Beginning-of-Year Gradebook Checklist

At the beginning of each school year, once your classes are appearing in your gradebook, complete the following steps to set up your gradebook for this year:

1. _____ Check your Gradebook preferences to make sure they are as you want them. Be sure your default average mode is set correctly.
2. _____ Define the details for each class section, such as class nickname, average mode, default grade scale, and if you want to drop lowest scores.
3. _____ Link class sections on the Details page. For example, if you teach three CP English classes, link them so you only have to create assignments once, and they apply to each class. Use the Classes linked for assignments and categories accordion in the details of each class section.
4. _____ Import categories from last year, and create any new categories you might want to use. If you import categories for a class you linked to other classes in Step 3, Aspen imports the categories for all of the linked classes, too. Use the Categories accordion in the details of each class section.
5. _____ Import assignments from classes from last year. If you import assignments for a class you linked to other classes in Step 2, Aspen imports the assignments for all of the linked classes, too. Or, create new assignments.
6. _____ Use the Drop mode accordion to set up your drop mode for each course section.
7. _____ Use the Tools tab to apply colors to grade scales; create special codes, such as Missing; and add any footnotes you like to use in your Gradebook.