Teachers' Circle

Our district has decided to use Infinite Campus to keep grades and attendance. We also changed the way we grade from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 to Advanced, Proficient, Progressing and Beginning. I am finding the whole idea of grading papers very daunting. We didn't learn how to set up the grade book until two weeks ago, now report cards are due at the end of next week. I have been keeping track of my grades, but not on Infinite Campus. Now I have to figure out how to do my report cards. I am really worried that my first quarter grades won't match the rest of the year. since in Infinite Campus, we have to put them in practice, formative or summative categories and they are weighted differently. I only teach third grade!!!!

Anyone else use Infinite Campus or anything like it?

Kathy

 

 Kathy- Mommy to Nate the Great (9), Nolan "Nolie Tanolie" (6) and Bean Bean Josephine (2)

personally, i wouldn't worry too much about first quarter not matching the rest of the year. you are in transition. parents should be able to understand that. if this is a good system for you, you should be able to articulate why your school (district?) is making the change and parents will appreciate your honesty and passion.

or at least in a perfect world. :-0

our first quarter HS LA grades are being reported through a regular A-B-C-D-F gradebook...but we're doing standards-based curriculum. it is a nightmare to record. by the end of the semester we are supposed to have a program called Educate and things will be better. we've explained that to parents and students and most everyone is good with it.

i'm also doing (trying) standards-based with my elementary reading class, but without the promise of new software this year. omg, it is so confusing but so worth it.

anyhow, so i say, just keep those lines of communication open with your families. hopefully they understand.

I don't know anyone with Infinite Campus in this area, but almost every district has some online interface that allows parents to view their child's grades, test scores, assignments etc. They can also pay lunch and other fees online, e-mail the teachers, and sign up to get e-mail and text messages for delays and closings, emergency situations, and other reminders like conferences and report card days.

Most of these systems have online tutorials on the company website. Would that help you feel more comfortable with the gradebook?

Sherry

Our school district uses Infinite Campus. I have used it for a couple years now. Could be better, but not too bad once you figure it out.

If you have been keeping track of grades another way, you should be able to just enter in a final grade under "grading by task"The students won't be able to see how they got their grade, just what it is.

Do the kids and parents have thew ability to see their grades through parent portal? It took our district a few months to get parent and student access set up.

I'd be happy to answer any questions...

-Judy- me 36, DH 36, DS born 6/12/2000 and DD born 4/19/2009