Subjects

In this guide, you will learn

• What a subject is and how to create them
• How to use subjects
• The difference between subjects, classrooms, and courses

What is a Subject?

A Subject is a label used to organize assignments, courses, classrooms, or gradebooks based on the type of material they cover. Examples include math, science, and art. Assigning subjects to these areas helps keep information organized and labeled properly on the assignment calendar, student portals, and grade reports.

Creating a Subject

• Go to Subjects, click + Add New Subject, fill out the form, and click Create.
• Determine if your subject should be used across your entire Spark platform, or whether you want it to be assigned to a specific term or classroom.

Using Subjects

Label the following with a subject to enhance organization and clarity:

• Assignments: Labeling assignments with a subject allows you to organize them by subject on the assignment calendar and student portals.
• Grade Classes: Assigning a subject to a grade class in the gradebook provides clarity when generating grade reports.
• Classrooms: Assigning a subject to a classroom helps identify what is being studied within that classroom.
• Courses: Designating a course with a subject clarifies the type of material being taught.

Subjects vs. Classrooms and Courses

Subjects, classrooms, and courses are three distinct features on Spark. Understanding these features will increase your ability to use Spark to the fullest in your school operations.

• Classroom: A group of students with one or more teachers. Examples: "6th Grade" or "Miss Susie’s Science Class." Teachers can perform classroom tasks within a self-contained classroom, such as create assignments, keep grades, and take attendance.
• Course: A reusable set of assignments and lesson plans. Example: "Pre-Algebra" or "World History." Staff can create a course "plan," then schedule it for specific dates and students as many times as needed.
• Subject: A label used to organize assignments, courses, classrooms, or gradebooks by type of material being studied. Examples: math, science, art.