eSchoolPlus Selecting Categories

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Selecting Categories

eSchoolPlus offers a preset list of gradebook categories for your use. Categories must be selected before you can begin adding assessments. Only the categories that you select will be visible when you create a new assessment. You can always add another category to your gradebook.

PowerGrade users: you are no longer able to create your own categories. If there is a category that you would like to have available for your use please email rmilstead@tamdistrict.org.

1. Login to eSchoolPlus.

2. Select your environment.

3. Click on the Def (Define Assessments) option next to the desired class. NOTE: You will be able to copy these categories to other classes after they have been created..

4. If this is first time that you have selected categories for this class you will see list of available categories. You must scroll down to view the complete list of categories.

5. Before you select a category you should decide whether you will grade Cumlatively (Total Points) or weight grades.
If you choose to grade using total points check the box next to the "Calculate Average Using Total Points". The Weight and Percent columns will no longer be available once you check this box.
If you wish to grade by weighted categories (homework=20%, exams=20%, etc) do not check the "Calculate Average Using Total Points" box.

6. You should also select either "Round" or "Truncate" from the Calculation drop-down menu at the top of the category list.

7. Scan the list and check the box next to first category that you will use for this class.

8. Follow the relevant steps based on your choice of grading calculation: Total Points or Weighted Category.

Total Points

Weighted Category

You must make a selection in the Exclude Missing Category. The Exclude Missing value (optional) determines whether missing scores should count as zero or be excluded from the average. A score is considered missing when the current date is on or after the due date. NOTE: the default is to exclude missing scores from the overall grade.

You must provide information for the Weight and Drop Lowest values. The Exclude Missing value is optional.

1. Weight indicates the percentage valuue for this category. Verify that your perentages add up to 100%. The TAC will not prevent from you from creating categories that are greater than or less than 100%.

2. Drop Lowest determines whether a certain number of low scores by students are dropped. For example, if set to 2, the lowest two scores in this category for a student are dropped. The lowest score is determined as the lowest percentage score; not the lowest number. For example, if a student got 4 out of 5 on a quiz and 20 out of 100 on a test and you drop only one score, the 20 out of 100 assessment would be dropped.

3. The Exclude Missing value (optional) determines whether missing scores should count as zero or be excluded from the average. A score is considered missing when the current date is on or after the due date. NOTE: the default is to exclude missing scores from the overall grade.

9. Click the Save option next the selected category once you have added the necessary information. You must click the Save option before you add another category.

10. Return to step 7 to add another category. Repeat as needed.

10 Once you have completed setting up your categories you may move on to creating assessments (assignments).