Aspen+Gradebook

Here are a list of Fact Sheets that can assist you in managing your gradebook in Aspen:
First Step: Print the Aspen Gradebook Checklist to Consult

Second Step: Set Your Aspen Gradebook Preferences

Third Step: Define Class Details
 * view details about the classes that you teach
 * you can apply a different method to calculate the course average other than the default method you defined in your gradebook preferences
 * you can link categories and assignments to other course sections
 * you can determine if you want to drop assignment categories and/or assignment scores



Fourth Step: Create Special Codes Special codes are used in place of an assignment score. You can apply a special code you created to be used for an assignment score that would either exempt the score from the student's average or have the assignment counted as as zero (0) in the student's average. Parents/Guardians and students will see Special Codes when viewing scores from the Family Portal. Some examples of codes: AB (absent), AD (academic dishonesty).

Fifth Step: Create Categories for Your Classes Use categories to group your grades, e.g. Homework, Quizzes, etc... Weight values can also be assigned to categories, e.g. Homework 20%, Quizzes 30%, etc... You can create categories without assigning weights to them. For quick setup, categories can be linked to other classes.

Sixth Step: Create Assignments for Your Classes An assignment in Aspen is any type of student work, e.g., homework, test, etc... You will create a new assignment each time you give your students new work or assessments. Assignments in a class can be linked or imported from another class. You can create assignments using the **Assignments** or **Scores** side tab. The Assignments side tab is typically used when the gradebook is being set up for a class; the Scores side tab is typically used to add an assignment on-the-fly. **Note:** You must define categories and set your gradebook preferences before you can create assignments.

Seventh Step: Enter Scores into Assignments

After creating assignments, you enter the student scores for these assignments. The assignment scores for each student are averaged based upon the averaging mode you selected in the Class Details for the class. If you created categories for your assignments, you can view the student's average for each category, as well as the student's overall class average.

Eighth Step: Moving Grades to the Post Columns
 * for interims and report cards**

As a teacher, you create and maintain your own Aspen Gradebook and enter the scores your students earn on their assignments. Each time you enter a new score, Aspen calculates the average for the student, e.g. homework, quiz, test, and term averages. Yours scores in the Gradebook are private to you until you post your Interim Progress Report or Report Card grades. Only then can the front office see or edit your grades. The front office will prepare the Post Columns in your Gradebook. The post columns are the columns that contain the information that will display on the students transcripts, e.g., Interim Report and Report Card grades and comments. Once you have entered all your assignment scores, you must update these Post Columns and Post your grades.