Why it Matters
The Brightspace Grades tool needs your review to ensure accuracy. Check that all grade columns and categories transferred correctly and make any necessary adjustments.
Note: Grades default to a points-based system, but you can switch to weighted if needed.
Action Items:
- Have your syllabus grading policy on hand to guide updates.
- Verify grade links: Make sure all Assignments, Quizzes, and Discussions are connected to the Grades tool.
- For weighted grade systems:
- Ensure categories are listed as actual Categories in Brightspace, not just associations.
- For points-based systems:
- Confirm all graded items and their point values are correct. Remove or exclude any extra items from the final calculation.
- Use Bulk Edit to review, adjust point values and weights, and assign categories efficiently.
How To
Running the Setup Wizard in Brightspace
The Setup Wizard is the first step in configuring your gradebook.
-
Go to:
-
Step-by-Step Guide: Steps as they will appear in Brightspace
-
Step 1: Grading System
Choose Weighted or Points. Click Continue.
-
Step 2: Final Grade Released
Select Calculated Final Grade (recommended). Click Continue.
-
Step 3: Grade Calculations
Choose how ungraded items are treated:
-
Step 4: Default Grade Scheme
Select a scheme and click Continue.
-
Step 5: Managing View Display Options
Choose number of decimal places (usually 2). Click Continue.
-
Step 6: Student View Display Options
Set what students can see. Click Continue.
-
Step 7: Setup Summary
Review your selections and click Finish.
Creating Grade Categories
If you use a weighted grading system, creating Categories helps organize your gradebook and assign percentage weights to each group of assessments.
-
Go to Class Progress > Grades > Manage Grades tab
-
Click the New button, then select Category.
-
On the New Category page:
-
Name your category (e.g., Discussions).
-
Enter a weight under Grading (only available if your gradebook is set to Weighted).
-
Under Distribution, choose how grades are calculated:
-
Click Save & Close.
Assign Grade Item to Categories
After creating your categories, ensure they align with your syllabus grading policy. Now, assign your grade items to the correct categories.
Bulk Assign Grade Items to Categories:
-
Go to the Grades page > Manage Grades tab
-
Select the first checkbox at the top to select all grade items
-
Click Bulk Edit
-
In the Bulk Edit view, use the Category dropdown next to each grade item to assign it to the appropriate category
-
Click Save when finished
Reorder Grade Items and Categories
Reordering your grade items helps organize the Gradebook view for both you and your students.
Steps to Reorder:
-
Go to the Grades page > Manage Grades tab
-
Click the More Actions button
-
Select Reorder
-
In the Sort Order column:
-
Assign 1 to the first item you want displayed
-
Continue numbering the rest in the desired order (2, 3, 4, etc.)
You can also reorder items within categories for better organization.
-
Click Save when finished.
Delete or Hide a Grade Item
Some grade columns from Blackboard may carry over but are no longer needed, such as:
- Total
- OutcomeDefinition.Total
- OutcomeDefinition.WeightedTotal
- Weighted Total
These can be deleted, as the Final Calculated Grade column is used in its place.
Important: Before deleting any grade item linked to an assignment, quiz, or discussion, you must first disassociate it by editing the activity and removing the grade item manually. Note: Deleted grade items cannot be recovered.
To Delete:
-
In the Grades page, select Manage Grades
-
Select More Actions button
-
Select Delete
-
Check the grade items to delete
-
Then press Delete
See It in Action:
Coming soon!