is
Auto-save is not checked. The next time you run the report, it will revert
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Current Status Report
The Current Status report presents the current status (mark) of one assignment for each student in
the class/section gradebook.
Reading the Current Status Report
For each student in a class/section roster, this report presents the current status (mark) of one
assignment.
Printing the Current Status Report
1. Choose Report, Current Status from the menu bar.
2. Establish the specifications. Only one class/section and one assignment may be selected
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Report Setup Page 1
Gradebooks
Select the class/section Gradebook you want to include.
Assignment
Mark
Select the assignment and click OK.
Auto-save
Check to save the selections for use the next time the report is generated. If this
is not checked, click Save each time you change a selection you want to save.
If you have restricted the report to a certain class/section or assignment needed
now but not for reuse, be sure Auto-save is not checked. The next time you run
the report, it will revert to the last saved or auto-saved settings.
3. Click Print and specify the output destination.
Selected Marks Report
Use this report to identify and report students who received selected marks (either high/low numeric
or selected alpha marks). For example, if students must maintain a certain grade level in order to
participate in sports, use this report to print a list of students who qualify (or don't qualify) based on a
high (or low) mark range. Or, print a list of those having difficulty in a particular area based on low
marks for particular assignments.
When basing selected mark reporting on assignments and a numeric point range, each assignment
must have the same point Value (an assignment worth 20 points and another worth 100 have no
common point range that is meaningful). When selecting assignments with differing Values, base the
report on selected Alpha marks for meaningful results.
Likewise, when basing the report on the <Overall> mark or calculated marks, select specific Alpha
marks.
Reading the Selected Marks Report
Specifications reported in the heading include the report title, sequence, mark positions,
alpha marks, and numeric range. The report includes the following columns: Student
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Name, Date, Assignment Title, and Mark.
The example below identifies students that may require additional help, students
whose Quarter 1 calculated marks is a C- or below (the mark noted associated with
the first student's mark is included).
In the example below, a mix of assignments is included; some that are calculated marks and some
that are regular assignments, but all have a Value of 100 points. The alpha marks specified in the
header serve to qualify the calculated marks to be reported and the numeric point range qualifies the
assignment marks to be reported.
Printing the Selected Marks Report
1. Choose Report, Selected Marks from the menu bar.
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Selected Marks Setup
Gradebook
Select the applicable Gradebook.
Assignments
Select the desired assignment(s).
Alpha Marks
Select the applicable alpha marks; if the report is to be based on
numeric marks, select None (comments with numeric codes are not
included).
Numeric Low
Specify the lowest numeric value mark to be included on the report. If
the report is based on assignments with alpha marks (e.g., calculated
marks or Overall), leave blank.
Numeric High
Specify the highest numeric value mark to be included on the report. If
the report is based on alpha marks, leave blank.
Print Mark Notes
Check to include mark notes, if any.
Auto-save
Check to save the settings established when the report is printed for the
next time it is run.
3. Click Print and specify the output destination.
Roster Report
The Roster report prints a list of students for each of your class/section rosters, including name,
Schoolmaster ID number, and Grade. May also include phone numbers and/or a grid for checking off
attendance, assignments received, etc.
Reading the Roster Report
The roster report is a list
of students for each of
your class/section
Gradebooks. This
includes name,
Schoolmaster ID number,
and grade. You may
choose to include phone
numbers and/or a grid for
checking off attendance
(or assignments
received, etc.). The
example below includes
all options.
125
Printing the Roster Report
1. Choose Report, Roster from the menu bar.
Report Setup Page 1
Gradebooks
Student Identifier
•
•
•
•
126
Student Sort
options as above).
Identifier Width
(Inches)
Enter the width in inches allotted to the student identifier.
The report displayed in Print Preview and what actually
prints may differ depending on the Screen Font (Edit,
Workstation Preferences, Display) and Printer Font
(File, Print Options).
Report Setup Page 1
Print ID
Check to include the Schoolmaster ID of each student.
Print Phone Numbers Check to include the phone number of each student
Extra Blank Line
Between Students
Check to list the students with a blank line between each.
Print Grid
Check to include a grid of checkboxes to serve as an attendance check
list, to check off assignments as they are turned in, etc. The number of
checkboxes that may fit depends upon how many of the other options
are selected, the print font (File, Print Options), and your printer.
Not available when Print Grid is checked.
Not available when Extra Blank Line is checked.
•
•
Auto-save
Grid Labels (M,T,W…) -- Type the Grid Labels you want to show
above each column of checkboxes. Type one or two characters,
put a comma between each grid label, but do not include spaces.
Number of Boxes -- Specify the number of boxes needed. If left
blank when Print Grid has been checked, the maximum number of
boxes that fit are generated.
classes/sections needed now but not for reuse, be sure Auto-save is
not checked. The next time you run the report, it will revert to the last
saved or auto-saved settings
Student Biographical Report
This report prints information about each student, including Schoolmaster ID number, name, address,
grade level, phone, and (optionally) district ID number.
Reading the Student Biographical Report
The student report
includes information
about each student,
including Schoolmaster
ID number, name,
address, grade level,
phone, and (optionally)
district ID number.
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Printing the Student Biographical Report
1. Choose Report, Student from the menu bar to open the Student Information Setup dialog.
Report Setup Page 1
Gradebooks
Student Identifier
•
•
•
•
Student Sort
options as above).
Print District ID
Check to include the district ID number of each student.
Print Parent Email
Check to print parent's email, if available.
Auto-save
classes/sections needed now but not for reuse, be sure Auto-save is
not checked. The next time you run the report, it will revert to the last
saved or auto-saved settings.
128
Mark Distribution Report
Produces a report of mark frequency distribution for a selected assignment, including a count and
percent of class/section for each alpha grade. Options allow you to vary the report by producing:
• A statistical summary, including highest mark, median, mean, count, lowest mark, range, and
standard deviation.
•
A bar graph illustrating the number of students receiving each alpha grade.
•
A list of students with their percentile ranking within the class/section and letter grade for the
assignment.
Reading the Mark Distribution Report
The example below is a Mark Distribution for Overall Mark in one class/section. The two rows below
the report header show the count and percent of the class/section that received each letter grade;
three students or 12.50% of the class/section received a B.
Checking the Print Mark Statistics option adds a statistical summary: highest mark, median, mean,
count, lowest mark, range, and standard deviation.
129
For the Mark Distribution example below, Print Bar Graph was checked.
For the Mark Distribution example below, both Print Bar Graph and Show Student Ranking were
checked.
130
The final Mark Distribution example results from checking all three options: Print Mark Statistics, Print
Bar Graph, and Show Student Ranking.
Printing the Mark Distribution
1. Choose Report, Mark Distribution from the menu bar.
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Setup Page 1
Gradebook
Select Assignment
Select the assignment you want to include
Include Students
Select the students you want to include (make multiple selections as
described above).
Print Mark Statistics
If checked, this option adds a statistical summary including highest
mark, median, mean, count, lowest mark, range, and standard
deviation.
Print Bar Graph
Adds a bar graph illustrating the number of students receiving each
alpha grade.
Show Student
Ranking
Lists students with their percentile ranking within the class/section, their
numeric mark, and letter grade for the assignment.
Student Identifier
Available only when Show Student Ranking is selected. Select the
preferred identifier for each student.
•
•
•
•
Auto-save
classes/sections, students, or assignments needed now but not for
reuse, be sure Auto-save is not checked. The next time you run the
report, it will revert to the last saved or auto-saved settings.
Test Answer Sheets (84914L)
Use this report to print scannable test answer sheets for a class/section roster. An optional scannable
answer key may also be printed.
Reading Test Answer Sheets (84914L)
This scannable test answer sheet may be printed for any class/section roster. Each sheet shows the
student's name, Schoolmaster ID, instructor, course, meeting pattern, and course title.
132
The teacher may also print a scannable answer key.
133
Printing Test Answer Sheets (84914L)
1. Choose Report, Test Answer Sheet (84914L) from the menu bar.
If accessed for the first time, the Add Report dialog prompt for a title for the
first version of the report; enter a Title and click OK.
2. Select the test answer sheet version required and click Edit to change the specifications (or click
Print).
Setup Page 1
134
Gradebook
Select the applicable class/section Gradebook.
Students
Leave as All to print an answer sheet for each student in the roster or select
the students you want to include.
Print Answer
Key
Check to print an additional sheet the instructor may use as a scannable
answer key.
Setup Page 1
Auto-save
Check to save the selections for use the next time the report is generated. If
this is not checked, click Save each time you change a selection you want to
save. If you have restricted the report to certain classes/sections or students
needed now but not for reuse, be sure Auto-save is not checked. The next
time you run the report, it will revert to the last saved or auto-saved settings.
4. Click Print and select the output destination.
Progress Over Time Report
This report gives a view of student progress on selected assignments over a selected time period,
much like the Progress report, but adds features similar to the Mark Distribution report including:
• A statistical summary, including highest mark, median, mean, count, lowest mark, range, and
standard deviation.
•
A bar graph illustrating the percentile score distribution across assignments.
Reading the Progress Over Time Report
The example below illustrates a student whose performance is clearly declining over time and a
student with generally normal variations. This example was printed without checking any of the
options.
135
The following example report showing declining assignment marks includes optional statistics.
Printing the Progress Over Time Report
1. Choose Report, Progress Over Time from the menu bar.
136
Setup Page 1
Gradebook
Select Assignment
Select the assignments you want to include.
Include Students
Leave as All to print a report for each student in the roster or select the
students you want to include.
Student Identifier
Available only when Show Student Ranking is selected. Select the
preferred identifier for each student.
•
•
•
•
Date Range
Include Missing
Marks
Check to include the assignments with missing marks and include the
effect of missing marks in calculations.
Print Mark Statistics
Check to include a statistical summary, including highest mark, median,
mean, count, lowest mark, range, and standard deviation.
Page Break by
Student
Check to print each student's report on a separate page.
Sample Frequency
Use to limit the report to a sample of the selected assignments. For
example, when assignments are too numerous to fit meaningfully, enter
3 to include every third assignment.
Auto-save
classes/sections, students, or assignments needed now but not for
reuse, be sure Auto-save is not checked. The next time you run the
report, it will revert to the last saved or auto-saved settings
3. Click Print and select the output destination
137
Using the Posting Analysis Report
This report lists pertinent information about posted columns. Use it to verify the posting settings.
1. Choose Report, Posting Analysis from the menu bar.
2. Select the appropriate gradebooks
3. Click Print and select the output destination.
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11 - Miscellaneous Utility/Web Menu Tools
This section provides details for the following:
• Scanning Test Scores (84914L)
•
Delete Gradebook
•
Diagnostics
•
Emailing Staff/Parents
The following utilities have been covered elsewhere:
• Establish Schoolmaster Connection is discussed in 2 - Setting Up a New Gradebook,
Connecting to the Schoolmaster Database
•
Import Schoolmaster Rosters is discussed in 2 - Setting Up a New Gradebook, Importing
Your Rosters
•
Post Marks to Schoolmaster is discussed in 9 - Posting From Gradebook to Schoolmaster,
Posting Marks to Schoolmaster on the Network
•
Import Rosters from Disk is discussed in 2 - Setting Up a New Gradebook, Gradebook
Data Transfer Without Network Connection
•
Export Marks to Disk is discussed in 9 - Posting From Gradebook to Schoolmaster,
Gradebook Data Transfer Without Network Connection
Scanning Test Scores (84914L)
Use this utility scan test answer sheets on Schoolmaster form 84914L; see Test Answer Sheet
(84914L).
1. Choose Utility, Scan Test Scores.
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2. Place the test key on the scanner and click Scan Test Key.
3. When prompted, select the class/section roster containing the students whose scores are to be
scanned.
140
4. When prompted, select the assignment that is to be the destination for the scores.
5. Place the first student's test sheet on the scanner and click Scan Student.
6. Review the results
•
If accurate, place the next student's test sheet on the scanner and click Scan Student.
•
If inaccurate, click Discard and scan again (or manually enter later).
For help with scanner problems, see Scanner Settings and Diagnostics
7. Continue until all test sheets have been scanned; then close the scan window or scan the next
test key.
Scanner Settings
Click the Scanner Settings button in the current
scan view to open the Scanner Settings dialog.
Use this dialog to identify the scanner and
establish its settings.
Scanner Settings
Scanner
Select the scanner (optical mark reader) from among those listed.
141
Scanner Settings
Sensitivity
This setting governs mark detection thresholds. If set too low, the scanner
cannot read light pencil marks. If set too high, it will read stray pencil
marks and erasures.
Baud Rate
Normally 9600 (see equipment manual).
Parity
Normally None (see equipment manual).
Data Bits
Stop Bits
Handshake
Normally DTR & CTS (see equipment manual).
Port
This is the serial communication port to which the scanner is attached.
Using Scanner Diagnostics
Use diagnostics to verify that the scanner is operating correctly. Select the correct form, normally
84931(L), establish the scanner settings, and click Diagnostics to open the diagnostics window. To
change to the form you wish to diagnose click Task, Select Form.
The Diagnostics window shows the current form and scanner settings (see Scanner Settings). The
name of the attached scanner should appear at the top of this window under the form name. The
window features a Scan Form button, which is used to read a form and display the results, line by
line, on the lower half of the window. Additional options under the Task menu are Scanner Settings,
Select Form, Reset Scanner, Close Scanner, and Send/Receive.
142
Reading the Diagnostics Display
After the form has been processed, the results are displayed line by line. The line numbers do not
correspond to the line number guides printed on the form but, rather, with the black timing marks
printed along the edge of the paper. The form 84931(L) Data Collection Form, which has 63 timing
marks, is fed through the scanner bottom first with the timing marks on the left.
Reading the diagnostic screen from left to right, notice that the timing mark number is followed by the
timing mark ( ) followed by 48 boxes ( ). Each box represents a readable column. Darkened circles
on the form should be represented by marked boxes on the screen ( ). Note that the correspondence
between screen columns and printed columns is relative; not all screen columns have bubbles printed
on the form. The scanned image is reflected exactly the way the form was read; therefore, to
compare the form with the scanned image, hold it upside down.
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Scanning Errors
Listed here are some common errors that may occur when scanning forms.
Common Scanning Error Messages
Error
Cause
Action
Schoolmaster is having a problem
initializing the serial driver
Computer serial port problem.
Make sure the port is not being
used for something else; on
Macintosh, restart.
Schoolmaster is having a problem
communicating with the scanner.
The computer program could
not initialize the scanner.
Make sure scanner is turned
on and cables are connected
properly.
Out of memory
Could not allocate buffer
Should never happen, but if it
needed to store scanned data. does, quit and start again.
Error initializing scanner
The scanner could not be
reset.
properly.
Internal error - NULL buffer
Could not allocate memory for
buffer.
Quit and start again.
Error in send_char Error sending
to scanner
Computer not sending data to
scanner, indicating a
communications problem.
Check scanner settings dialog;
on Macintosh, try restarting
machine.
Error receiving from scanner
Computer not receiving data
from the scanner, indicating a
communications problem.
properly.
There was a problem with the form Form returned a bad ID, one
Darken bubbles on form and
ID. Check the form and try again.
for which a record could not be re-scan.
found; possibly a bad scan.
Invalid scan form type
Scanned form roster type is not Check form and scan again.
an expected scan sheet (marks
instead of attendance, or vice
versa).
Hopper is empty [Scanning
Systems]
No form in scanner.
Put form in scanner.
A command other than a Control
Command was set to the scanner
Unknown
Should not occur during normal
operation.
144
Common Scanning Error Messages
Error
Cause
Action
Jam error. Form has not read
properly.
Form feed problem.
Clear form and scan again.
One or more timing marks were
not read correctly
Form feed problem, read head Try scanning the form again.
problem, or form problem
Hopper release lever is not in
"Feed" position
Release lever in wrong
position.
Move lever to "Feed" position.
Expected xx lines -- received xx
Wrong form for menu choice.
Select the applicable choice
from the menu.
Delete Gradebook
For the selected class/section roster, deletes the roster, all assignments, and marks; it is completely
deleted.
1. Choose Utility, Delete Gradebook.
2. When prompted, select the Gradebook to be cleared/deleted.
145
3. When the warning appears, click OK to confirm the action or Cancel to abort.
Diagnostics
Generally used only when a problem is encountered. Diagnostics may be used by your Systems
Manager or at the direction of the Schoolmaster Technical Support.
• Printer Diagnostic -- This function lets you print a sample page, identify the borders and
margins of the page, and evaluate measurement, distance, and position indicators.
•
I/O Diagnostic -- The I/O Diagnostic takes a single measurement of the network's ability to
move data. Those with Schoolmaster DSS (client/server), use this diagnostic to test
connection speed to the server hosting the client program.
•
Scanner Diagnostic -- Shows the current form and scanner settings; the name of the
attached optical mark reader (scanner) appears under the form name).
•
Network Diagnostic -- The Network Diagnostic tests the overall performance of the network
by simulating the activity produced when Gradebook repeatedly accesses a database. It is
very useful for diagnosing problems associated with local machines, network devices, wiring,
and the file server.
•
Open INI File (Windows) or Open Preferences File (Macintosh) -- As directed by Technical
Support, System Managers may access the INI file or Preferences file to edit specific system
default settings in a text editor (e.g., Notepad, Wordpad, etc.).
Emailing Staff/Parents
Emailing Staff Members
Use this option to send email to all or selected members of the Schoolmaster Staff File for whom an
email address has been entered by the System Manager.
1. Choose Web, Email Staff Members.
Staff not appearing on the list may not have a valid email address in the
Schoolmaster database.
2. Select the appropriate staff member(s)
146
3. Click OK. Your default mail program is accessed, a new message is created, and the selected
staff email addresses are inserted. Provide the appropriate subject line and message text.
Emailing the Parent of a Student
To email a student’s parent, select the Students view; select the student, and double-click the
parent’s email address, if available. Your default mail program is accessed, a new message is
created, and the selected email addresses are inserted. Provide the appropriate subject line and
message text.
Emailing the Parents of a Class/Section Roster
This function enables you to create and save multiple email groupings for distribution as needed.
1. Choose Web, Email Parents.
147
2. Complete one of the following:
•
If no previous email lists have been added, when the Add Report dialog appears, enter a Title
for the email list and click OK.
•
Click Add, enter in a Title for a new email list, and click OK.
•
Select an existing email list and click Edit. Use this option to edit an exiting email list or to
create a new list based with the selected list's specifications by clicking Save As and entering
a new title.
•
Select an existing email list and click Send. Your default mail program is accessed, a new
message is created, the selected email addresses are inserted, and the subject line is
inserted.
3. If Editing or Adding, complete the following specifications.
Setup Page 1
Gradebooks
Select the class/section Gradebook(s) containing the students/parents
to receive the email.
Subject Line
Type the subject line to appear in the email.
Auto-save
Check to retain the settings for future use.
4. Click Send. Your default mail program is accessed, a new message is created, the selected
email addresses are inserted, and the subject line is inserted.
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12 – Protecting Your Gradebook Data
Protecting your Gradebook data includes making regular backups and changing your password.
Sites using the DSS version of Schoolmaster that also access their Gradebooks on the school's
server may automatically perform backup/restoration at the server level. But teachers may still require
a local backup in order to transfer their most recent gradebook data entries between their Gradebook
on the school server and on their home workstation or laptop.
If you are creating the Backup to archive data for a completed school year, backup all data files
together with the program so they remain compatible. Data is interwoven with the many files in
Gradebook and the specific version of the program itself. In order to access the data in the future, you
must have the proper version of the Gradebook program.
Because while working on your Gradebook you are working outside of the Schoolmaster databases
and possibly off the network, it is very important that you create backups to protect your data. Make
this a regular part of your classroom routine. If your computer is in a classroom or office where others
may have access to it or the computer is shared with others, it is also critical that you change your
password to prevent unauthorized access to your Gradebook data.
Backing Up Your Gradebook Data
Windows Backup
1. Choose File, Backup from the menu bar.
2. Select the path to use for the backup file. This can be any writable storage device: floppy disk,
hard disk, zip disk, disk, tape drive, etc.
149
3. Identify the name of the file you want to use; the current date is a very effective means of
identification: 052406.zip for May 24, 2006.
4. The following dialog opens offering options for backup.
5. Normally you would click Data Only.
If you choose Programs and Data, your data and the Gradebook program with
all your settings are copied and compressed (zipped) to the specified location.
Choose this option if you are transferring your gradebook between workstations
or are archiving data from a completed school year.
6. A DOS window opens, PKZIP compresses and saves your data to the specified location, and the
DOS window closes returning you to the Schoolmaster desktop.
Macintosh Backup
1. Choose File, Backup from the menu bar to open the backup folder selection dialog.
2. Select the type of backup required.
•
To make a routine backup -- Click Data Only to make a backup file of the current
Schoolmaster data.
•
To make an end of school year backup for archive purposes -- Click Programs and
Data, because, in order to access the data in the future, when you may be using a more
different Schoolmaster version, you must have a copy of the program in same version as the
data.
150
3. Choose the folder to use for the backup files. This can be any sufficiently large writable storage
device: hard disk, zip disk, jaz disk, etc.
The backup and restore facility supplied with Schoolmaster does not provide
compression for Macintosh, nor does it allow a file to span multiple diskettes
(several floppies, for example). We recommend using a higher-capacity device,
such as a zip disk, magneto-optical, etc.
4. The default Macintosh backup filename is smdata.sit; leave as is to keep one backup
(overwriting the previous backup each time) or type a unique filename to maintain sequential
backups.
The current date is a very effective means of identification when keeping several
backup files (e.g., enter 030106.zip for March 01, 2006). If creating multiple
backups in one day (during scheduling or end of year processing), include a
sequence letter in the name (e.g., 030106a.zip, 030106b.zip, etc.).
5. Click Save to proceed with the backup. When the backup is complete, you are returned to the
Schoolmaster desktop.
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Restoring Gradebook Data from Backup
WARNING!
ANY FILES THAT ARE RESTORED WILL COMPLETELY REPLACE THE
CURRENT GRADEBOOK DATA ON YOUR SYSTEM.
Use this utility only under direct instruction from Schoolmaster support personnel. This utility is used
as a complement to the Schoolmaster Backup utility. It copies files from the archived backup to your
Gradebook.
As of this writing, no specific facility exists for restoring Macintosh backup files;
contact Schoolmaster Support for specific procedures. See the Schoolmaster Web
site at www.schoolmaster.com for contact information.
1. Choose File, Restore from the menu bar.
2. Navigate to the location of your most recent backup, click the file smdata.zip, and click OK.
3. The Files to Restore field displays *.*, indicating that all of the files are to be reloaded. Click OK.
4. Watch the Title Bar of the dialog; when the process is complete, Finished - PKZIP appears.
5. Close the dialog by clicking or double-clicking the upper right corner as appropriate for your
operating system.
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Index
84914L Test Answer Sheet Report
Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 132
Printing ............................................................................................................................................ 134
Reading........................................................................................................................................... 132
Scanning Test Scores (84914L) ..................................................................................................... 139
84914L Test Answer Sheet Report .................................................................................................... 132
Access
Assignments View............................................................................................................................. 79
Calculation Examples
Example 1 - No Groups / No Weights ........................................................................................... 46
Example 2 - One Group / No Weights / Drop Lowest ................................................................... 48
Example 3 - Multi Groups / No Weights / Drop Lowest................................................................. 50
Example 4 - Multi Groups / Weights / Progress Marks ................................................................. 53
Example 5 - Multi Groups with Weights / Progress Marks /.......................................................... 58
Overall Column Default Calculation Method ................................................................................. 44
Calculation Examples ....................................................................................................................... 45
Configuration View ............................................................................................................................ 65
Data Entry View ................................................................................................................................ 89
Diagnostics...................................................................................................................................... 146
Entering Numeric Marks vs. Entering Alpha Marks .......................................................................... 95
Gradebook .......................................................................................................................................... 4
Gradebook Desktop ............................................................................................................................ 7
ID, Password, and Classroom Rights ................................................................................................. 4
Mark Tables ...................................................................................................................................... 33
Miscellaneous Utility/Web Menu Tools ........................................................................................... 139
Posting Settings ................................................................................................................................ 99
Reports.................................................................................................................................... 111, 112
Students View ................................................................................................................................... 73
Access .................................................................................................................................................... 4
Add to Multiple Gradebooks field.................................................................................................... 83, 84
Adding
Additional Mark Tables ....................................................................................................................... 5
Assignment Groups .......................................................................................................................... 70
Assignments or Comments............................................................................................................... 83
Assignments to Multiple Gradebooks ......................................................................................... 83, 84
Calculated Marks (for Groups/Date Range) ..................................................................................... 84
Customized Mark Tables .................................................................................................................... 5
Extra-Credit Assignment ................................................................................................................... 87
Gradebook Page/Students Manually ................................................................................................ 27
Mark Notes........................................................................................................................................ 97
Mark Posting Settings ....................................................................................................................... 99
Alpha Mark field ........................................................................................................................ 34, 40, 95
Alpha Marks as Assignment Scores..................................................................................................... 40
Alpha Marks field ................................................................................................................................ 124
Alpha Marks vs. Entering Numeric Marks ............................................................................................ 95
Alpha Marks vs. Numeric Marks........................................................................................................... 95
Alt+F4 ................................................................................................................................................... 17
Assignment Group Options
Assignment Group Options............................................................................................................... 69
153
Creating Assignment Groups ........................................................................................................... 70
Editing Assignment Group Defaults ................................................................................................. 71
Group/Configuration Setup Examples.............................................................................................. 71
Assignment Group Options .................................................................................................................. 69
Assignment is Comment field............................................................................................................... 83
Assignment Mark field........................................................................................................................ 122
Assignment Scores
Alpha Marks as Assignment Scores................................................................................................. 40
Assignment Score Entry and Display ............................................................................................... 40
Assignments with No Score (Blank) vs a Zero Score ...................................................................... 39
Entering Numeric Marks vs. Entering Alpha Marks.......................................................................... 95
Special Score Entry NA .................................................................................................................... 40
Assignment Title field ........................................................................................................................... 79
Assignment View
Display Menu Details........................................................................................................................ 12
Overview........................................................................................................................................... 79
Reading ............................................................................................................................................ 79
Task Menu Options .......................................................................................................................... 81
Assignment View.................................................................................................................................. 79
Assignment Weights ............................................................................................................................ 41
Assignments
Adding Assignments or Comments .................................................................................................. 83
Adding Calculated Marks (for Groups/Date Range)......................................................................... 84
Assignment Setup Examples............................................................................................................ 88
Assignment Weights and Mark Calculation...................................................................................... 41
Creating an Extra-Credit Assignment............................................................................................... 87
Display Menu Details........................................................................................................................ 12
Duplicating Assignments .................................................................................................................. 85
Overview........................................................................................................................................... 79
Reading the Assignments View........................................................................................................ 79
Task Menu Options in the Assignments View .................................................................................. 81
Assignments field ....................................................................................................... 107, 108, 117, 124
Averaging Value field ........................................................................................................................... 34
Backup Gradebooks
Macintosh Backup .......................................................................................................................... 150
Restoring Gradebook Data from Backup ....................................................................................... 152
Windows Backup ............................................................................................................................ 149
Backup Gradebooks........................................................................................................................... 149
Baud Rate field................................................................................................................................... 141
C field (Comment) ................................................................................................................................ 79
Calc field............................................................................................................................................... 79
Calc. Nullify field....................................................................................................................... 34, 43, 44
Calc. Override field................................................................................................................... 34, 43, 44
Calculate on Members of field........................................................................................................ 84, 85
Calculated Marks ................................................................................................................................. 41
Calculating Marks
154
Assignment Weights and Mark Calculation ...................................................................................... 41
Assignments with No Score (Blank) vs a Zero Score ....................................................................... 39
Calculation Example - Overall Column Default Calculation.............................................................. 44
Effect of Mark Table Option Calc Nullify ........................................................................................... 44
Effect of Mark Table Option Calc Override ....................................................................................... 44
Effect of the Drop Lowest Option in Calculations ............................................................................. 43
Effect of the Use Missing Marks Option in Calculations ................................................................... 43
Group Weight Interaction in Calculations ......................................................................................... 42
Optional Settings That Affect Calculations ....................................................................................... 43
Relative vs. Percentage Weights ...................................................................................................... 42
Weights in Calculations..................................................................................................................... 42
Calculating Marks ................................................................................................................................. 39
Calculation Examples
Example 1 - No Groups / No Weights............................................................................................... 46
Example 2 - One Group / No Weights / Drop Lowest ....................................................................... 48
Example 3 - Multi Groups / No Weights / Drop Lowest .................................................................... 50
Example 4 - Multi Groups / Weights / Progress Marks ..................................................................... 53
Example 5 - Multi Groups with Weights / Progress Marks /.............................................................. 58
Overall Column Default Calculation Method..................................................................................... 44
Calculation Examples ........................................................................................................................... 45
Change
Overall Column Display .................................................................................................................... 92
Password .......................................................................................................................................... 31
Print Options ..................................................................................................................................... 33
Print Setup ........................................................................................................................................ 32
View Order ........................................................................................................................................ 30
Views................................................................................................................................................... 7
Change ................................................................................................................................................. 19
Class Marks
Accessing Posting Settings............................................................................................................... 99
Attaching Notes to Marks.................................................................................................................. 97
Calculated Marks .............................................................................................................................. 41
Deleting a Posting Setting............................................................................................................... 101
Entering Comments .......................................................................................................................... 96
Entering Marks .................................................................................................................................. 96
Flagging a Mark as Postable .......................................................................................................... 100
Posting Marks to Schoolmaster Using a Disk................................................................................. 104
Task Menu Options in the Data Entry View ...................................................................................... 93
Class Marks .................................................................................................................................... 89, 93
Classroom Manager ............................................................................................................................... 3
Classroom Rights ................................................................................................................................... 4
Close All................................................................................................................................................ 16
Collect Marks .......................................................................................................................................... 4
Column Heading field ........................................................................................................................... 79
Comments
Adding Assignments or Comments................................................................................................... 83
155
Attaching Notes to Marks ................................................................................................................. 97
Editing/Removing Notes Attached to Marks..................................................................................... 98
Entering Comments.......................................................................................................................... 96
Posting Comments ......................................................................................................................... 102
Posting Marks to Schoolmaster Using a Disk ................................................................................ 104
Comments ............................................................................................................................................ 83
Configuration View
Assignment Group Options .............................................................................................................. 69
Copying Configurations .................................................................................................................... 66
Establishing Default Setting Options ................................................................................................ 67
Overview........................................................................................................................................... 65
Task Menu Options in the Configuration View ................................................................................. 66
Using the Configuration View ........................................................................................................... 65
Configuration View ............................................................................................................................... 65
Connect to Schoolmaster
Connecting to the Schoolmaster Database...................................................................................... 21
Disconnecting from Schoolmaster.................................................................................................... 24
Establishing Schoolmaster Connection or Disk Transfers ................................................................. 4
Exporting Rosters from Schoolmaster to a Disk............................................................................... 24
Exporting/Importing Marks to Disk (from Gradebooks to ................................................................. 27
Gradebook Data Transfer Without Network Connection.................................................................. 24
Importing Rosters from a Disk (from Schoolmaster to Gradebooks) ............................................... 25
Importing Schoolmaster Data from a Network ................................................................................. 21
Importing Your Rosters..................................................................................................................... 22
Connect to Schoolmaster..................................................................................................................... 21
Control Keys......................................................................................................................................... 17
Conversion Threshold field .................................................................................................................. 34
Course-sections ..................................................................................................................................... 4
Creating
Assignment Groups .......................................................................................................................... 70
Assignments or Comments .............................................................................................................. 83
Calculated Marks (for Groups/Date Range) ..................................................................................... 84
Customized Mark Tables.................................................................................................................. 34
Extra-Credit Assignment................................................................................................................... 87
Postable Mark................................................................................................................................. 100
Ctrl+A ................................................................................................................................................... 17
Ctrl+D ................................................................................................................................................... 17
Ctrl+E ................................................................................................................................................... 17
Ctrl+F ................................................................................................................................................... 17
Ctrl+L.................................................................................................................................................... 17
Ctrl+M................................................................................................................................................... 17
Ctrl+O ................................................................................................................................................... 17
Ctrl+P ................................................................................................................................................... 17
Ctrl+S ................................................................................................................................................... 17
Ctrl+U ................................................................................................................................................... 17
Ctrl+V ................................................................................................................................................... 17
Ctrl+W .................................................................................................................................................. 17
156
Ctrl+X.................................................................................................................................................... 17
Ctrl+Z .................................................................................................................................................... 17
Current field .......................................................................................................................................... 31
Current Status Report
Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 122
Printing ............................................................................................................................................ 122
Reading........................................................................................................................................... 122
Current Status Report......................................................................................................................... 122
Custom Mark Tables ........................................................................................................................ 5, 34
Data Bits field...................................................................................................................................... 141
Data Entry View
Overview ........................................................................................................................................... 89
Reading............................................................................................................................................. 89
Task Menu Options ........................................................................................................................... 93
Data Entry View .................................................................................................................................... 89
Data Entry-Display Assgn in Reverse Order field - Display Optn ........................................................ 29
Data Only Backup....................................................................................................................... 149, 150
Date field................................................................................................................................... 79, 83, 85
Date Range field .........................................................................................................107, 115, 119, 136
Default Display field - Group................................................................................................................. 70
Default Group field - Default Settings ................................................................................................... 67
Default Lines per Inch field ................................................................................................................... 33
Default Mark Table ................................................................................................................................. 4
Default Mark Table field - Default Settings ........................................................................................... 67
Default Settings .............................................................................................................................. 65, 67
Default Usage - End Date field ............................................................................................................. 92
Default Usage - Start Date field............................................................................................................ 92
Default Value field - Group ................................................................................................................... 70
Delete Gradebooks............................................................................................................................. 145
Deleting
Gradebooks..................................................................................................................................... 145
Inactive Students............................................................................................................................... 77
Student (one) .................................................................................................................................... 77
Desktop................................................................................................................................................... 7
Detail Items to Print field............................................................................................................. 107, 119
Detail Options field...................................................................................................................... 107, 119
Diagnostics
Diagnostics...................................................................................................................................... 146
Reading the Diagnostics Display .................................................................................................... 143
Scanner Settings............................................................................................................................. 141
Scanning Errors .............................................................................................................................. 144
Using Scanner Diagnostics............................................................................................................. 142
Diagnostics ......................................................................................................................................... 146
Disable Auto Calculation Of Marks - Default Settings .......................................................................... 67
Disconnecting from Schoolmaster........................................................................................................ 24
Display As Alpha field ........................................................................................................................... 85
Display field .......................................................................................................................................... 79
Display Menu
Display Options for Mark Entry ......................................................................................................... 90
Menu Details ..................................................................................................................................... 12
Display Menu ........................................................................................................................................ 12
157
Display Preferences ............................................................................................................................. 29
Display Type field - Group.................................................................................................................... 70
Displayed Rosters ................................................................................................................................ 16
Do Nothing - Startup option.................................................................................................................. 29
Download Mark Tables .................................................................................................................... 4, 34
Drop Lowest field ........................................................................................................................... 43, 70
Edit Menu ......................................................................................................................................... 8, 11
Electronic Documentation ...................................................................................................................... 3
Email
Emailing Staff Members ................................................................................................................. 146
Emailing the Parent of a Student.................................................................................................... 147
Emailing the Parents of a Class/Section Roster............................................................................. 147
End Date field....................................................................................................................................... 92
Entering Marks
Changing the Overall Column Display ............................................................................................. 92
Display Options for Mark Entry......................................................................................................... 90
Entering Marks ................................................................................................................................. 96
Locking Marks .................................................................................................................................. 88
Entering Marks ..................................................................................................................................... 89
Establishing
Default Setting Options..................................................................................................................... 67
Mark as Postable............................................................................................................................ 100
Overall Column Display .................................................................................................................... 92
Schoolmaster Connection or Disk Transfers...................................................................................... 4
Workstation Preferences .................................................................................................................. 29
Examples
Multi Groups / No Weights / Drop Lowest ............................................................................ 50, 51, 52
Multi Groups / Weights / Progress Marks....................................................................... 53, 54, 55, 56
Multi Groups with Weights / Progress Marks / ......................................................... 58, 59, 60, 62, 63
No Groups / No Weights............................................................................................................. 46, 47
One Group / No Weights / Drop Lowest..................................................................................... 48, 49
Overall Column Default Calculation ................................................................................................. 44
Examples.............................................................................................................................................. 45
Exporting
Data Transfer Without Network Connection..................................................................................... 24
Exporting/Importing Marks to Disk (from Gradebooks to ................................................................. 27
Gradebook Marks to a Disk ............................................................................................................ 104
Rosters from Schoolmaster to a Disk............................................................................................... 24
Extra Blank Line Between Students field ........................................................................................... 126
F Keys .................................................................................................................................................. 17
F12 ....................................................................................................................................................... 17
Field
Alpha Mark ........................................................................................................................... 34, 40, 95
Alpha Marks.................................................................................................................................... 124
Assignment is Comment................................................................................................................... 83
Assignment Mark ............................................................................................................................ 122
Assignment Title ............................................................................................................................... 79
158
Assignments............................................................................................................107, 108, 117, 124
Averaging Value................................................................................................................................ 34
Baud Rate ....................................................................................................................................... 141
C (Comment)..................................................................................................................................... 79
Calc ................................................................................................................................................... 79
Calc. Nullify ........................................................................................................................... 34, 43, 44
Calc. Override ....................................................................................................................... 34, 43, 44
Calculate on Members of ............................................................................................................ 84, 85
Column Heading ............................................................................................................................... 79
Conversion Threshold ....................................................................................................................... 34
Current .............................................................................................................................................. 31
Data Bits.......................................................................................................................................... 141
Data Entry-Display Assgn in Reverse Order - Display Optn ............................................................ 29
Date....................................................................................................................................... 79, 83, 85
Date Range .............................................................................................................107, 115, 119, 136
Default Display - Group..................................................................................................................... 70
Default Group - Default Settings ....................................................................................................... 67
Default Lines per Inch ....................................................................................................................... 33
Default Mark Table - Default Settings ............................................................................................... 67
Default Usage - End Date ................................................................................................................. 92
Default Usage - Start Date................................................................................................................ 92
Default Value - Group ....................................................................................................................... 70
Detail Items to Print................................................................................................................. 107, 119
Detail Options.......................................................................................................................... 107, 119
Disable Auto Calculation Of Marks - Default Settings ...................................................................... 67
Display .............................................................................................................................................. 79
Display As Alpha ............................................................................................................................... 85
Display Type - Group ........................................................................................................................ 70
Do Nothing - Startup option .............................................................................................................. 29
Drop Lowest ................................................................................................................................ 43, 70
End Date ........................................................................................................................................... 92
Extra Blank Line Between Students................................................................................................ 126
Font ................................................................................................................................................... 33
From - Date ................................................................................................................................. 84, 85
General Message............................................................................................................107, 108, 119
Gradebook ..............................................................................................................124, 131, 134, 136
Gradebooks.....................................................................107, 108, 115, 119, 122, 126, 128, 138, 147
Grid Labels (M T W)........................................................................................................................ 126
Group .......................................................................................................................................... 83, 85
Group Name...................................................................................................................................... 70
Groups ............................................................................................................................................ 119
Handshake ...................................................................................................................................... 141
Heading....................................................................................................................................... 83, 84
Hide Overall Column......................................................................................................................... 92
Horizontal (Adjustment in Inches) ..................................................................................................... 33
Identifier Width (Inches) .................................................................................................................. 126
Include Assignments ....................................................................................................................... 115
Include Missing Marks .................................................................................................................... 136
Include Students .....................................................................................................115, 131, 136, 147
Landscape Orientation...................................................................................................................... 19
List to be Built.................................................................................................................................... 30
159
Lock .................................................................................................................................................. 79
Lock Mark ......................................................................................................................................... 85
Login Name ........................................................................................................................................ 5
Mark Note ......................................................................................................................................... 97
Mark Position .................................................................................................................................. 100
Mark Table Title ................................................................................................................................ 34
Master List ........................................................................................................................................ 30
Maximum - Mark Table..................................................................................................................... 34
Name - Group................................................................................................................................... 70
New................................................................................................................................................... 31
Number of Boxes............................................................................................................................ 126
Numeric High .................................................................................................................................. 124
Numeric Low................................................................................................................................... 124
Overall Weight - Group..................................................................................................................... 70
Page Break by Student................................................................................................... 115, 119, 136
Parity............................................................................................................................................... 141
Password ............................................................................................................................................ 5
Port ................................................................................................................................................. 141
Portrait Orientation ........................................................................................................................... 32
Precision - Default Settings .............................................................................................................. 67
Print Answer Key ............................................................................................................................ 134
Print Assignment Legend ............................................................................................................... 115
Print Bar Graph............................................................................................................................... 131
Print Config Settings....................................................................................................................... 115
Print District ID................................................................................................................................ 128
Print Grid................................................................................................................................. 115, 126
Print ID............................................................................................................................................ 126
Print Mark Notes ............................................................................................................................. 124
Print Mark Statistics................................................................................................................ 131, 136
Print Overall Mark ........................................................................................................................... 115
Print Parent Email........................................................................................................................... 128
Print Phone Numbers ..................................................................................................................... 126
Prompt at quit to export PASS information....................................................................................... 29
Prompt at quit to run backup utility ................................................................................................... 29
Replace with ..................................................................................................................................... 92
Sample Frequency ......................................................................................................................... 136
Scanner .......................................................................................................................................... 141
Screen Font - Display Option ........................................................................................................... 29
Select a Class - Startup Option ........................................................................................................ 29
Select Assignments ................................................................................................................ 131, 136
Sensitivity........................................................................................................................................ 141
Show Headers On Reports - Display Option.................................................................................... 29
Show Student Ranking ................................................................................................................... 131
Size - Paper ...................................................................................................................................... 32
Sort - Default Settings ...................................................................................................................... 67
Source - Paper ................................................................................................................................. 32
Source Assignment Detail ................................................................................................................ 85
Start Date.......................................................................................................................................... 92
Stop Bits ......................................................................................................................................... 141
Student Identifier .................................................................................................... 115, 119, 126, 128
Student Identifier - Default Settings.................................................................................................. 67
160
Student Sort ............................................................................................................115, 119, 126, 128
Students .................................................................................................................................. 119, 134
Subject Line .................................................................................................................................... 147
Title ............................................................................................................................................. 83, 84
To - Date ..................................................................................................................................... 84, 85
Use Assignment Label .................................................................................................................... 115
Use Missing Marks - Default Settings ................................................................................... 40, 43, 67
Value ..................................................................................................................................... 79, 83, 85
Verify ................................................................................................................................................. 31
Vertical - Adjustment in Inches ......................................................................................................... 33
Weight - Assignment............................................................................................................. 79, 84, 85
Weight - Group.................................................................................................................................. 70
File Menu .......................................................................................................................................... 8, 10
Font field ............................................................................................................................................... 33
Form 84914L Test Answer Sheet
Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 132
Printing ............................................................................................................................................ 134
Reading........................................................................................................................................... 132
Form 84914L Test Answer Sheet....................................................................................................... 132
From field - Date ............................................................................................................................. 84, 85
Function Keys ....................................................................................................................................... 17
General Message field........................................................................................................107, 108, 119
Getting Help Using Gradebook............................................................................................................... 3
Gradebook
Access................................................................................................................................................. 4
Delete Gradebooks ......................................................................................................................... 145
Protection ........................................................................................................................................ 149
Gradebook field ..........................................................................................................124, 131, 134, 136
Gradebook icon ...................................................................................................................................... 5
Gradebook Menu Functions ................................................................................................................... 8
Gradebook Reports
Current Status ................................................................................................................................. 122
Description of Reports ............................................................................................................ 111, 112
Hard Copy ............................................................................................................................... 113, 115
Mark Distribution ..................................................................................................................... 129, 131
Posting Analysis.............................................................................................................................. 138
Progress.................................................................................................................................. 117, 119
Progress Overtime .................................................................................................................. 135, 136
Roster...................................................................................................................................... 125, 126
Selected Mark ......................................................................................................................... 123, 124
Student Biographical ............................................................................................................... 127, 128
Test Answer Sheet 84914L..................................................................................................... 132, 134
Gradebook Reports .................................................................................................................... 111, 112
Gradebook Shortcut Keys .................................................................................................................... 17
Gradebook/Students Manually Added.................................................................................................. 27
Gradebooks field.................................................................107, 108, 115, 119, 122, 126, 128, 138, 147
Grid Labels (M T W) field.................................................................................................................... 126
Group field ...................................................................................................................................... 83, 85
Group Name field.................................................................................................................................. 70
Group Options
Assignment Group Options............................................................................................................... 69
161
Group Options ...................................................................................................................................... 69
Group Weights ..................................................................................................................................... 42
Groups field ........................................................................................................................................ 119
Handshake field ................................................................................................................................. 141
Hard Copy Report
Overview......................................................................................................................................... 113
Printing............................................................................................................................................ 115
Reading .......................................................................................................................................... 113
Hard Copy Report .............................................................................................................................. 113
Heading field .................................................................................................................................. 83, 84
Help Menu ........................................................................................................................................ 8, 16
Help with Gradebook.................................................................................................................... 3, 4, 16
Hide Overall Column field .................................................................................................................... 92
Horizontal field (Adjustment in Inches) ................................................................................................ 33
How Mark Tables Import ...................................................................................................................... 34
I/O Diagnostic............................................................................................................................... 14, 146
Identifier Width (Inches) field.............................................................................................................. 126
IDs .......................................................................................................................................................... 4
Importing
Copying Configurations .................................................................................................................... 66
Data Transfer Without Network Connection..................................................................................... 24
Exporting/Importing Marks to Disk ................................................................................................... 27
How Mark Tables Are Automatically Imported ................................................................................. 34
Marks from a Disk into Schoolmaster............................................................................................. 105
Rosters ....................................................................................................................................... 22, 25
Rosters from a Disk (from Schoolmaster to Gradebooks) ............................................................... 25
Schoolmaster Data from a Network ................................................................................................. 21
Teacher Information ......................................................................................................................... 28
Updating One Roster........................................................................................................................ 75
Updating Rosters from Schoolmaster .............................................................................................. 75
Importing .............................................................................................................................................. 25
Inactive Students
Deleting Inactive Students................................................................................................................ 77
Student Status Designations ............................................................................................................ 74
Inactive Students.................................................................................................................................. 73
Include Assignments field .................................................................................................................. 115
Include Missing Marks field ................................................................................................................ 136
Include Students field................................................................................................. 115, 131, 136, 147
Internet
Posting Gradebook Reports for the Web/PASS............................................................................. 107
Posting Progress Reports to EDLINE ............................................................................................ 108
Schoolmaster on the Web .................................................................................................................. 3
Internet ................................................................................................................................................. 15
Introduction
Assignments View ............................................................................................................................ 79
Configuration View ........................................................................................................................... 65
Data Entry View................................................................................................................................ 89
162
Introduction to Gradebook .................................................................................................................. 3
Posting From Gradebook to Schoolmaster....................................................................................... 99
Producing Gradebook Reports ............................................................................................... 111, 112
Protecting Your Gradebook Data.................................................................................................... 149
Setting Up a New Gradebook ........................................................................................................... 21
Students View ................................................................................................................................... 73
Understanding Calculations in Gradebooks ..................................................................................... 39
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 9
Keystrokes ............................................................................................................................................ 17
Landscape field (Orientation) ............................................................................................................... 19
List to be Built field ............................................................................................................................... 30
Lock field............................................................................................................................................... 79
Lock Mark Columns .............................................................................................................................. 88
Lock Mark field...................................................................................................................................... 85
Logging In
Changing Your Password ................................................................................................................. 31
Logging Into Gradebook ..................................................................................................................... 5
Logging In ............................................................................................................................................... 5
Login ID .............................................................................................................................................. 4, 5
Login Name field..................................................................................................................................... 5
Login Username ................................................................................................................................. 4, 5
Macintosh Backup ...................................................................................................................... 149, 150
Manually Adding a Gradebook Page/Students .................................................................................... 27
Mark Calculation Examples
Multi Groups / No Weights / Drop Lowest............................................................................. 50, 51, 52
Multi Groups / Weights / Progress Marks .......................................................................53, 54, 55, 56
Multi Groups with Weights / Progress Marks /..........................................................58, 59, 60, 62, 63
No Groups / No Weights ............................................................................................................. 46, 47
One Group / No Weights / Drop Lowest ..................................................................................... 48, 49
Overall Column Default Calculation .................................................................................................. 44
Mark Calculation Examples .............................................................................................................. 7, 45
Mark Calculations
Alpha Marks as Assignment Scores ................................................................................................. 40
Assignments with No Score (Blank) vs a Zero Score ....................................................................... 39
Calculation Example - Overall Column Default Calculation.............................................................. 44
Effect of Mark Table Option Calc Nullify ........................................................................................... 44
Effect of Mark Table Option Calc Override ....................................................................................... 44
Effect of the Drop Lowest Option in Calculations ............................................................................. 43
Effect of the Use Missing Marks Option in Calculations ................................................................... 43
Mark Calculations ................................................................................................................................. 39
Mark Comments
163
Sending Postable Marks to Schoolmaster on the Network ............................................................ 102
Mark Comments................................................................................................................................... 83
Mark Distribution Report
Overview......................................................................................................................................... 129
Printing............................................................................................................................................ 131
Reading .......................................................................................................................................... 129
Mark Distribution Report ............................................................................................................ 129, 131
Mark Entry
Changing the Overall Column Display ............................................................................................. 92
Display Options for Mark Entry......................................................................................................... 90
Entering Marks ................................................................................................................................. 96
Locking Marks .................................................................................................................................. 88
Mark Entry ............................................................................................................................................ 89
Mark Note field ..................................................................................................................................... 97
Mark Notes
Adding Assignments or Comments .................................................................................................. 83
Mark Notes ........................................................................................................................................... 97
Mark Position ..................................................................................................................................... 100
Mark Table Title field............................................................................................................................ 34
Mark Tables
Customized Mark Tables.................................................................................................................. 34
Downloading ....................................................................................................................................... 4
Effect of Calc Nullify ......................................................................................................................... 44
Effect of Calc Override ..................................................................................................................... 44
How Mark Tables Are Automatically Imported ................................................................................. 34
Importing....................................................................................................................................... 4, 34
Overview........................................................................................................................................... 33
Mark Tables.......................................................................................................................................... 33
Marks
Calculated Marks.............................................................................................................................. 41
Locking Marks .................................................................................................................................. 88
Mark Distribution Report................................................................................................................. 129
Selected Marks Report ................................................................................................................... 123
Master List field .................................................................................................................................... 30
Maximum field - Mark Table................................................................................................................. 34
Menu Details .......................................................................................................................................... 8
164
Menu Options
Display Menu Details ........................................................................................................................ 12
Edit Menu Details .............................................................................................................................. 11
File Menu Details .............................................................................................................................. 10
Help Menu Details............................................................................................................................. 16
Report Menu Details ......................................................................................................................... 14
Setup Menu Details........................................................................................................................... 14
Task Menu Details ............................................................................................................................ 13
Utility Menu Details ........................................................................................................................... 14
Web Menu Details............................................................................................................................. 15
Window Menu Details ....................................................................................................................... 16
Menu Options ......................................................................................................................................... 8
Messages Preferences ......................................................................................................................... 29
NA Score .............................................................................................................................................. 40
Name field - Group ............................................................................................................................... 70
Navigating Gradebook ............................................................................................................................ 7
Network Diagnostic....................................................................................................................... 14, 146
New field ............................................................................................................................................... 31
Notes
Editing/Removing Notes Attached to Marks ..................................................................................... 98
Posting Comments.......................................................................................................................... 102
Notes .................................................................................................................................................... 97
Number of Boxes field ........................................................................................................................ 126
Numeric High field .............................................................................................................................. 124
Numeric Low field ............................................................................................................................... 124
Numeric Marks vs. Alpha Marks........................................................................................................... 95
Online Help ............................................................................................................................................. 4
Open ....................................................................................................................................................... 7
Open Schoolmaster Home Page...................................................................................................... 3, 15
Output Destinations .............................................................................................................................. 18
Overall Column
Changing the Overall Column Display .............................................................................................. 92
Default Calculation Method............................................................................................................... 44
Overall Column Default Calculation .................................................................................................. 44
Overall Column ..................................................................................................................................... 44
Overall Weight field - Group ................................................................................................................. 70
Overview
Data Entry View ................................................................................................................................ 89
Introduction to Gradebook .................................................................................................................. 3
Posting From Gradebook to Schoolmaster....................................................................................... 99
Producing Gradebook Reports ............................................................................................... 111, 112
Protecting Your Gradebook Data.................................................................................................... 149
Setting Up a New Gradebook ........................................................................................................... 21
Students View ................................................................................................................................... 73
165
Overview ................................................................................................................................................ 9
Page Break by Student field............................................................................................... 115, 119, 136
Parent Email
Parental Access Support System ................................................................................................ 15, 107
Parity field........................................................................................................................................... 141
PASS............................................................................................................................................ 15, 107
Password.......................................................................................................................................... 4, 31
Password field ........................................................................................................................................ 5
Paste .................................................................................................................................................... 11
Port field ............................................................................................................................................. 141
Portrait field (Orientation) ..................................................................................................................... 32
Postable Columns Only.................................................................................................................. 12, 90
Posting Analysis Report ..................................................................................................................... 138
Posting Progress Reports to the Web........................................................................................ 107, 108
Posting Settings
Accessing ......................................................................................................................................... 99
Deleting........................................................................................................................................... 101
Flagging .......................................................................................................................................... 100
Overview........................................................................................................................................... 99
Using Posting Settings ..................................................................................................................... 99
Posting Settings ................................................................................................................................... 99
Posting to Schoolmaster
Exporting Gradebook Marks to a Disk............................................................................................ 104
Importing Gradebook Marks from a Disk into Schoolmaster.......................................................... 105
Posting Marks to Schoolmaster Using a Disk ................................................................................ 104
Sending Postable Marks to Schoolmaster on the Network ............................................................ 102
Using Posting Settings ..................................................................................................................... 99
Posting to Schoolmaster ...................................................................................................................... 99
Precision field - Default Settings .......................................................................................................... 67
Preferences - Workstation.................................................................................................................... 29
Preliminary Setup Activities
ID, Password, and Classroom Rights................................................................................................. 4
Mark Tables to Download................................................................................................................... 4
Overview............................................................................................................................................. 4
Rosters To Download ......................................................................................................................... 4
Preliminary Setup Activities.................................................................................................................... 4
Print Answer Key field ........................................................................................................................ 134
Print Assignment Legend field ........................................................................................................... 115
Print Bar Graph field........................................................................................................................... 131
Print Config Settings field................................................................................................................... 115
Print District ID field............................................................................................................................ 128
Print Grid field ............................................................................................................................ 115, 126
Print ID field........................................................................................................................................ 126
Print Mark Notes field......................................................................................................................... 124
Print Mark Statistics field............................................................................................................ 131, 136
Print Options .................................................................................................................................. 10, 33
166
Print Overall Mark field ....................................................................................................................... 115
Print Parent Email field ....................................................................................................................... 128
Print Phone Numbers field.................................................................................................................. 126
Print Setup ................................................................................................................................ 10, 19, 32
Printing
Changing Print Options ..................................................................................................................... 33
Changing the Print Setup.................................................................................................................. 32
Landscape Orientation...................................................................................................................... 19
Output Destinations .......................................................................................................................... 18
Overview ........................................................................................................................................... 18
Printing a View .................................................................................................................................. 19
Reports.................................................................................................................................... 111, 112
Printing.................................................................................................................................................. 18
Printing a View...................................................................................................................................... 19
Programs and Data Backup ....................................................................................................... 149, 150
Progress Over Time Report
Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 135
Printing ............................................................................................................................................ 136
Reading........................................................................................................................................... 135
Progress Over Time Report................................................................................................................ 135
Progress Report
Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 117
Posting for Web/PASS .................................................................................................................... 107
Posting to EDLINE .......................................................................................................................... 108
Printing ............................................................................................................................................ 119
Reading........................................................................................................................................... 117
Progress Report.................................................................................................................................. 117
Prompt at quit to export PASS info - Messages Optn .......................................................................... 29
Prompt at quit to run backup utility - Messages Optn........................................................................... 29
Protecting Gradebook Data ................................................................................................................ 149
Reading
Current Status Report ..................................................................................................................... 122
Data Entry View ................................................................................................................................ 89
Diagnostics Display......................................................................................................................... 143
Gradebook Desktop ............................................................................................................................ 7
Hard Copy Report ........................................................................................................................... 113
Mark Distribution Report ................................................................................................................. 129
Posting Analysis Report.................................................................................................................. 138
Progress Over Time Report ............................................................................................................ 135
Progress Report .............................................................................................................................. 117
Roster Report.................................................................................................................................. 125
Selected Marks Report ................................................................................................................... 123
Student Biographical Report ........................................................................................................... 127
Students View ................................................................................................................................... 73
Test Answer Sheets (84914L) ........................................................................................................ 132
Reading .................................................................................................................................................. 7
Replace with field.................................................................................................................................. 92
Report Menu .....................................................................................................................8, 14, 111, 112
Report Menu Details ............................................................................................................................. 14
167
Reports
Current Status ................................................................................................................................ 122
Description of Reports ............................................................................................................ 111, 112
Hard Copy............................................................................................................................... 113, 115
Mark Distribution..................................................................................................................... 129, 131
Posting Analysis ............................................................................................................................. 138
Progress ................................................................................................................................. 117, 119
Progress Overtime.................................................................................................................. 135, 136
Roster ..................................................................................................................................... 125, 126
Selected Mark......................................................................................................................... 123, 124
Student Biographical .............................................................................................................. 127, 128
Test Answer Sheet 84914L .................................................................................................... 132, 134
Reports....................................................................................................................................... 111, 112
Restoring Backup Data ...................................................................................................................... 152
Roster Report
Overview......................................................................................................................................... 125
Printing............................................................................................................................................ 126
Reading .......................................................................................................................................... 125
Roster Report ..................................................................................................................................... 125
Rosters
Copying Students (from another roster) ........................................................................................... 76
Exporting Rosters from Schoolmaster to a Disk............................................................................... 24
Importing Rosters from a Disk (from Schoolmaster to Gradebooks) ............................................... 25
Importing Your Rosters..................................................................................................................... 22
Roster Report ................................................................................................................................. 125
Sample Frequency field ..................................................................................................................... 136
Scan Test Scores
Printing Test Answer Sheets (84914L)........................................................................................... 134
Reading the Diagnostics Display.................................................................................................... 143
Scanner Settings ............................................................................................................................ 141
Scanning Errors .............................................................................................................................. 144
Using Scanner Diagnostics ............................................................................................................ 142
Scan Test Scores ............................................................................................................................... 139
Scanner Diagnostics
Diagnostics ..................................................................................................................................... 146
Reading the Diagnostics Display.................................................................................................... 143
Scanning Errors .............................................................................................................................. 144
Using Scanner Diagnostics ............................................................................................................ 142
Scanner Diagnostics .......................................................................................................................... 142
Scanner field ...................................................................................................................................... 141
Schoolmaster Classroom Manager........................................................................................................ 3
Schoolmaster System Manager ......................................................................................................... 3, 4
Schoolmaster Web Site.................................................................................................................... 3, 15
Score Scanning
168
Printing Test Answer Sheets (84914L) ........................................................................................... 134
Reading the Diagnostics Display .................................................................................................... 143
Scanner Settings............................................................................................................................. 141
Scanning Errors .............................................................................................................................. 144
Using Scanner Diagnostics............................................................................................................. 142
Score Scanning .................................................................................................................................. 139
Screen ............................................................................................................................................ 18, 29
Screen Font - Display Option ............................................................................................................... 29
Secondary Grading................................................................................................................................. 4
Section Marks
Calculated Marks .............................................................................................................................. 41
Deleting a Posting Setting............................................................................................................... 101
Entering Marks .................................................................................................................................. 96
Flagging a Mark as Postable .......................................................................................................... 100
Task Menu Options in the Data Entry View ...................................................................................... 93
Using Posting Settings ...................................................................................................................... 99
Security - Data
Macintosh Backup........................................................................................................................... 150
Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 149
Restoring Gradebook Data from Backup........................................................................................ 152
Windows Backup............................................................................................................................. 149
Security - Data .................................................................................................................................... 149
Select a Class - Startup Option ............................................................................................................ 29
Select Assignments field ............................................................................................................ 131, 136
Select Date Range ............................................................................................................................... 12
Selected Group..................................................................................................................................... 12
Selected Marks Report
Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 123
Printing ............................................................................................................................................ 124
Reading........................................................................................................................................... 123
Selected Marks Report ....................................................................................................................... 123
Sensitivity field .................................................................................................................................... 141
Set Overall Column .............................................................................................................................. 12
Setup Activities
Mark Tables to Download ................................................................................................................... 4
Overview ............................................................................................................................................. 4
Setup Activities ....................................................................................................................................... 4
Setup Menu .......................................................................................................................................... 14
Setup Workstation Preferences............................................................................................................ 29
Shortcut Keystrokes ............................................................................................................................. 17
Show Headers On Reports - Display Option........................................................................................ 29
Show Student Ranking field ............................................................................................................... 131
Size field - Paper .................................................................................................................................. 32
169
Sort field - Default Settings .................................................................................................................. 67
Source - Paper ..................................................................................................................................... 32
Source Assignment Detail field ............................................................................................................ 85
Source field - Paper ............................................................................................................................. 32
Staff Email .......................................................................................................................................... 146
Start Date field ..................................................................................................................................... 92
Startup Preferences ............................................................................................................................. 29
Status Designations ............................................................................................................................. 74
Stop Bits field ..................................................................................................................................... 141
Student Biographical Report
Overview......................................................................................................................................... 127
Printing............................................................................................................................................ 128
Reading .......................................................................................................................................... 127
Student Biographical Report .............................................................................................................. 127
Student Email
Student Identifier field ................................................................................................ 115, 119, 126, 128
Student Identifier field - Default Settings.............................................................................................. 67
Student Sort field........................................................................................................ 115, 119, 126, 128
Students field ............................................................................................................................. 119, 134
Students View
Copying Students (from another roster) ........................................................................................... 76
Deleting a Student ............................................................................................................................ 77
Overview........................................................................................................................................... 73
Task Menu Options .......................................................................................................................... 74
Using the Students View .................................................................................................................. 73
Students View ...................................................................................................................................... 73
Students/Gradebook Manually Added ................................................................................................. 27
Subject Line field................................................................................................................................ 147
System Manager ................................................................................................................................ 3, 4
Task Menu
Assignments View ............................................................................................................................ 81
Configuration View ........................................................................................................................... 66
Data Entry View................................................................................................................................ 93
Student View .................................................................................................................................... 74
Task Menu........................................................................................................................................ 8, 13
Test Answer Sheet Report (84914L)
Overview......................................................................................................................................... 132
Printing............................................................................................................................................ 134
Reading .......................................................................................................................................... 132
Test Answer Sheet Report (84914L) ................................................................................................. 132
Text File................................................................................................................................................ 18
Title Bar .................................................................................................................................................. 7
Title field ......................................................................................................................................... 83, 84
To field - Date................................................................................................................................. 84, 85
170
Total Points (Ignore Group Weights) field - Default Settings ............................................................... 67
Unlock Mark Columns .......................................................................................................................... 88
Use Assignment Label field ................................................................................................................ 115
Use Cut................................................................................................................................................. 11
Use Missing Marks ......................................................................................................................... 34, 43
Use Missing Marks field - Default Settings ............................................................................... 40, 43, 67
Username ............................................................................................................................................... 5
Using Gradebook Electronic Documentation ......................................................................................... 3
Utility Menu ........................................................................................................................................... 14
Value field ................................................................................................................................. 79, 83, 85
Verify field ............................................................................................................................................. 31
Vertical field - Adjustment in Inches ..................................................................................................... 33
Views
Assignments.......................................................................................................................... 12, 79, 81
Changing the View Order.................................................................................................................. 30
Configuration View ................................................................................................................ 65, 66, 67
Data Entry View .......................................................................................................................... 89, 93
Printing a View .................................................................................................................................. 19
Students View ....................................................................................................................... 73, 74, 75
View Order ........................................................................................................................................ 30
Views ................................................................................................................................................ 7, 19
Views Order .......................................................................................................................................... 30
Web Menu ............................................................................................................................................ 15
Web Site
Posting Gradebook Progress Reports for the Web/PASS.............................................................. 107
Posting Gradebook Progress Reports to EDLINE .......................................................................... 108
Schoolmaster Web Site ...................................................................................................................... 3
Web Site ........................................................................................................................................... 3, 15
Weight field - Assignment......................................................................................................... 79, 84, 85
Weight field - Group.............................................................................................................................. 70
Weights
Examples of Configuration/Group/Assignment Setup and Calculation ............................................ 45
Weights........................................................................................................................................... 39, 41
Welcome................................................................................................................................................. 1
Window Menu ....................................................................................................................................... 16
Windows - Using..................................................................................................................................... 7
Windows Backup ........................................................................................................................ 149, 152
Withdrawn Students
Deleting a Student ............................................................................................................................ 77
Deleting Inactive Students ................................................................................................................ 77
Student Status Designations............................................................................................................. 74
Withdrawn Students ............................................................................................................................. 74
Workstation Preferences ...................................................................................................................... 29
171

Gradebook -- Network Edition Schoolmaster

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