October 12, 2011

GradeSpeed: Online Grade Book

So this year we are full out using GradeSpeed.  Last year many schools piloted it, but not it is everyone's baby!  So far...not a fan.  I'm sure once I get use to it...things will go faster & I'll enjoy some of the features. HOWEVER...yesterday I about punched the computer screen.  After doing portfolio reviews with my 4th graders and getting their grades entered in....the screen flashed and everything was gone!  I lost a whole class worth of grades(and an hour of my life).  So I had the students leave their work, and I came in extra early today to redo their grades...hitting save after every student.  We think the issue could have been that I was working off of WiFi ...and it is kind of hit & miss at times.  So today the cable is hooked up..and I'm ready to go!!  OH...also...my student teacher is done today...so after fall break you will hopefully see more Mr. E posts of amazing art work by kids!!!!! :)  

9 comments:

  1. We began using it this year as well- now that I have gotten used to it, it really does make my life easier! It averages grades and can show you student progress, etc. I was sooo frustrated with it at first but now I think it's great. Just play around with it, you will probably like it.

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  2. how do you grade? What is the criteria? My district does it based on state standards....we are piloting a new report card and grading system this year.

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  3. In our district, 6th grade and up use an electronic gradebook in School Tools. Starting next year the elementary will use the electronic grading as well. I've never heard of GradeSpeed, but they probably all have the same basic premise. When I taught a high school class a few years ago I had to enter my grades electronically. I balked at first, then found it was very easy and I loved doing averages with it. You could change a formula to suit your needs.

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  4. I learned last year to use a clipboard with the roll sheets on it, and then later, go back and enter all the grades in. I also use a default grade, and change only the ones that need it.

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  5. What did you use before? Our district uses PowerSchool. How does it compare to GradeSpeed?
    We give number grades 4-1 and it is frustrating when you are giving 3.7 to average out to the corresponding 3. Oh well sure beats the old paper pencil way.

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  6. Love these online gradebooks and we have "power teacher" It makes it easy to find phone numbers mailing addresses etc. Providing they are still correct! You may end up seeing they will work the kinks out.

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  7. As a middle school teacher I have to enter grades all semester and have found that keeping a detailed hard copy is the key. Computers while wonderful often glitch and grades can be lost quickly, especially with new software.

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  8. It's not really designed with special area teachers in mind. My coworker uses his iPad to do gradespeed on it. We don't have wifi at our school, so he uses the 3G which seems to work okay.

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  9. Oh, I ADORE gradespeed -- I hope it's been better for you of late. I'm a music teacher, and it's just awesome that I can create one assignment that can be applied to all the classes in the grade level, and that I can give them all a "default" grade and then just edit where it needs to be changed. Plus, being able to leave little notes on each assignment (like "Little Johnny turned in a completely blank worksheet") is so convenient compared to a paper gradebook. I love it! (:

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