Gradebook Categories

Gradebooks are made up of categories and assignments. This article explains how to create and copy Gradebook Categories.

Note: You may also want to review the articles on creating Gradebook Templates and Gradebook Assignments.

Teacher Connect > Gradebook: Setup

Add a Gradebook Category

1. Open Teacher Connect Gradebook.

2. Click Setup.

3. Click Add Category from the setup screen.
   

4. Enter a Category Name.
   

Important: If you use a third-party grading system such as Schoology or Canvas, the category names must match exactly in both systems. If a category is missing or spelled differently, grades may not transfer between systems.

4. Enter the Category Weight.

   • Averaging: Enter the percentage of the marking period grade assigned to the category - category weights should equal 100%.

   • Summation (Total Points): Categories typically use the same weight - 1.

5. (Optional) Configure:

   • Drop Lowest – Number of lowest assignment scores to exclude from the marking period average.

   • Drop Highest – Number of highest assignment scores to exclude from the marking period average

6. Select the Grading Method:

   • Averaging – Use when categories have different weights (for example, 20%, 30%, and 50%).

   • Summation (Total Points) – Use when assignments are calculated using total points earned.

Important: Use only one grading method within a Gradebook. Mixing grading methods can produce unexpected marking period averages.

Optional Category Defaults

Set default values that will automatically be applied to new assignments created within the category.

1. Portal Display Option Defaults
   
1. Category Name and Details - Displays the category name, weight, # of dropped and the category average.
   
2. Category Name Only - Displays the category name.
   

• Gradebook Display Option Defaults
  

• Text Color and Background Color 
  

• Font Style (Bold, Italic, Underline)
  

• Assignment Defaults
  

• Max Points - enter typical point value for the category (i.e. enter a 10 if homework assignments are usually worth 10 points).
  

• Bonus Points - Only use is most assignments have a set number of bonus points.

• Multiplier - Defaults to 1.

• Allow Comment - allows assignment comments that are visible on the parent and student portals.

• Display on Gradebook - Display assignments in the gradebook.

• Publish on Portal
  

• Assignment and Grade - Recommended.
  

• Assignment Only - No Grades.
  

• Not Published - Do not display on the student and parent portals.

Tip: Setting defaults can save time when creating multiple assignments with similar settings.

7. Click Save.

Copy Gradebook Categories

Use this option to copy categories from one class to another.  

1. Open Teacher Connect Gradebook.

2. Click Setup.

3. Click Copy Assignments.

4. Select the Target Class.

5. Click Compare.
   

6. Deselect Assignments (optional)

7. Click Append.

8. Click Save.

Repeat these steps for each additional class that needs the same categories.

Training Video

Watch the training video below for a demonstration of creating and copying Gradebook Categories.