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K. Infinite Campus - Frequently Asked Grading Questions

Many questions about grading have arisen since we went live in September of

2006. This FAQ is designed to answer some of those questions with the latest information we have available. It is anticipated that this document will need frequent revision, so be sure to pay attention to the revised date located at the bottom of each page. Also, please note that this document does NOT cover any attendance based questions.

Q – Does the system have the ability to automatically place certain grades in fields or do we have to enter everything manually?

A – In some instances, the system can “autofill” certain information into specific fields. In the “Grade by Task” section after a particular task is selected, a field now exists at the top of the list of students. Teachers may select a score and then push “fill all” or “fill empty” to have that score instantly populate fields. This feature will be particularly helpful for pass/fail classes (labs) and may be useful for classes that do not have a wide variety of grades and/or progress reporting.

Q – Why do we have to enter the same grade in both the “score” column and the “percent” column?

A - Infinite campus uses both columns, but for two very different reasons. The “score” column is used to print marks for students. This is the mark that appears on the report card. The “percent” column is used to calculate Semester 1 (S1), Semester 2 (S2) and Final School Marks (FSM’s) for students. If the two columns are different, it is possible that the grades indicated on the report card will not properly calculate to the student’s FSM. To avoid this, we must match the two columns.

Q – How are we supposed to know when and how to use all of the different non-numeric grades in Infinite Campus?

A – We are going to handle non-numeric grading predominately through the Hall Offices from now on. An enormous amount of confusion occurred towards to end of the year trying to figure out what all of the different non-numeric codes meant and when to use them. From now on, teachers are only responsible for assigning Pass/Fail non-numeric grades for their students. This will predominantly be used in science laboratories, however we do have other examples of Pass/Fail students in various classes around the building (CEIP and ASC students, for example). This means that teachers will NOT be asked to input any other non-numeric grades (NC, EX, IN, AB, etc…) directly. Instead, teachers must fill out the non-numeric grade form and have it signed by their Supervisor. It will then be turned into the Hall Office and entered by administrative staff.

Q – Can we override a computer calculation if we wish?

A – Yes, but only if you put in the score before the computer makes it’s calculation, and no, it’s not a race. The computer only calculates Semester 1, Semester 2 and Final School Marks once each for a particular course. For example, if a teacher wishes to award an FSM that is different than how the computer would calculate, then the teacher must enter that number PRIOR to when the FSM is calculated (meaning before the grading window closes). In the “Grade by Task” window, look for the grading task that indicates “Final School Mark” and enter the grade in both the “score” and “percent” columns. The computer will skip the formal calculation for that student if it sees these fields populated already.

Q – What happens if we accidentally error when entering data? How will we know about the error?

A – It definitely requires a team effort to be sure we catch some of the little mistakes. First and foremost, teachers must be familiar with which fields to populate. It is impossible to know a mistake is made if there is confusion about how to enter information. The four previous documents clarify the grade entry processes, but if you are still in doubt, PLEASE speak to a coach, your supervisor or respective principal. Next, the verification sheets are designed to show you all of your data entries for a given marking period. PLEASE review the reports carefully being sure to verify that all appropriate fields are populated and correct. Finally, we have a way of generating background reports which look for mistakes. These reports will be given to Supervisors to review. Supervisors will then either correct the mistake(s), or communicate with the teacher about an appropriate solution.

Q – Is the “Grading Window” firm and how will I know when it opens and closes?

A – The grading window time frames are designed to provide a large amount of time to enter grades, but also fall within the normal times when we prepare report cards and progress reports. The opening of the window will be set well in advance of when grades are due. The closing of the window is firm and any entries that need to be made after the window closes must be done through Hall Offices. The time frames will be posted in the Halls, announced in meetings and also added to the Infinite Campus banner (title screen) for all to see.

Q - How do we grade students who have lost credit (NC’d) a course?

A - You don’t. After the student NC’s, report the NC to the Hall Office. No grades should be entered for that student beyond this point. The only mark that should appear is “NC” for that student. The Hall Office enters the “NC” after notification by the teacher. It is still a good idea to verify that the “NC” is in the system when verification sheets are distributed.

Q – Do failure notices still need to be filled out if a student fails a course, final or Regents exam?

A – Yes. The notices are what we use to help plan summer school, report problems to guidance counselors and determine if prerequisites were met. Failure notices are not related to Infinite Campus, but are still vital to our communication chain with numerous offices as well as students and parents.

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