Creating Gradebooks

In this guide, you will learn

• How to create gradebooks and grade classes
• How to manage grade class settings

Creating Gradebooks and Grade Classes

What is a Gradebook and Grade Class?

A Gradebook is an organizational tool that houses individual Grade Classes, making it easier to track student progress. You can name a gradebook based on a specific student, classroom, school term, or even your entire school.

Think of the Spark gradebook feature as a digital version of a physical gradebook. Each grade class within the gradebook functions like a page, recording grades for a specific subject or class.

To create a gradebook:

1. Navigate to Grades in the left-hand menu.
2. Click + Add New Gradebook.
3. Enter the required details for your gradebook (e.g., name, term, or class).
4. Click Create Gradebook.

Once your gradebook is created, you can add Grade Classes to organize and manage grades for specific subjects or students.

To create a grade class:

1. Open the gradebook where you want to add a grade class, then click + Add New Grade Class.
2. Enter the grade class details. For grading strategy, scale, and assignment types, refer to the FAQ below.
3. Click Create Grade Class.

Once your grade class is created, you can begin entering grades.

Managing Grade Class Settings

Each grade class will have a grading strategy. Grading Strategy refers to the method used to assess and assign grades to students. The most common approach is traditional grading, where assignments receive a numerical or percentage score that corresponds to a letter grade.

Spark supports Traditional and Pass/Fail grading strategies, with Mastery Grading coming soon. For ideas on how to use Spark's traditional grading strategy for mastery or standards-based grading, see the FAQ below.

Grade Scales

A Scale defines the range of scores a teacher can assign to a student’s work. Spark supports both traditional and pass/fail grading scales.

• You can create or select a scale when setting up a grade class, or add one later.
• Scales percentages and passing grades can be customized.
• Custom scales can be reused across multiple classes.

Assignment Weight Categories

When using Traditional Grade Strategies, you can set up Assignment Weight Categories. These help organize assignments based on type—such as tests, quizzes, homework, and participation—and assign them different levels of importance in the final grade calculation.

Examples:

• Math Class:
  • Tests: 60%
  • Homework: 20%
  • Quizzes: 10%
  • Class Participation: 10%
• English Class:
  • Essays: 40%
  • Reading Comprehension Quizzes: 30%
  • Class Discussions: 20%
  • Homework: 10%