PowerTeacher Gradebook: Working with Grades Chris Sherwood EECD/EDPE Learning Specialist K-12 Technology

Objectives Objectives By the end of this course, you will know how to: Set up one of three methods to calculate students’ final grades for each class and term Enter assignment scores in multiple ways and add details, such as custom score codes and comments Configure preferences in the gradebook to match your grading practices Finalize your grades at the end of the term Description In part two of a three-part series on PowerTeacher Gradebook, you will learn how to work with grades in PowerTeacher Gradebook. The course covers new ways for entering assignment scores and how to complete final grades at the end of the term. You will walkthrough gradebook processes, including how to set up the calculation for final grades and how to modify grade scales**. **Copy and then customize the default grade scale so that students’ scores translate to grades that match the expectation for them in the class, such as an AP class or a regular class that includes special education students

Final Grade Calculation Setup Calculation Methods The three calculation methods are: total points, term weights, and category weights. You can set up a unique final grade calculation for each section you teach and each grading term for the section. For example, you can use the total points method to calculate final grades, and use the category weights method another class.

Final Grade Calculation Setup Calculations Mode To see the calculation setup for one of your classes, select the Calculations mode on the Grade Setup tab.

Final Grade Calculation Setup Reporting Terms The Calculations mode displays all of the reporting, or grading, terms for this section. Your PowerSchool administrator sets up grading terms at the beginning of the school year. To view the final grade calculation method for a particular grading term, click the right-facing arrow next to the term.

Final Grade Calculation Setup Checking the Calculation Method In this example, the final grade calculation method for this class for S1 is the default method: total points. Now that you've identified which method the class is using currently, the next step is to decide which method to use going forward: total points, term weights, or category weights. Whatever method you choose, make sure to let parents and students know how grades are calculated.

Total Points Calculation How to Discard Low Scores How to Use the Total Points Calculation Method

Term Weights Calculation Method How to Set Up a Term Weights Calculation

Category Weights Calculation Method How to Set Up a Category Weights Calculation

Working with Assignments The Scoresheet You’ve already learned how to enter assignment scores, but you’re wondering what other options you have available in the gradebook when it comes to entering scores. You have a few students who have turned in assignments late or not turned them in at all. You’d like to record the status of those assignments in the gradebook for your own reference, but also so that parents can see if their children have late or missing assignments in the Parent Portal.

Working with Assignments Also, you feel like you spend a lot of time typing in scores; maybe there’s a faster, easier way to get the information into the gradebook. Next, learn more about using the Scoresheet to enter scores and score indicators, such as Late or Missing, in the gradebook.

How to Use the Score Sheet Video Demo Watch this video demonstration to learn how to use the Score Sheet to enter assignment scores and score indicators such as missing, late, exempt, or collected

How to Use the Score Inspector You learned how to enter score indicators to identify the status of an assignment. Now meet the Score Inspector, a tool you can use to enter and modify percent scores, letter scores, score indicators, and comments. Score Inspector Demo

Score Codes You’ve learned how to use score indicators to quickly identify missing, late, exempt, and completed assignments on the Score sheet. Now you want to indicate that student was absent for an assignment that she is not required to make up, but there isn’t an “Absent” score indicator you can use. No worries. In PowerTeacher Gradebook, you can set up score codes to indicate any particular status for a student on his or her assignment. Follow the DEMO to learn how to set up and use score codes.

Working with Final Grades