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Information about “THE PROGRADE SYSTEM 2 OF 2 (1778)”
THE PROGRADE SYSTEM is a full-featured grading program for educators.
It was designed by an educator and has been rigorously tested by
"non-computer expert" educators to meet their specific needs. The
documentation manuals are complete. Once you've read the documentation
and figured out how the system works, you will find that the system's
power and flexibility is worth the time it takes to learn.
THE PROGRADE SYSTEM will accept letter or numerical grades and lets YOU
decide the letter grade numerical equivalents. THE PROGRADE SYSTEM lets
you enter grades in ANY order -- any assignment for any student at any
time. THE PROGRADE SYSTEM calculates weighted grades or unweighted
grades, points, percents, or letter grades. And every floppy disk can
store dozens of class files, each with up to 35 students, 45 assignments
per student.
PROGRADE computes class averages, comparisons of grades, ranked or
alphabetical class lists, averages of all tests, homeworks, etc. It
will provide individual progress reports with averages for all
assignment categories. Your students and their parents can know where
they stand at all times, and you can, too.
AUTHOR.TXT
THE PROGRADE SYSTEM
THE FAST, COMPLETE, EASY TO USE GRADING PROGRAM
FOR EDUCATORS
A Message From the Author of THE PROGRADE SYSTEM:
It is truly a pleasure to get so many fine comments about the
PROGRADE SYSTEM from users of the programs. When I first
conceived of the SYSTEM, I wanted to make a program that would be
FAST and USEFUL to educators. So many grading programs or
spreadsheets do grades, but they make more work than they save.
I wanted a grading program that a teacher could use to enter
grades as quickly as could be done into a traditional gradebook--
flipping through a stack of papers and quickly recording grades.
I also wanted to make a program that was as easy as possible to
learn but sophisticated enough to meet rigorous grading
requirements and to provide whatever information the teacher
might need, in as positive a light as possible.
I am sincerely glad that I have been able to provide this SYSTEM
to you and am glad that it can save you some effort and make your
clerical life just a little easier, and your teaching just a
little more enjoyable. We will all benefit from this--
students and teachers alike.
One thing that I did not foresee when I created the SYSTEM was
that STUDENTS would like the system, too. It is rewarding to hear
that many students are actually motivated to work harder when
they can see their grades so fairly and clearly shown to them,
and that they actually are pleased to see their grade reports.
Hopefully teachers will not use these reports as punishments in
any way. They can be wonderful, positive instruments.
We have found that the teachers that issue grade reports to
students about every week or two see the most positive impacts of
the PROGRADE SYSTEM because of the strongly reinforcing nature of
the reports. The program is not to be considered a mere
calculator for the end of the term. Frequently, positively, and
constructively used, it has been shown to INCREASE STUDENT
performance.
Please -- we'd be delighted to hear from you about how you use
the PROGRADE SYSTEM within your class environment, as there are
many ways in which it CAN be used.
Once again, thank YOU for your comments, your ideas, and your
continued enthusiastic support.
THANK YOU FOR USING THE PROGRADE SYSTEM!
THE AUTHOR REQUESTS A $45 FEE FOR USE OF THE PROGRAM.
PLEASE BE FAIR AND CONSIDER THE AUTHOR.
If you use the PROGRADE SYSTEM for long, you will notice
several things. First of all, your students may show an
improvement in their performance because of the prompt feedback
that the SYSTEM can provide. Parents may praise you for the
thorough reports that you can give. And your family and friends
will rejoice -- no more end of the term "grading" -- it's
always done and up to date with little effort.
Please -- the author worked long and hard writing and having this
program field tested. He is an educator like yourself, and is
asking for your help. Send what you can; it will be truly
appreciated.
Please -- it is a violation of copyright law to use this program
without registering. And even more-- it's just not fair to the
author. Think about how much benefit YOU get weekly from this
program! Registered users who update their program will receive
professionally packaged software, diskette case, printed manual,
and most recent program versions automatically sent. In
addition, registered users can earn a $10 finder's fee by
convincing any other user to register also. Details of this
program are sent upon registration.
PLEASE USE THE ORDER/REGISTRATION FORM IN THE BEGIN PROGRAM TO
PROPERLY REGISTER OR TO OBTAIN UPDATED VERSIONS.
Thank you from the author,
WILLIAM E. PEACE P.O. BOX 627 SOUTH DENNIS, MA 02660
Your comments and suggestions are more than welcome.
TO LEARN TO USE THE PROGRADE SYSTEM, TYPE READNOW
COMMENTS.TXT
THE PROGRADE SYSTEM
THE FAST, COMPLETE, EASY TO USE GRADING PROGRAM
FOR EDUCATORS
P.O. Box 627, South Dennis, MASSACHUSETTS 02660
The progress report section of the QUICK program on the PROGRADE
SYSTEM allows you to enter any 14 lines of text that you wish.
You could use this area to type a general note to parents or to
students, to make a checklist of some sort, or to print any other
text. Many teachers wish to use checklists on this section, as
it makes issuing periodic progress reports much easier. Attached
is a list of comments that you might wish to look through;
perhaps some of the comments will give you ideas as to comments
that you yourself could use.
Performance is consistent.
Performance has improved noticeably.
Performance is not always consistent.
Organizational skills are very good.
Organizational skills need attention.
Study habits need to be improved.
Study habits are excellent.
Note taking skills are poor.
Note taking skills are very good.
Work shows excellent attention to detail.
There are several incomplete or missing assignments.
Homework preparation is poor.
Homework preparation shows excellent effort.
Not always prepared to start class immediately.
Make-up work has not been completed.
After school help is suggested.
Student has not reported for extra help.
Inattentive in class.
Class participation is good.
Class participation is poor.
Works well in a group situation.
Participation has improved.
Class behavior is disruptive.
Abilities are not being focused on the goals of the class.
Student displays an interest in the subject.
Continue good work.
Tardy to class frequently.
Absent from class frequently.
Has cut class.
A pleasure to have in class.
Increased preparation and study is suggested.
Good class preparation is evident.
Test grades are low.
Quiz grades are weak.
No follow through on project work.
Excellent project work.
Student initiates/proposes and completes independent projects.
Student works well independently.
Please contact the teacher directly.
Student disregards safety rules.
Student is careless with school property/equipment.
Has difficult following directions.
Listening skills need improvement.
A more serious approach is needed.
Attitude has improved.
Attitude is excellent.
Lacks motivation.
Highly motivated and enthusiastic.
Additional effort is needed.
Effort is inconsistent.
Effort is consistent.
Effort is excellent.
Lab work needs improvement.
Speaks effectively in class.
Oral skills are poor.
Vocabulary needs improvement.
Vocabulary is excellent.
Vocabulary is improving.
Spelling skills need improvement.
Math skills need attention.
Language usage and mechanical skills need improvement.
Language usage and mechanical skills are strong.
Written work is careless.
Reading skills need improvement.
Writing skills need improvement.
Handwriting needs improvement.
THE PROGRADE SYSTEM
Box 627 South Dennis MA 02660-0627
FILE1779.TXT
Disk No: 1779
Disk Title: The ProGrade System disk 2 of 2 (also #1778)
PC-SIG Version: S1.2
Program Title: The ProGrade System
Author Version: 4.4
Author Registration: $45.00
Special Requirements: 348K RAM, and two floppy drives or a hard drive.
THE PROGRADE SYSTEM is a full-featured grading program for educators.
It was designed by an educator and has been rigorously tested by
"non-computer expert" educators to meet their specific needs. The
documentation manuals are complete. Once you've read the documentation
and figured out how the system works, you will find that the system's
power and flexibility is worth the time it takes to learn.
THE PROGRADE SYSTEM will accept letter or numerical grades and lets YOU
decide the letter grade numerical equivalents. THE PROGRADE SYSTEM lets
you enter grades in ANY order -- any assignment for any student at any
time. THE PROGRADE SYSTEM calculates weighted grades or unweighted
grades, points, percents, or letter grades. And every floppy disk can
store dozens of class files, each with up to 35 students, 45 assignments
per student.
PROGRADE computes class averages, comparisons of grades, ranked or
alphabetical class lists, averages of all tests, homeworks, etc. And it
will provide individual progress reports with averages for all
assignment categories. Your students and their parents can KNOW where
they stand at all times, and you can, too.
PC-SIG
1030D East Duane Avenue
Sunnyvale Ca. 94086
(408) 730-9291
(c) Copyright 1989, 1990 PC-SIG, Inc.
GO.TXT
╔═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ <<<< Disk #1779 THE PROGRADE SYSTEM disk 2 of 2 (1778) >>>> ║
╠═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ To install the program, insert disk 1 and type: HARD (press enter) ║
║ insert disk 2 and type: HARD2 (press enter) ║
║ ║
║ To start program, insert disk 1 and type: BEGIN (press enter) ║
║ ║
║ To print documentation, type: COPY PROGRADE.TXT PRN ║
╚═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
PROGRADE.TXT
**************************************************
**** THE PROGRADE SYSTEM USER'S MANUAL *****
**************************************************
CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION TO THE PROGRADE SYSTEM
II. SETTING DISKS UP TO USE THE PROGRADE SYSTEM
III. INITIALIZING THE PROGRADE SYSTEM
IV. RUNNING THE PROGRADE SYSTEM
V. NAMING THE CLASS FILES
VI. ENTERING STUDENT NAMES
VII. DELETING STUDENT NAMES
VIII. ENTERING GRADES
IX. CALCULATING GRADES
X. RECALCULATING THE VALUE FOR A GRADE
XI. MODIFICATIONS
XII. REPORTS
XIII. SAVING FILES
XIV. GETTING OR CREATING ANOTHER CLASS
XV. SCALING
XVI. ENDING THE PROGRADE SYSTEM
XVII. PROGRADE PLUS INTRODUCTION
XVIII. RUNNING PROGRADE PLUS
XIX. QUICK PLUS
XX. INITIALIZE (BEGIN) PROGRAM
XXI. COPYRIGHT
---
I. INTRODUCTION TO THE PROGRADE SYSTEM
THE PROGRADE SYSTEM was designed by a teacher -- it does what
teachers want a grading program to do. It is FAST and EASY TO
USE: a major factor in the design of THE PROGRADE SYSTEM was the
minimization of the number of keystrokes required to make the
program work. With THE PROGRADE SYSTEM you will spend no more
time recording grades than you would spend using a gradebook, and
averaging your grades at the end of the quarter or year will take
just SECONDS !
THE PROGRADE SYSTEM will accept letter or numerical grades and
lets YOU decide the letter grade numerical equivalents. THE
PROGRADE SYSTEM lets you enter grades in ANY order -- any
assignment for any student at any time. It accesses most student
records with a single keystroke ... that's fast!! THE PROGRADE
SYSTEM calculates weighted grades or unweighted grades, points,
percents, or letter grades. And every floppy disk can store
dozens of class files each with up to 35 students, 45 assignments
per student.
THE PROGRADE SYSTEM was designed to PROVIDE INFORMATION and to
provide it FAST. Students need to know where they stand; once
quarterly grades or a "scan of the gradebook" is often not
enough. With THE PROGRADE SYSTEM, you know each student's grade
average every single time you enter a grade. It's effortless to
"keep on top" of a student's grades. No more of that extra
calculating that so often does not get done.
THE PROGRADE SYSTEM provides summary reports to suit your needs:
class averages, analyses of any assignments or of class averages,
comparisons of grades, ranked or alphabetical class lists,
printed copies of all grades, averages of all tests, homeworks,
etc. And it will provide individual progress reports with
averages for all assignment categories. Your students and their
parents can KNOW where they stand at all times, and you can, too.
Computers are intended to SAVE time, to make work easier. THE
PROGRADE SYSTEM is a USER'S PROGRAM. You load THE PROGRADE SYSTEM
and THE PROGRADE SYSTEM works for you. At times, THE PROGRADE
SYSTEM will even seem to think for you. This is because THE
PROGRADE SYSTEM was designed by a professional teacher to meet
professional teachers' needs.
---
II. SETTING DISKS UP TO USE THE PROGRADE SYSTEM
PREPARATION OF PROGRAM DISK: The PROGRADE SYSTEM disk is ready to
use. NEVER DELETE, ALTER , OR RENAME ANY FILES ON THE DISK OR YOUR
PROGRAM MAY MALFUNCTION. DO NOT PLACE A WRITE PROTECT TAB ON THE
PROGRAM DISK!! Simply follow the commands on the disk label. The
original program disk must be in Drive A: when the ANY of the
programs start from the master menu, when you request on screen
help, or when you view the manual to the screen. It is easiest to
use the PROGRAM DISK in DRIVE A: and the DATA disk in DRIVE B: (The
program will also work with a single drive, but there will be some
disk switching required because of this. Be certain that when you
are using the MASTER MENU that the PROGRAM DISK is in your drive
and when saving or getting grades, the DATA DISK is in the drive).
NOTE: TO AVOID THE REPEATED "INSERT DISK WITH COMMAND.COM"
MESSAGE YOU NEED TO PLACE YOUR COMMAND.COM FILE ONTO THE PROGRAM
DISK. THIS IS DONE AS FOLLOWS: Place the DOS DISK in DRIVE A: and
type
COPY COMMAND.COM B: <enter>
Have the program disk in DRIVE B: or place it in A: when told to
insert the target diskette. Once the COMMAND.COM file is on the
PROGRADE disk, you will not longer see this message.
HARD DISK OR VIRTUAL DISK USERS: Prepare to use the PROGRADE
SYSTEM as follows. Place the PROGRAM DISK in DRIVE A: and type
HARD <enter>
Then, use the menu to CHOOSE DISK DRIVE C FOR DATA (fastest) or
DISK DRIVE A (or B if you have one). Then use the menu to save
the changes. Then use the menu to end. To run the programs, type
C: <enter> (if you are not already in drive C)
CHDIR \PROGRADE <enter>
PRO <enter>
Hard drive users who do not use drive letter C should follow
the instructions in the READNOW file found on the program
disk.
UTILITY DISK: No preparation is required. The UTILITY disk
contains the PROGRADE SYSTEM manual. If you print the manual, you
will be asked to place the UTILITY disk into a specified drive at
a specific time. To use the sample grade files provided ON the
UTILITY DISK, use the UTILITY disk AS IF IT WERE YOUR DATA DISK.
The disk also contains other files. .TXT files are for word
processor use. .EXE files are programs. ENJOY!
PREPARATION OF YOUR OWN DATA DISK: Simply format a blank disk for
use as a data disk. Be sure that whenever you are saving a file
that this Data Disk is in the Data Drive which you specify in the
initialization section (see section III). Also, be sure that you
use the data disk one time with the MAIN PROGRAM before using it
with QUICK or PROPLUS.
---
III. INITIALIZING THE PROGRADE SYSTEM
The purpose of the initializing section is to set certain
variables for THE PROGRADE SYSTEM to use each time it runs. The
initialization needs to be done only once, but may be redone at
any time. To initialize the program, simply get to DOS, put the
program disk in Drive A, and type PRO <enter>. Then choose the
BEGIN program. The menu that appears will provide you with the
following choices (see section XX of this manual for details):
SCREEN COLOR SELECTIONS NAME GRADE CATEGORIES
PRINT MANUAL / TUTORIAL AUTOMATIC SAVE - HOW OFTEN
VIEW MANUAL ON SCREEN SAVE CHANGES TO DISK AND END
GRADE WEIGHTING OPTIONS DEFINE LETTER GRADES
CHOOSE DISK DRIVE FOR DATA END BUT DONT SAVE CHANGES
PROGRESS REPORT COMMENTS ADJUST TREND CALCULATIONS
HARD DRIVE LETTER ORDER/REGISTRATION
IV. RUNNING THE PROGRADE SYSTEM
THE PROGRADE SYSTEM is easy to run. Once you have read section II
and have initialized the program (see section III), and once you
are in DOS, simply type PRO <enter> and the SYSTEM MASTER MENU
will appear. From this, choose the program that you want.
Alternatively, you can run the programs by typing their
individual names: PRO for the main program, QUICK for the quick
printed grade reports or progress reports , PROPLUS for the
supplementary program, and BEGIN for the program to initialize
options. The first time you run PROGRADE, you should go through
each menu option in the BEGIN program (see section III).
ERROR MESSAGES
If an error message occurs while you run the program, check first
to see that you have the correct DISK in the computer, that the
PROGRAM disk has not been altered in any way, that there is NO
WRITE PROTECT TAB on the program disk, and that if you are getting
a file, that you are using the filename that is ON THE DISK. If you
are entering NAMES or ASSIGNMENTS and see the "NAME REJECTED", your
entry is either too long, or uses non-allowable characters.
V. NAMING THE CLASS FILES
When prompted by THE PROGRADE SYSTEM to enter the classname
(filename), you may use any DOS acceptable filename (i.e. up to 8
characters in length; acceptable characters are A-Z, a-z, 0-9,
()@#$%&!-_'`^~) DO NOT USE SPACES OR ANY OTHER CHARACTERS NOT
LISTED HERE. ALSO, DO NOT USE "DEMO" IN YOUR FILE NAME. DO NOT
USE ANY EXTENSIONS (e.g. .GRD) ON GRADE FILES; THIS WILL CAUSE
THE BACKUP SYSTEM TO MALFUNCTION. An organized approach to
filenaming should be used right from the start. For example,
FRIQ191 could indicate FRENCH I, QUARTER 1, 1991.
---
VI. ENTERING STUDENT NAMES
TO ENTER THE NAME OF A NEW STUDENT: Once you get the program
running and have chosen a classname (see Sections IV and V) enter
the names of students at the NAME entry area. Then, simply type
the desired student name in one character at a time: USE ONLY
A-Z. Because of PROGRADE'S name recognition feature, other names
may appear as you type in the first few characters. This is
normal. Keep typing in the name, check it, and touch enter
(return) when the name is correctly entered. Before touching
enter, you may use BACKSPACE once to erase an incorrect entry and
start all over. After you touch enter, if the program has not
already stored this name, it will respond with NEW NAME Y/N?
Typing N will return you to the NAME entry area and the name will
NOT BE STORED. Typing Y at the Y/N? will cause the program to
ACCEPT and STORE the NEW NAME. It will then rearrange all names
(if any) and grades in its memory to make room for the new name.
TO ENTER AN ENTIRE CLASS LIST: Proceed as above. If the program
brings you to the ASSIGNMENT.GRADE entry area, touch enter to
return to the NAME entry area. Although the last name with which
you worked will still be there, begin typing in the new name and
proceed as before.
TO ACCESS THE RECORD OF A PARTICULAR STUDENT: Simply begin to
type in the student's name! BUT ... as soon as THE PROGRADE
SYSTEM recognizes the name, it will print to the screen the
entire name. Usually you will only need to type a single letter
of the name to achieve complete recognition. If, after typing ONE
character, the computer recognizes the wrong name, simply type in
ONE or TWO MORE characters. Don't backspace. As soon as the
correct name does appear, stop typing in the name and touch
enter. The average and the grades that appear after you touch
enter are those of the student whose name remains on the screen.
You may now enter grades or use the menu selections to access
other parts of the program. You may also use the up and down
arrow keys to move from one name to another.
NOTE: THE PROGRAM CANNOT HAVE TWO IDENTICALLY NAMED STUDENTS IN
THE SAME FILE. YOU MUST DETERMINE SOME WAY TO DISTINGUISH THE TWO
NAMES BEFORE ENTERING THEM. THE PROGRAM REQUIRES UPPERCASE
LETTERS. NAMES CAN HAVE A LENGTH OF 15 CHARACTERS AND MAY INCLUDE
SPACES APOSTROPHES, AND PERIODS, BUT NOT COMMAS. IF ON FIRST
ENTERING A SHORTER NAME LIKE DODD ACCESS TO ANOTHER STUDENT SUCH
AS DODDMAN OCCURS, THEN SIMPLY TYPE A SPACE AFTER DODD .
---
VII. DELETING STUDENT NAMES
TO DELETE A STUDENT AND ALL GRADES FOR THE STUDENT: First access
the student's record (see section VI). In the ASSIGNMENT.GRADE
entry area, type the letter Z <enter>. Once you DELETE a student
this way, there is NO WAY BACK! The grades for this student will
no longer be available for ANY reason. Perhaps you should delete
the student only from averaging calculations (see following
paragraph).
TO DELETE A STUDENT FROM AVERAGING FUNCTIONS: Should you wish to
keep a student's record but not count his or her work toward
class averages, then proceed as above, but type the letter M
instead of Z. Then choose option 3 from the Modification Menu.
(SEE SECTION XI.) You can still access grades, add or change
grades for this student, but the student's grades will not be
used in any averaging functions. One reason to do this would be a
student who leaves the school part way through a course.
VIII. ENTERING GRADES
FIRST TIME YOU ENTER A GRADE FOR AN ASSIGNMENT: After accessing a
student's record, type the assignment number and the grade for
the assignment for this student in the ASSIGNMENT.GRADE entry
area. For example, if the grade for assignment 6 is 88, then type
6.88 <enter>
The number after the period is the grade for this
student. Don't forget the period. Do not use decimals in the
grade itself and do not enter grades less than -398 or that total
more than 9999. If this is an assignment that has not been
entered before, then THE PROGRADE SYSTEM will prompt for a
description of the assignment (example: SOUND TEST), grade
category (example: T for TEST), and maximum grade value
(examples: 100 or 25 NOTE: DO NOT USE A VALUE LESS THAN 1.0).
TO ENTER A GRADE FOR THE SAME ASSIGNMENT AS THE LAST ASSIGNMENT
ENTERED: Simply enter the grade with NO PERIOD. For example, if
you had just entered ASSIGNMENT 6 for SMITH, you can now enter
ASSIGNMENT 6 for JONES without specifying ASSIGNMENT 6. Just type
in the grade itself. This speeds entry of a class set of grades.
Should a paper for ASSIGNMENT 5 show up, though, you must use the
ASSIGNMENT.GRADE format to tell THE PROGRADE SYSTEM to place the
grade in ASSIGNMENT 5. (example: 5.83) Then use the
ASSIGNMENT.GRADE format again to return to ASSIGNMENT 6 entries.
If you continue to enter the grades for one assignment, you do
not need to specify the ASSIGN. NUMBER.
TO ENTER A LETTER GRADE (A,A-,C+, ETC.) be certain that you have
preset the numerical grade equivalents using the initialization
program. Once this has been done, a letter grade may be entered
at any location where a number grade can be entered. For example,
you could enter 5.B- or simply C+ if the assignment is the same
number as the previously entered assignment. If you enter a
letter grade, all grades for the assign should be letter grade
entries.
---
IX. CALCULATING GRADES
THE PROGRADE SYSTEM continuously averages grades. You don't need
to do anything. To see details on an individual's grades or on
the entire class' grades, use the reports section at any time.
X. RECALCULATING THE VALUE FOR A GRADE
You can recalculate a grade for any assignment at any time. For
example, you may enter an assignment with a maximum value of 10
(8 out of 10, 6 out of 10, etc.). Later, you may recalculate all
grades for this assignment so that they reflect a maximum of any
other value, such as 100. (The above grades would then be 80 out
of 100 and 60 out of 100.) You may later return to the original
value. You may want to do this to deemphasize or emphasize a
certain assignment's grades if using an unweighted point system.
To recalculate grades, access any student's grades, type M for
MODIFICATION MENU, and choose #9.
XI. MODIFICATIONS
To get to the MODIFICATION MENU, type M in the ASSIGNMENT.GRADE
entry area. The MODIFICATION section makes it possible to "change
your mind". Easy modifications include correcting a student's
name (OPTION 5), or changing any assignment description,
category, or maximum value (ALL FROM OPTION 4).
The MODIFICATION MENU also lists several modifications to grade
status. With these techniques, you can make an assignment "not
count" for a particular student or for the entire class, for one
assignment or for all assignments. The NO GRADE status leaves a
grade recorded, but does not COUNT the grade in ANY averaging.
This could be used to EXCUSE a student from work or for students
who were not present for an extended time. It would also be used
to "DROP" a grade from a student's average, or to "NOT COUNT" a
certain assignment for all students. The NO GRADE status is
easily reversible. However, OPTION 6 and OPTION 7 will not alter
grades for students who have NO GRADE on ALL GRADES already. In
this situation, use option 8 first. Also, read the menu choices
carefully; the choices, though similar in appearance, are quite
different in function. Always check your NO GRADE changes using
the reports section before issuing averages . A "*" will appear
in the name of students whose grades do not count, and a "*" will
appear near any grade that does not count.
MODIFICATION MENU options 6,7,8 reverse the NO GRADE status,
returning to grades that do count. Option 11 scales grades. See
section XV on scaling. Option 12 changes the weighted grades
status. Option 9 changes the maximum value for a grade (see
section X.) The Eliminate an Assignment section (option 10) will
totally remove all grades for a particular assignment for all
students. Use this section CAUTIOUSLY: THERE IS NO WAY BACK. Use
it only to DESTROY and to KEEP NO RECORD of a certain assignment.
DO NOT USE MODIFICATIONS TO CHANGE A GRADE: USE THE MAIN SECTION.
---
XII. REPORTS
TO ACCESS THE REPORTS SECTION: Simply type R at the
ASSIGNMENT.GRADE entry area, followed by enter. The reports menu
will then appear.
ALPHABETICAL LIST WITH AVERAGES: This report lists all students
in the class alphabetically, along with their percent average and
their total grade.
RANKED CLASS LIST WITH AVERAGES: This report will list all
students in rank order, with the student with the highest grade
listed first. The student's rank in class, percent average, and
total grade are also listed. This section is excellent for
quickly spotting all low or high grades in the class.
LIST ALL GRADES TO PRINTER: This section provides a printed
"gradebook". It puts all grades for the class out to the printer.
If you are still suspicious about magnetic grading, then use this
section as often as you wish.
INDIVIDUAL GRADE REPORTS: This section produces individual grade
reports. Separate averages are provided for each grade category
(TEST, QUIZ, READING, MATH, LANGUAGE, ETC.) The specific
categories to be analyzed are determined once by you in the
initializing program (see section III). Use this section to
provide reports directly to students or parents or simply to keep
yourself more informed. It is quite easy using this section to
find "test- phobics" or "homework-phobics" and then to work to
remedy the situation. To terminate the grade reports at any time,
touch E. To print reports for an entire class, use the QUICK PLUS
program.
LIST ALL ASSIGNMENTS: This section lists all assignments as well
as the average number of points earned in the class for each
assignment and the per cent average for each assignment. Also
shown is the grade category (HOMEWORK, TESTS, MATH etc.) for each
assignment. (A category followed by the letter L indicates that
the assignment has been used for LETTER GRADE entry. Assignments
can be listed in order by ASSIGNMENT number, or can be grouped
into the categories for easier comparison. This section could be
used to quickly compare class averages on assignments or tests,
to detect class trends in grades (homework or test grades
slacking off for class overall, for example) or simply to check
category or maximum values for any particular assignments.
---
LIST ALL NO GRADE ENTRIES: This section lists all student's names
and assignments for which a NO GRADE status has been chosen.
LIST ALL GRADES FOR ONE ASSIGNMENT: This section lists the grades
for a particular assignment for each student in the class.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF GRADES: The statistical analysis section
will provide the mean, median, standard deviation, maximum, and
minimum grades for any assignment or for the total class
averages. This section can be VERY helpful!! Don't be afraid of
it. THE PROGRADE SYSTEM does the work! The standard deviation is
an excellent guide to the variability of grades. The teacher's
attention should be drawn to any assignment with a very low or
very high standard deviation compared to the standard deviations
usually seen for this teacher for this category of assignment. A
comparison of the mean and median can also be enlightening. A
high mean and a lower median indicates that some students have
exceptionally high grades in comparison with the class. The
reverse indicates some very low grades. Either situation may
require some special attention.
TO CONTINUE ONCE A REPORT IS DONE: TOUCH ENTER.
TO PRINT A REPORT TO THE PRINTER. Run the report and use the
print keys on your computer terminal to print the screen.
The screen is designed to provide an organized printed report.
AFTER YOU PRINT A REPORT FROM THE MAIN PROGRAM OR FROM PROPLUS,
YOU SHOULD TOUCH ENTER TO GET THE 1 LINE MENU.
ON THIS MENU, YOU MAY TOUCH F TO OBTAIN A FORM FEED,
PROVIDED THAT YOUR PRINTER IS ON. THIS IS USEFUL IN BEGINNING
YOUR REPORTS AT THE BEGINNING OF A NEW PAGE.
---
XIII. SAVING FILES
The initialize program will set THE PROGRADE SYSTEM to save your
data periodically. Additionally, the program will save your data
before you switch files or end the program. You may also save the
file at any time using the SAVE function (type S in
ASSIGNMENT.GRADE area)
It is suggested that you keep 2 DATA disks, one for EXTRA copies.
You can save a file onto as many disks as you wish by simply
changing formatted disks before saving. Total ease of mind can be
achieved by using the REPORT section to print all grades
periodically onto paper.
PROGRADE will protect your data in two ways. As soon as it reads
any file, it will save a copy of the file with a ".BAK"
extension. If an accident or error were to harm data in the file
as you work on it, the ".BAK" file would contain data from BEFORE
the program ran, and would serve as a safety net. DO NOT EVER
LOAD A ".BAK" file directly into PROGRADE. Make a copy of it
first using your DOS and giving the new file a new name without
the .BAK extension. Then LOAD ONLY THE COPY. If necessary, seek
assistance from someone who knows about computing, as the
"BAK" file should not be destroyed.
PROGRADE'S second file protection is to make "EXTRA" file copies
that have the ".EXT" extension and that contain identical data to
the current working copy. These should be saved on a SEPARATE
data disk. Note that "EXT" files only serve as a safety net if
the original DISK is harmed; they do not contain "OLD DATA", but
are just extra copies of what you have just done. It may be a
good idea to keep the EXTRA and original disks in two separate
locations. Treat these disks with the same security precautions
as you would use for your written gradebook.
THE BEST WAY TO SAFEGUARD YOUR DATA IS TO MANUALLY COPY YOUR
GRADEFILES (USING DOS OR BATCH FILES) DIRECTLY TO YET ANOTHER
DISK. (see your DOS manual on copying files and on batch files)
THIS WAY YOU WILL ALWAYS HAVE AN OLD COPY OF THE FILE.
---
XIV. GETTING OR CREATING ANOTHER CLASS
To switch to another class, simply access any student's record
and type G in the ASSIGNMENT.GRADE entry area. The current grade
file will automatically be saved and you will be prompted to
provide the file name that you wish to get or create. To see the
names of the files that are currently on the data disk, simply
type L in the ASSIGNMENT.GRADE entry area.
XV. SCALING
THE PROGRADE SYSTEM will scale any or all assignments either UP
or DOWN. Choose M at the ASSIGNMENT.GRADE entry area to get the
MODIFICATION MENU and choose option 11 for scaling. THE PROGRADE
SYSTEM provides two distinct methods of scaling. The first ADDS
(subtracts) a certain percent of the total (say 5% or 10%) to
each student's grade for that particular assignment. This
procedure benefits students with lower grades more than those
with higher grades. The second method MULTIPLIES each student's
grade by a certain factor, to increase (decrease) that grade by
say 5% or 10%. With this method, all students are scaled an equal
PER CENT of the GRADE THEY ALREADY HAVE. A student with a zero
grade would gain nothing. Give careful consideration to which
scaling procedure to use. An example follows.
ORIGINAL ADD TO SCALE 10% MULTIPLY TO SCALE 10%
24/100 34/100 26/100
68/100 78/100 75/100
89/100 99/100 98/100
To scale grades downward, enter a negative factor such as -10.
XVI. ENDING THE PROGRADE SYSTEM
To end the program, enter E in the ASSIGNMENT.GRADE entry area.
Your file will automatically be saved. To override the automatic
save, you may end with CTRL-BREAK, but all your work will be
lost.
---
**************************************************
********** PROGRADE PLUS **********
**************************************************
XVII. PROGRADE PLUS INTRODUCTION
PROGRADE PLUS provides additional operations that can be
performed on grade files. Use the regular PROGRADE SYSTEM program
to routinely make and modify grade files. Use PROGRADE PLUS for
its slightly more sophisticated analyses of a class' grades. For
example, PROGRADE PLUS allows you to compare grades for any two
assignments. PROGRADE PLUS can clone your grade file so that you
don't need to type in a class's names a second time for the next
grading period. PROGRADE PLUS will also provide more detailed
individual grade reports, provide histogram diagrams, and compare
variability of grades. Finally, PROGRADE PLUS allows you to
combine averages from several quarters, semesters, or grading
periods; and along with exam grades, to calculate a year grade.
XIII. RUNNING PROGRADE PLUS
Be sure that you have initialized THE PROGRADE SYSTEM using the
initialization program (see section III). Also, be certain that a
grade file already exists on your data disk. If you are working
with PROGRADE PLUS, be sure that you save any file that you are
working on; then exit from the regular program. To run PROGRADE
PLUS, use the MASTER MENU or get to the DOS and type PROPLUS
<enter>. When PROGRADE PLUS runs, it will require you to pick a
file on which you will be working first. NOTE: YEAR FILES END IN
.YR REGULAR FILES, WHICH YOU ARE CHOOSING NOW, DO NOT! DO NOT
ENTER A FILE WITH A .YR EXTENSION AT THIS POINT IN THE PROGRAM.
CLONE A GRADE FILE: This section will create a new copy of your
file with ALL GRADES AND ASSIGNMENTS DELETED. All that will be
placed in the new file will be student names from the old file.
The old file will not be changed. Use this section at the
beginning of a new grading period or quarter. Be careful not to
save to any file NAME already in use on the data disk, as this
would destroy the old file by overwriting it with the new clone.
USE A NEW NAME!
COMPARE ANY TWO ASSIGNMENTS: This section will compare the grades
for an entire class for any two assignments. The method used is
the Pearson product moment correlation for measures . A linear
regression is also calculated that relates the values on one
assignment with those on another. With consistent class
performance overall, you will find a high correlation between
assignments. A low correlation may require some assessment.
COMPARE VARIABILITY OF GRADES: This compares the variability of
student performances, one with another, and ranks the students
based on this VARIABILITY. Students with highly VARIABLE grades,
either low or high, will be ranked high with this section.
---
DISPLAY DISTRIBUTION OF GRADES: Use this section to create a bar
graph display of any assignment from a grade file or for the
averages in a grade file. The display may result in an
approximate normal distribution.
RANK STUDENTS BY ASSIGNMENT CATEGORY: This section provides a
rank listing of students based on the average in a single
category, such as TESTS, HOMEWORKS, READING or MATH. Trends are
printed based on information set in the initialization program.
DETAILED INDIVIDUAL GRADE REPORTS: This section will provide more
detailed grade reports on individual students. It will analyze
the student's average for all assignment categories, as is done
in the regular PROGRADE SYSTEM program. In addition, this section
uses a scanning routine to search for increasing, decreasing or
consistent grades for each student in each category. To terminate
the grade reports at any time, touch E. See Section XII on
beginning grade reports at the top of a new page.
SEND AVERAGES TO YEAR FILE: This section will take the averages
(only the averages) from any grade file and place them into
another file called a year file. Use a separate year file for
each separate class.
COLUMN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 AVE
DESCRIP Q1 Q2 MID Q3 Q4 FIN
PERCENT 20 20 10 20 20 10
ADAMS 87.5 88.9 68.5 87.4 86.4 71.6 84.1
ALLEN 88.9 77.5 76.5 77.1 77.0 45.9 76.3
...
ZEDRON 61.7 63.5 71.6 81.5 82.3 76.8 72.6
Using this section, you can take the averages from several
different grade files for the same class (one file at a time) and
combine them to calculate a final year's average. To transfer
averages, choose a year file to which grades will go, the column
number, and the percent of the final grade. It is IMPERATIVE that
you have used the exact same student names in each grade file
that you combine into a single year file. It is also possible to
use the year file section to monitor the progress of grades
during a particular grade period. Ignore the AVE and PERCENT
values and enter the averages to a year file periodically.
EXAMPLE after one quarter:
COLUMN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 AVE
DESCRIP Q1
PERCENT 20
ADAMS 87.5
ALLEN 88.9
...
ZEDRON 61.7
---
EXAMPLE after second quarter:
COLUMN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 AVE
DESCRIP Q1 Q2
PERCENT 20 20
ADAMS 87.5 88.9
ALLEN 88.9 77.5
...
ZEDRON 61.7 63.5
ENTER EXAM GRADES TO YEAR FILE: This section allows you to enter
exam grades (or other grades) into the year file. This exam grade
will then be used to calculate the year average. You are NOT
REQUIRED to use an exam grade, however. To enter exam grades,
choose the year file to which grades will go, the column number,
and the per cent of the final grade.
EXAMPLE after exam grade added:
COLUMN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 AVE
DESCRIP Q1 Q2 MID
PERCENT 20 20 10
ADAMS 87.5 88.9 68.5
ALLEN 88.9 77.5 76.5
...
ZEDRON 61.7 63.5 71.6
AVERAGE YEAR FILE: Once a year file is fully prepared using the
two previous sections, you may average for the year by choosing
this option. Later, you may reaverage at any time. Be certain
that the percents for the columns sum to 100. Until they do, the
average that is displayed is NOT the correct final average. This
section will also show the year file (with grand average) to the
screen, from where it may be printed. Finally, this section will
display a histogram based on the grand average.
CHOOSE A NEW GRADE FILE TO WORK ON: Use this choice to access a
different grade file before you put its average in a year file or
before you analyze its grades using PROGRADE PLUS.
---
**************************************************
********** QUICK PLUS **********
**************************************************
XIX. QUICK PLUS REPORT PROGRAM
QUICK PLUS is designed for quick processing of grade reports.
With it you can print grade reports or progress reports all of
your classes at one time; you can also print summary reports
or class lists. You can specify printout for certain grade
ranges, for example all reports with averages 65-75%. Finally,
you can add individual comments to reports and can add a
general comment to all reports.
Run QUICK from the MASTER MENU or simply type QUICK. Once
at the menu, choose the preview option to see grade
reports on the screen before they are printed; use this
option also to add a comment to an individual student's
grade report. Choose the print option to print reports
without screen preview. Be certain that the date is
correctly set via your DOS system before running QUICK
PLUS, or reports will be incorrectly dated.
QUICK PLUS will request upper and lower limits for grade
reports. Only reports with averages within these limits will
be screened or printed. For example, to print all students
with averages below 65, specify a lower limit of 0 and an
upper limit of 65. To print all reports, specify 0 and 100.
To print only "A" grades, specify 90 and 100, and so on.
QUICK PLUS will also request up to ten filenames to analyze.
Type in up to 10 filenames, one at a time, each followed by
the enter key. QUICK PLUS will scan through all files
requested without additonal information.
Finally, QUICK PLUS will give you the option of printing a
full page PROGRESS REPORT with up fourteen extra comment lines
(see section XX), the standard GRADE REPORT, a summary report,
or class lists. Many teachers use the full page reports
occasionally and the standard and summary reports on a more
frequent basis with students. The lists have many uses. You
can type absolutely anything at all in the PROGRESS REPORT 14
line section. See the BEGIN PROGRAM to set this area up.
To enter a comment on a report, choose the preview option
and then touch C when a student's report appears. Then
simply type in the comment you wish to appear on the
report, followed by enter. NOTE: RETURNING TO THE MAIN
MENU AT ANY TIME WILL ERASE ALL THE COMMENTS. The PRINT
ALL choice will terminate the preview mode and begin
printout of all previously specified reports.
---
**************************************************
********** BEGIN PROGRAM **********
**************************************************
XX. INITIALIZE (BEGIN) PROGRAM
To run the initialize program, get to the DOS system, place the
program disk in drive A, and type BEGIN <enter>. Or, access the
program from the MASTER MENU. The initialize program options are:
SCREEN COLOR SELECTIONS: Use this section to choose colors to use
on the screen.
PRINT MANUAL TO PRINTER: Use this section to print this manual to
the printer. Be certain that the printer is ready and on line. You
may also use your word processor to load, view, and print the
manual file (PROGRADE.TXT). The word processor must accept ASCII
files. Another choice is to use DOS commands. (For information
about using TYPE and MORE, see your DOS manual.)
HANDS ON TUTORIAL: Use this section to print a hands-on
tutorial to the printer.
VIEW MANUAL ON SCREEN: Use this section to view the manual on the
screen; a menu is provided.
GRADE WEIGHTING OPTIONS: Use this section to cause THE PROGRADE
SYSTEM to calculate all averages using WEIGHTED grades. By using
WEIGHTED grades, you can specify that certain categories (TESTS,
HOMEWORKS, LABS, etc.) count a certain percent toward the average.
For example:
TESTS 50% OR READING 25%
HOMEWORK 25% MATH 25%
QUIZZES 15% SCIENCE 25%
LABS 10% LANGUAGE 25%
If you don't use weighted grades, THE PROGRADE SYSTEM will add all
the grades that a student has and divide by the total of the
maximum values of all assignments; this will give the average.
Here is an example using weighted grades:
ASSIGN GRADE MAX. VALUE
1 TEST 90 100
2 TEST 80 100
3 HOME 70 100
4 QUIZ 60 100
5 LAB 50 100
With weighting as follows (TESTS 50%, HOMEWORK 10%, QUIZ 20%, LAB
20%) the weighted average would be: 71.5. The weighted average is
NOT (90+80+70+60+50)/5 or 70.0; that would be an unweighted
average.
---
Here is an example using unweighted grades:
ASSIGN GRADE MAX. VALUE
1 TEST 90 100
2 TEST 80 100
3 HOME 7 10
4 QUIZ 6 10
5 LAB 5 20
The unweighted average would be (90+80+7+6+5)/240 or 188/240 or
78.3. This particular unweighted average emphasizes test grades,
because the maximum value for tests is 100 compared to 20 for the
lab and 10 for the other work.
CHOOSE DISK DRIVE FOR DATA: Use this section to choose the
disk drive on which THE PROGRADE SYSTEM will read and save
data files. For two disk drives, it is best to use B for data
and A for the program disk. For a one drive system, also set B
for data. This method will give you the most clear prompts as
to when to change your disks. Thus, it's best to use B for
data whether you have ONE OR TWO drives. Other drive letters
can be acceptable, depending on the system configuration.
NAME GRADE CATEGORIES: Use this section to define grade
categories, such as TEST, QUIZZES, HOMEWORK, LAB WORK, ORAL PRES,
VOCAB, BOOK REP, etc. Elementary level teachers could use
categories such as READING, MATH, LANGUAGE, and so on. A code
letter, probably best the first letter of the category, is also to
be chosen. You can define 10 categories or less. These categories
are then used by some of the averaging functions in the main
PROGRADE SYSTEM program. Give the categories careful thought. Once
you have created a grade file, you can add categories, but do not
delete any.
AUTOMATIC SAVE - HOW OFTEN: Use this section to tell the PROGRADE
SYSTEM program how often to automatically save your grade file as
you work on it.
SAVE CHANGES TO DISK AND END: Use this section to save all the
instructions that you have made with the initialize program. Each
time the main PROGRADE SYSTEM program is run, it will
automatically check the instructions that you have saved.
DEFINE LETTER GRADES: Use this section to define numerical
equivalents (example 92.5) for the letter grades (example A-).
Allowable letter grades are: A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+,
D, D-, F+, F, F-. Numerical values should reflect a 0-100% scale.
However, do not enter the % sign. If you do not enter a value for
a certain letter grade, this letter grade will be given a value of
zero.
Default values for grades are: A+ 98, A 95, A- 91, B+ 88, B 85, B-
81, C+ 78, C 75, C- 71, D+ 68, D 65, D- 61, F+ 58, F 55, F- 51. If
you wish to accept the default values, do not access this section
at all.
---
END BUT DONT SAVE CHANGES: Use this section if you think that you
have altered the instructions in a way that you do not wish to
save.
ADJUST TREND CALCULATIONS: It is a matter of judgement what is
"consistent" or "variable" or even "increasing". Use this section
to fine tune the trend calculations in PROGRADE PLUS to suit your
judgement. Choose a higher percent to make it less likely for
PROGRADE PLUS to indicate a trend up or down; the change in a
student's grade must EXCEED this percent to show a trend.
HARD DRIVE LETTER: Use this section only if your hard drive is
not letter C. It will reset the entire program series to use
another letter, such as G.
PROGRESS REPORT COMMENTS: Use this section to save comment lines;
these lines will be printed by the QUICK program PROGRESS REPORT
option. You may use up to 70 characters on each of fourteen lines.
All lines will appear on all QUICK PROGRESS REPORTS. Many teachers
use a checklist (see below), but any text at all is acceptable.
____ Please contact me at the school for a meeting.
____ Work has improved considerably.
____ Homework needs more attention to detail.
RESTORE INSTRUCTIONS
Should you accidentally alter and save the initialize instructions
to a point where THE PROGRADE SYSTEM malfunctions, you can restore
the DEFAULT instructions by getting to DOS, replacing the program
disk in Drive A, and typing RESTORE.
ABOUT THE ~ FILES
The ~ files are used to distinguish the program disk from the data
disk and to contain information necessary to the functioning of
the programs. NEVER COPY OR REMOVE THESE FILES FROM ANY DISK or
the program my not function and your data may be harmed.
ABOUT THE CODE FILES
The CODE files contain information that you have saved using the
initialize program. DO NOT COPY OR REMOVE THE FILES FROM ANY DISK
or the program may not function and your data may be harmed.
---
XXI. COPYRIGHT
THE PROGRADE SYSTEM
COPYRIGHT 1989 BY WILLIAM E. PEACE
THANK YOU FOR USING THE PROGRADE SYSTEM!
THE AUTHOR REQUESTS A $45 FEE FOR USE OF THE PROGRAM.
PLEASE BE FAIR AND CONSIDER THE AUTHOR.
If you use the PROGRADE SYSTEM for long, you will notice several
things. First of all, your students may show an improvement in
their performance because of the prompt feedback that the SYSTEM can
provide. Parents may praise you for the thorough reports that you
can provide. And your family and friends will rejoice -- no more
end of the term "grading" -- it's always done and up to date with
little effort.
Please -- the author worked long and hard writing and having this
program field tested. He is an educator like yourself, and is
asking for your help. Send what you can; it will be truly
appreciated.
Please -- it is a violation of copyright law to use this program
without registering. And even more-- it's just not fair to the
author. Think about how much benefit YOU get weekly from this
program! Registered users who update their program will receive
professionally packaged software, diskette case, printed manual, and
most recent program versions automatically sent. In addition,
registered users can earn a $10 finder's fee by convincing any other
user to register also. Details of this program are sent upon
registration.
PLEASE USE THE ORDER/REGISTRATION FORM IN THE BEGIN PROGRAM TO
PROPERLY REGISTER OR TO OBTAIN UPDATED VERSIONS.
Thank you from the author,
WILLIAM E. PEACE P.O. BOX 627 SOUTH DENNIS, MA 02660
Your comments and suggestions are more than welcome.
MS-DOS IS A TRADEMARK OF MICROSOFT CORPORATION
PORTIONS OF THE COMPILED PROGRAMS ARE FROM COMPILERS COPYRIGHTED
BY THE MICROSOFT CORPORATION.
---
ERROR CODES
4 OUT OF DATA -- Your data files may have been damaged.
7 OUT OF MEMORY -- You need additional memory in your computer.
24 DEVICE TIMEOUT -- Check printer: online? all cables connected?
25 DEVICE FAULT -- Some input/output device was not ready.
27 OUT OF PAPER -- Check paper in your printer; check if it's ON.
53 FILE NOT FOUND -- Insert disk with this file; check the filename
57 DEVICE I/O ERR -- Check all inputs/outputs. Formatted disk in?
61 DISK FULL -- Use another formatted disk.
62 INPUT PAST END -- Your data file may have been damaged.
64 BAD FILENAME -- Use correct length and characters in filenames
67 DIRECTORY FULL -- 255 files maximum in a directory.
68 DEVICE UNAVAILABLE-- Some device is not on line.
70 DISK WRITE PROTECTED-Do not use write protected disks.
71 DISK NOT READY -- Put the disk in the drive and shut the door.
72 DISK MEDIA ERROR - Use another disk; defect on this disk or drive
75 PATH ERROR -- Do not use pathnames with PROGRADE.
76 (see 75) This is to prevent you from misplacing files.
For information on other errors, consult any DOS manual or contact
the PROGRADE SYSTEM.
QUOTES.TXT
THE PROGRADE SYSTEM
THE FAST, COMPLETE, EASY TO USE GRADING PROGRAM
FOR EDUCATORS
P.O. Box 627, South Dennis, MASSACHUSETTS 02660
A quote "for the day" can be a good motivator and thought
provoker for many students and for their teachers as well. Don't
be surprised to see the quotes on your student's notebook covers!
And please -- we'd be delighted to hear from you if you have some
favorite quotes yourself, particularly quotes that have had some
influence on you or your students.
Enjoy your teaching!
Enjoy your learning!
Success is a journey, not a destination. Ben Sweetland
If you don't know where you're going, you'll probably end up
somewhere else.
Improvement begins with "I".
To say the right thing at the right time, keep still most of the
time.
To believe is to care. To care is to do.
The day before Christmas is really a wrap race.
The most difficult part of getting to the top of the ladder is
getting through the crowd at the bottom. Arch Ward
It is better to aim at a star than to shoot down a well; you'll
hit higher.
Big shots are only little shots who keep shooting. Dale Carnegie
Test tube babies are in a glass by themselves.
Temper is so good a thing that you should never lose it.
There are two kinds of people: those who realize what's the
matter with them, and those who don't.
The whole idea of New Year is: TRY AGAIN.
The eyes are blind. One must look with the heart.
The door to the heart can only be opened from the inside.
To be popular yourself, you must first learn to like others.
The only way to be happy when you're successful is to be happy
before you're successful.
Those who have nothing to trouble them will be troubled by
nothing.
Tough times never last, but tough people do. Robert Schuller
Those who do not remember the past are condemned to relive it.
The trouble with people who talk too fast is that they often say
something that they haven't thought of yet.
Most people would succeed in small things if they were not
troubled by great ambitions. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
The trouble with opportunity is that it always comes disguised
as hard work. Herbert V. Prochnow
It matters not how long we live, but how.
If things are going real easy, watch out. You could be going
downhill.
If a geologist can't identify a particular rock, he can always
take it for granite.
Things turn out best for people who make the best of the way
things turn out.
If you lead long enough, then the leaders will begin to follow.
Termites never die. They just go on living happily ever rafter.
Two wrongs might make a riot.
It is not enough to have a good mind. The main thing is to use
it well.
To err is human, but when the eraser wears out before the pencil,
you're overdoing it. J. Jenkins
Work is love made visible. Kahil Gibran
Show me a thoroughly satisfied person, and I will show you a
failure. Thomas A. Edison
The obvious is that which is never seen until someone expresses
it simply.
There are three ways to teach a child. The first is by example.
The second is by example. The third is by example.
The most wasted day of all is that in which we have not laughed.
A vacation is what you take when you can't take anymore of what
you've been taking.
When you don't know what to do, scream.
Why is there never enough time to do something right, but always
enough time to do it over?
When someone says that they're laying all the cards on the table,
count them.
Wish not so much to live long, as to live well.
Wisdom is knowing what to do next. Skill is knowing how to do
it. Virtue is doing it.
You are always right if you are willing to admit that you might
have been wrong.
You can lead a horse to water, but if you can make it float on
its back, you've really got something.
If you cannot enjoy your own company, how can you expect others
to enjoy it? George Weinberg
You should keep on learning as long as there is something to
know. Seneca
One way of changing the course of history is to take a history
exam.
To be good is not enough when you dream of being great.
To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but dream; not
only plan, but believe.
A person who trims himself to suit everybody will soon whittle
himself away. Charles Schwab
Do not wish to be anything but what you are, and try to be that
perfectly. St. Francis de Sales
Important principles must be flexible.
It is not fair to ask of others what you are not willing to do
yourself.
The person who follows the crowd will never be followed by the
crowd. James Donnell
As we are, so we do; and as we do, so is done to us; we are the
builders of our fortunes. Ralph Waldo Emerson
There is no remedy for love but to love more. Henry D. Thoreau
A loving heart is the truest widsom. Charles Dickens
Never go to bed mad. Stay up and fight. Phyllis Diller
The way to love anything is to realize that it might be lost.
G. K. Chesterton
Nothing is so simple that it cannot be misunderstood.
Old FBI agents never die-- they just get fed up.
One day is worth two tomorrows.
Once a cat has been burned, it won's sit on a hot stove again.
It won't sit on a cold stove, either.
People cannot change the truth, but the truth can change people.
People who go on camping trips are usually intense people.
We judge ourselves by that we feel capable of doing; others judge
us by what we have done. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
The person who thinks he has arrived is already slipping. William
Feather
It's great to be great, but it's greater to be human. Will
Rogers
Smile! It makes people wonder what you've been up to.
The superior person rises high by bending down to help someone
else.
Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you
get.
School is a classy place.
Simple solutions seldom are.
Only a mediocre person is always at his best. Somerset Maugham
A man is rich in proportion the number of things which he can
afford to leave alone. Henry D. Thoreau
Babies often wake up in the wee-wee hours of the morning.
A blizzard is a storm that winterupts traffic.
People who drive big cars are fuelish.
Procrastination is the art of keeping up with yesterday.
People can be divided into three groups: those who make things
happen, those who watch things happen, and those who wonder what
happened.
A stranger is a friend you haven't met yet.
Speak kind words and you will hear kind echoes.
It is not half as important to burn the midnight oil as it is to
be awake in the daytime. E. W. Elmore
The person who says "it can't be done" is generally interrupted
by someone doing it.
You will never find time for anything. If you want time, you must
make it. Charles Bixton
First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you
have to. Epictetus
Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you
just sit there. Will Rogers
It is no disgrace to start over. George M. Adams
Failures are divided into two classes-- those who thought and
never did, and those who did and never thought. J. Salak
If at first you don't succeed, you have plenty of company. Eldon
Pederson
Do not put off until tomorrow what can be put off until the day
after tomorrow. Mark Twain
Courage is the art of being the only one who knows that you're
scared to death.
Don't be afraid of moving slowly; only be afraid of standing
still.
He that riseth late must trot all day.
He who knows others is learned. He who knows himself is wise.
Happy people produce. Bored people consume.
A clam's life is an open and shut case.
Learning is the only thing that the mind never exhausts, never
fears, and never regrets.
Nothing is all wrong. Even a clock that is stopped is right
twice a day.
If you can tell good advice from bad advice, then maybe you don't
need advice anymore.
If you can't play a sport, at least be one.
If you can imagine it, you can achieve it.
If you can dream it, you can become it.
Don't expect anything original from an echo.
Energy and persistence conquer all things.
Figures won't lie, but liars will figure.
Friendship is making yourself necessary to someone.
Following the crowd can lead nowhere.
Some never hear opportunity knock because they're too busy
knocking opportunity. Hal Chadwick
It is better to undertake a large task and get it half done that
to undertake nothing and get it all done. W. Marshall Craig
To love is to place our happiness in the happiness of another.
Gottfried von Liebnitz
Of all knowledge, the wise and the good seek most to know
themselves. Shakespeare
Make it thy business to know thyself, which is the most difficult
lesson in the world. Cervantes
You grow up the day that you have the first real laugh- at
yourself. Ethel Barrymore
In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.
Coco Chanel
A bore is someone who opens his mouth and puts his feats in it.
Henry Ford
If we did all the things that we are capable of, we would
literally astound ourselves. Thomas A. Edison
He who undervalues himself is justly undervalued by others.
William Hazlitt
Be what nature intended for you, and you will succeed; be
anything else and you will be ten thousand times worse than
nothing.
Learn from the mistakes of others. You can't live long enough to
make them all yourself. Martin Vanbee
People wrapped up in themselves never unfold. P. K. Thomajan
Tell me what you brag about and I'll tell you what you lack.
Spanish proverb
Forgive others often, yourself never.
Fear always springs from ignorance.
Foolproof systems don't take into account the ingenuity of fools.
Failure is only the opportunity to begin again, more
intelligently.
Take the course opposite to custom and you will almost always do
well. Jean Jaques Rousseau
A problem stated is a problem half solved.
A dog's life is ruff.
A once in a lifetime chance only comes once or twice in a
lifetime. Archie Bunker
Genius is the capacity of taking trouble.
Good, better, best -- never let it rest
Until your good is better and your better best.
Great people are real people -- in them, nature has succeeded.
A farmer is a person outstanding in his field.
A hen is just an egg's way of making another hen.
Gossip seems to travel fastest over the sour grapevine.
Apologies only account for that which they cannot alter.
Half of being smart is knowing what you're dumb at.
Hard work never killed anyone, but it sure has scared a lot of
people.
Hard work is just all the easy things that you didn't do when you
should have.
A critic is a person who knows the way but who can't drive the
car.
A smile costs nothing, yet its value is priceless.
An elephant is a mouse drawn to government specifications.
A guilty conscience needs no accuser.
A cat has nine lives, but a frog croaks every night.
An astronaut is a whirled traveler.
An error doesn't become a mistake until you refuse to correct it.
Before giving someone a piece of your mind, be sure that you have
enough to spare.
It is easy to be critical. The real test is to come up with
constructive alternatives.
The future is that time when you'll wish that you'd done what you
aren't doing now.
A group becomes a team when each member is sure enough of himself
and his contribution to praise the skills of others.
He that cannot obey, cannot command. Benjamin Franklin
If you are patient in one moment of anger, you will escape a
hundred days of sorrow. Chinese Proverb
The most sensible diet plan begins before you get fat.
A hungry person longs to eat; a glutton eats too long.
One of the hardest lessons to learn is that the person who
differs from you, not only in opinions but in principles, may be
as honest and sincere as yourself.
The optimist feels that we live in the best of possible worlds.
The pessimist fears that this is true.
Every man has a right to be wrong in his opinions, but no man has
a right to be wrong in his facts. Bernard Baruch
Progress begins with the belief that what is necessary is
possible.
There are two tragedies in life. One is not to get your heart's
desire. The other is to get it. George Bernard Shaw
The harder you work, the luckier you get.
Work is more fun than fun.
There is no trick to being a humorist when you have the whole
government working for you.
To err is human, but to really mess things up requires a
computer.
It is never to late to be what you might have been.
Cars, not drivers, should be well oiled.
The chances of a piece of bread falling buttered-side down is
directly proportional to the cost of the carpet.
Intelligence is quickness in seeing things as they are.
Santayana
The helping hand that many look for is right at the end of their
own arm.
An idea isn't responsible for the people who believe it. Don
Marquis
Very simple ideas are within the reach of only very complicated
minds. Remy de Gourmont
Whoever is in a hurry shows that the thing that he is doing is
too big for him. Lord Chesterfield
The only thing that we learn from history is that we don't learn.
Earl Warren
A hero is one who does what he can.
When one is helping another, both are strong. German Proverb
Happiness is not a goal, it is a byproduct. E. Roosevelt
We should not let our fears hold us back from pursuing our hopes.
John F. Kennedy
He who talks of others should expect talk of himself.
Four eyes see more that two.
Good laws often come from bad manners.
Great ships require deep waters.
Keeping from falling is better than helping up.
Big talkers are often little doers. Benjamin Franklin
To win, you have to risk loss. Jean-Claude Killy
We have the right to be wrong, but not the right to do wrong.
John Diefenbacker
Better one word before than two after. Welsh Proverb
We should be concerned about the future because we have to spend
the rest of our lives there.
Gambling is one sure way of getting nothing for something.
Gossip is the art of saying nothing in a way that leaves
practically nothing unsaid.
There is only one thing worse than being talked about, and that
is not being talked about.
A hero is no braver than anyone else; he is only brave five
minutes longer. Ralph Waldo Emerson
What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters
compared to what lies within is. Ralph Waldo Emerson
You can if you think you can. Norman V. Peale
It is better to do something imperfectly than to do nothing
flawlessly.
Nobody is a total failure if he dares to try to do something
worthwhile.
When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this: you
haven't.
Today's decisions are tomorrows realities.
A man is also known by the company he keeps clear of.
Happiness is doing, not having.
Don't knock the weather. Nine tenths of people couldn't start a
conversation if it didn't change once in a while.
Blessed are those who have nothing to say and cannot be persuaded
to say it. James Russell Lowell
Success or failure is caused more by mental attitude than by
mental capacity.
It doesn't take much to see that something is wrong, but it does
take some eyesight to see what will put it right again.
A genius is a person who aims at something that no one else can
see -- and hits it.
THE PROGRADE SYSTEM
THE FAST, COMPLETE, EASY TO USE GRADING PROGRAM
FOR EDUCATORS
P.O. Box 627, South Dennis, MASSACHUSETTS 02660
TUTORIAL.TXT
THANK YOU FOR USING THE PROGRADE SYSTEM!
ALL MANUALS AND PROGRAMS COPYRIGHT 1989 BY
William E. Peace P.O. Box 627, South Dennis, MASSACHUSETTS 02660
THE AUTHOR REQUESTS A $45 FEE FOR USE OF THESE PROGRAMS.
PLEASE BE FAIR AND CONSIDER THE AUTHOR.
If you use the PROGRADE SYSTEM for long, you may notice that your
students will show an improvement in their performance because of the
prompt feedback. Parents may praise you for the thorough reports. And
your family and friends WILL rejoice -- no more end of the term
"grading" -- it's always done and up to date with little effort!
Please -- the author worked long and hard writing and having this
program field tested. He is an educator like yourself, and is asking
for your help. Send what you can; it will be truly appreciated.
Please -- it is a violation of copyright law to use this program without
registering. And even more-- it's just not fair to the author. Think
about how much benefit YOU get weekly from this program! Registered
users who update their program will receive professionally packaged
software, diskette case, printed manual, and most recent program
versions automatically sent. In addition, registered users can earn a
$10 finder's fee by convincing any other user to register also. Details
of this program are sent upon registration.
PLEASE USE THE ORDER/REGISTRATION FORM IN THE BEGIN PROGRAM TO PROPERLY
REGISTER OR TO OBTAIN UPDATED VERSIONS.
*** HANDS-ON TUTORIAL ***
Use this tutorial together with the REFERENCE USER MANUAL your
computer, and the program and utility disks as a way to introduce
yourself to the PROGRADE SYSTEM. This is NOT a READ ONLY tutorial! It
is a DO EACH STEP ON THE COMPUTER TUTORIAL! Once you go through this
tutorial, you will be familiar enough with the SYSTEM to begin to do
your own grades. During the tutorial, the <RETURN> and <ENTER> keys
have the same meaning. Use whichever key your computer has. Finally,
take it easy! Do a few sections at a time and take a break now and
again! If at any time you should see a request to insert a disk with
COMMAND.COM on it, don't panic. This is just your DOS disk.
************************
DISKS
************************
There are two disks. The UTILITY DISK contains sample grade files
(DEMO1, DEMO2, DEMO3, DEMO4). It also contains other files ending in
.TXT such as AUTHOR.TXT and COMMENTS.TXT. The .TXT files can be
examined with your word processor. They contain additional information
about the program. The utility disk contains the GET program (see
below). Place the utility disk in drive A and type DIR. You will see
the files listed as discussed above.
---
Now remove the utility disk and place the other disk (PROGRAM DISK) in
drive A and type DIR. The files that end in .EXE are program files.
The ~ and CODE files on both disks are used to contain information
necessary for the program to function. The RESTORE file is used to
reset the screen colors and all other program parameters should you
accidentally alter them to a point where the program malfunctions. The
HARD files are used to install the program onto a hard disk. The
HELPSCRNS area contains on screen helpscreens that the program may call.
BOTH DISKS CONTAIN A FILE CALLED READNOW USE A WORD PROCESSOR
TO VIEW THIS FILE-- IT CONTAINS INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO START THE
PROGRADE SYSTEM UP.
*************************************
BEGIN (INITIALIZATION) PROGRAM
*************************************
Be sure to read sections I and II of the REFERENCE USER MANUAL
before proceeding with the tutorial. It is best to use the manual
WITH the tutorial as you proceed.
Now, with the PROGRAM disk in drive A, type PRO. Within a few
seconds the MASTER MENU will appear. Type the letter B followed
by <RETURN>. This will start the INITIALIZE (BEGIN) program.
Touch any key as indicated and you will get the BEGIN PROGRAM
menu. At this point, you should be sure to read sections III and
sections XX of the REFERENCE USER MANUAL.
*** SCREEN COLOR SELECTIONS ***
From the BEGIN PROGRAM menu, touch the letter C followed by <RETURN>.
Then slowly but repeatedly touch the <RETURN> key until the last line
on the screen shows the text colors that you want to use; use
backspace to go back. Once at the color you want, touch the letter C.
Now the entire screen will be filled with the colors that you have
chosen. Now use the <RETURN> key again to change the border color.
When the border is correct, touch C and you will be returned to the
BEGIN PROGRAM menu.
*** PRINT REFERENCE USER MANUAL ***
From the BEGIN PROGRAM menu, touch P followed by <RETURN>. This will
print the USER REFERENCE MANUAL, much like the one that comes with
the PROGRADE disks when you register AND update. It is not necessary
to do this if you have the blue printed manual already.
Be sure to place the utility disk in DRIVE A when the prompt
asks you to, and be sure that your printer is ON.
*** PRINT HANDS ON TUTORIAL ***
From the BEGIN PROGRAM menu, touch H followed by <RETURN>. This will
print this TUTORIAL. Be sure to place the utility disk in DRIVE A when
the prompt asks you to, and be sure that your printer is ON.
---
*** VIEW SHORT VERSION OF MANUAL ON SCREEN ***
Touch V followed by <RETURN>. A brief index to the help screens
will appear. These are condensed versions of important sections
of the manual. To view a section, enter the number for that
section. Enter 2 <RETURN> to see the section on SETTING PROGRADE
UP, for example. BE CERTAIN THAT THE PROGRAM DISK IS IN DRIVE A!
When you finish reading the screen, touch <RETURN> to go on. You
will be automatically returned to the help screens menu. Try
some other help screens. When you finish with the help section
altogether, touch <RETURN> to go back to the BEGIN PROGRAM menu.
*** CHOOSE DISK DRIVE FOR DATA ***
From the BEGIN PROGRAM menu, touch D followed by <RETURN>. When
you are prompted, enter the letter for the drive where you will
have the data disk. Your best bet is probably to use drive B,
even if you just have a single disk drive in your machine. (By
using B (not A) if have just one drive, you will be given more
clear prompts when you need to switch disks.) Of course, if you
have two drives, then you should use drive B also. Most users
should use drive B. Just enter the letter B followed by <RETURN>.
You may also use drive C. Other configurations are possible,
depending on your system; the most common would be to use drive
B.
*** NAME GRADE CATEGORIES ***
Touch G followed by <RETURN>. A complete list of the default
grade categories will appear. For example, #1 is TEST, with a
code letter of T. Try changing a category. Enter the number 10
followed by <RETURN>. Then, when prompted to do so, enter the
name of the category. Enter ESSAY <RETURN>. Now you will be
prompted to enter a one letter abbreviation code for ESSAY. Touch
SHIFT E <RETURN>. You will be returned to the category list;
notice that entry 10 has been changed. Probably you will want to
change it back to OTHER with a code of A.
Change the categories as you wish, to suit your own grading
system for your subject. Keep category names easy to understand
as they will appear on various reports. If you teach more than one
subject to the same group of students, you may wish to read the
appendix to this tutorial before choosing grade categories.
Once you finish with this section, touch <RETURN> instead of
entering a category number. This action will return you to the
BEGIN PROGRAM menu.
---
*** GRADE WEIGHTING OPTIONS ***
From the BEGIN PROGRAM menu, touch W <RETURN>. At this point,
read and consider carefully section XX of the REFERENCE USER
MANUAL.
Which method you use will depend on how you already do your
grades. Do you just add all the scores on all work and divide by
the total maximum for all work? That is using UNWEIGHTED
grades. Unweighted grades are simple to explain to students;
however, you must make assignments more or less important to the
grade by using varying maximum values for the assignments (e.g.
10 for homeworks, 100 for tests, and so on)
If you want tests to count 50% and homework 20% and so on, then
choose WEIGHTED grades. Weighted grades are easy to TELL students
about ("Tests will be 50%, Homework 20% and so on), but difficult
for most students to comprehend mathematically. With weighted
grades, each assignment can be scored out of 100.
Personally, we feel that UNWEIGHTED GRADES are simpler to
understand for all involved.
ONCE YOU HAVE TOUCHED W FROM THE BEGIN PROGRAM MENU, YOU MAY
EITHER:
Touch N <RETURN> to choose UNWEIGHTED grades, and you will return
to the BEGIN PROGRAM menu.
OR
Touch Y <RETURN> to choose WEIGHTED grades. Then choose P to
specify percents for grade categories. Now, each category that
you have named earlier will appear. Type in the percent that you
want that category to count, followed by <RETURN>. Try entering
10 for each of the categories. When the section is complete, you
will be returned to the BEGIN PROGRAM menu.
*** DEFINE LETTER GRADES ***
Use this section to alter the numerical values for letter grades.
The default values are listed in section XX of the REFERENCE USER
MANUAL.
To make changes, touch L from the BEGIN PROGRAM menu. Now you
will enter a cycle that will ask you to enter numerical values
for letter grades. For example, you may enter 98 for an A+ and 95
for an A, and so on. Continue through all letter grades as
prompted. Check your work with the check screen that is
presented at the end of the section, and then touch enter to
return to the BEGIN PROGRAM menu.
---
*** ADJUST TREND CALCULATIONS ***
From the BEGIN PROGRAM menu, touch T <RETURN>. The screen
explains what values are permitted. Entering 12 <RETURN> will
reset program to default value.
*** PROGRESS REPORT COMMENTS ***
From the BEGIN PROGRAM, touch R <RETURN>. Be certain that the
PROGRAM DISK is in the operating drive. You will find yourself in
a simple word processor that can be used to edit the 14 lines of
text that appear on the screen. These lines will appear on
printed progress reports. This section will appear at the top of
a printed sheet; all of the student's grades will appear at the
bottom. You can use this section to write almost anything to
appear on the reports.
Besides letters, numbers and standard punctuation, the following
keys are active during the progress report word processing:
F1
The F1 key will save what is on the screen and return you to
the BEGIN PROGRAM menu.
F2
The F2 key will blank out the entire word processing area. That
way, you can start from scratch.
F3
The F3 key will insert a line (above the cursor), if there is
room to insert one.
F4
The F4 key will delete the line on which the cursor is found.
Additional editing keys are listed on the next page.
---
OTHER KEYS ACTIVE DURING EDITING:
You may use the PAGEUP, PAGEDOWN, END, HOME, INSERT, DELETE, and
ARROW KEYS. In addition, you may use standard letters or
characters, the SHIFT key, the BACKSPACE key, the CAPS key.
Do not use the CONTROL CHARACTERS, THE ALT CHARACTERS or the ESC
key or the PRINT key.
PAGEUP will bring you to line one of the report
PAGEDOWN will bring you to the last line of the report
END will bring you to the right column
INSERT will add a space in the line at the cursor
HOME will bring you to the left column
DELETE will delete the letter under the cursor
ARROWS will move you up or down one line or character
BACKSPACE will move you back one space, without deleting
Work in the report area now and use the above keys to set up a
report that you like. Once you have changed the report area to
suit your needs, save it by touching F1. You will be returned to
the BEGIN PROGRAM menu.
The PROGRADE SYSTEM is designed to have only one progress report
form active at a time. To change the form, use this section as
it has been described.
*** AUTOMATIC SAVE - HOW OFTEN ***
From the BEGIN PROGRAM menu, type A <RETURN>. The grading
program will automatically save your grades every _____
grades. How often would you like? Just enter that number
in response to the prompt. Then touch <RETURN>
*** ORDER/REGISTRATION FORM ***
From the BEGIN PROGRAM menu, type O <RETURN>. Be certain that the
PROGRAM DISK is in drive A. This will print out a complete order
form for you to use in ordering/registering for PROGRADE.
*** HARD DRIVE LETTER ***
If you use DRIVE C as a hard drive, SKIP THIS SECTION! ONLY
ACCESS THIS SECTION IF YOU USE ANOTHER HARD DRIVE LETTER, D, E
AND SO ON.
*** SAVE CHANGES TO DISK ***
It is MOST IMPORTANT, after having gone through all of this
decision making, to SAVE YOUR CHANGES!! Touch S <RETURN> from the
BEGIN PROGRAM menu. You will see a screen that summarizes "all
those numbers". They must be correct for your grades to be
correct! Check them over, and if necessary, return to the BEGIN
PROGRAM menu (from here, by choosing N for not correct) and fix
any errors. If all the values appear correct, then type Y in
response to the "IS THIS OK" prompt. This will save your grading
information to the program and utility disks.
---
*** SAVE CHANGES TO DISK AND END MENU ***
From the BEGIN PROGRAM menu, touch E <RETURN> and you will be
returned to the PROGRADE SYSTEM MASTER MENU. Be certain that the
program disk is in DRIVE A.
The tutorial will now give you an overview of how to use the
******************************
QUICK PROGRAM
******************************
Be sure to read section XIX of the REFERENCE USER MANUAL before you
proceed with the tutorial.
First (if not already there) get to the MASTER MENU. Place the
PROGRAM DISK in DRIVE A, and type PRO.
At the MASTER MENU, type Q <RETURN> to access the QUICK PROGRAM.
Be certain that the PROGRAM DISK is in DRIVE A.
Once at the title screen for the QUICK PROGRAM, touch any key to
get to the QUICK PROGRAM menu. Now you will be asked to place
your data disk in the correct drive (depending on how you set the
BEGIN PROGRAM). For the tutorial, use the UTILITY DISK as your
data disk. Place the disk in the correct drive, and touch a key
to go on. You will then reach the QUICK PROGRAM menu. Let's do
the easy things first!
*** MASTER MENU ***
Touch M <RETURN> and you will be brought back to the SYSTEM
MASTER MENU. Try it! Then repeat the procedures from the last
section to get back to the QUICK PROGRAM menu. Be certain to
insert the correct (PROGRAM or DATA) disk at the correct time.
---
*** CLASS LISTS ***
This is where the FUN begins! From the QUICK PROGRAM menu, touch
L <RETURN>. This section will make a list of all students in your
grade file; you could use the list for attendance, or for any
record keeping. At the first prompt (LOWER LIMIT FOR REPORT),
type 0 <RETURN> (That's a zero). At the second prompt, type 100
<RETURN>. This will cause the program to list all students with
grades from 0 to 100.
Next, you will see a directory of the UTILITY DISK. Notice the
four grade files: DEMO1, DEMO2, DEMO3, DEMO4. Try typing in now
DEMO1 <RETURN>. Notice that the program is ready to take another
file name. Type in DEMO3 <RETURN>. Then type <RETURN> again to
stop entering file names. Each file will be used to make a
separate list.
Next you will be presented with another prompt. Do you want
alphabetic lists or lists based on grade? For now, choose
alphabetic by touching A <RETURN>
And finally, do you want single or double spaced, or boxes next
to the name? Try B <RETURN> for the boxes. WOW!! How many boxes
do you want? Touch 10 at the next prompt and <RETURN>
Set your printer and touch Y in response to OK TO CONTINUE. Your
lists will now be printed by the printer. Try some other lists
using the DEMO files. The list function is SOME USEFUL!
Once your list is printed, you will automatically be returned to
the QUICK PROGRAM menu.
*** SUMMARY REPORT ***
The summary report will print a summary of all students in the
class, showing their overall average and their average for each
of the ten grade categories. You can print percent averages or,
for comparative purposes, class ranks.
From the QUICK PROGRAM menu, type S <RETURN>. Once again you
will be presented with the directory of the disk. You should
notice DEMO1, DEMO2, etc. on the directory. Type in DEMO3
<RETURN>. Then type in DEMO4 <RETURN>. Then, to stop entering
filenames type another <RETURN>.
Now you will be asked to choose between PERCENTS for the report,
or RANKS. This time, touch P <RETURN> to have percents printed.
Then, be certain that the printer is set up and on line. Next,
in response to the OK TO CONTINUE prompt, type Y <RETURN>. Since
the calculations involved in preparing this printout are quite
lengthy, you may notice a short delay before printing starts.
When the printout is complete, you will be automatically returned
to the QUICK PROGRAM menu.
---
*** GRADE REPORTS ***
From the QUICK PROGRAM menu, type G <RETURN> to print grade
reports. Grade reports are printed two to a page and show the
student's complete grade record. PROGRESS reports, on the other
hand, are printed one to a page and have the 14 line progress
report comment section (composed using the BEGIN PROGRAM) printed
at the top of the sheet, and the student's complete grade record
at the bottom. Once you have typed G, you will be asked to print
reports or preview reports. For now, type 2 <RETURN> to preview
the reports. Next, you will be prompted, as in the other
reports, to enter lower and upper limits of grades to find. To
see all grades, enter 0 for a lower limit and 100 for an upper
limit. Then, as in the previous reports, you will be asked to
enter the filenames to view. Enter DEMO3 <RETURN> and then enter
<RETURN> again to stop entering filenames and go on.
All students' reports will now appear in alphabetical order.
Touch C at this point. Now you can type in a short comment that
will appear only on Ethan Balmer's report. Type in: LET'S GO
FOR AN A NEXT TIME, ETHAN. <RETURN> You will then be brought
to the next report.
You can return to the main menu by typing E, although this will
lose your comments. To preserve the comments, pick P at the
time that a report is being shown. Try this now. Type P again
to choose printing ALL reports. You will be asked to enter a
comment that will appear on all reports. Type in: FINAL REPORT,
THIRD QUARTER <RETURN>. Then, get the printer ready and on line
and type Y in response to the OK TO CONTINUE prompt.
If the report is dated incorrectly, be certain to enter the date
correctly when you first boot your computer. This is the date
that is placed on the reports. Notice the comments on the
reports, as you have typed them in.
The reports are designed to be quite self explanatory. However,
some students sometimes ask about the letters in the left column.
These, of course, are the letters indicating if an assignment is
a test, quiz, homework, etc. Sometimes students are concerned
that the category averages do not "AVERAGE OUT" to the overall
average. This, of course, should NOT occur; homework and
test, for example, are unlikely to be of equal value. Either by
setting different maximum values or else by using weighted
grades, you have told the program to count one assignment more
than another. Naturally, it does this; but sometimes students
need a simple explanation.
Once the report is complete, you will be returned automatically
to the QUICK PROGRAM menu. If you do not wish to screen reports
and add comments, you can choose the grade report option and then
proceed directly to printing. This is the quickest way to get the
information out.
---
*** PROGRESS REPORTS ***
From the QUICK PROGRAM menu, type P <RETURN> to enter the
progress report section. From that point on, simply follow the
same instructions as for the grade report section. Everything
will work the same, but the reports will be full page reports
with the 14 line comment section at the top.
Try the progress reports for DEMO3. Use the same instructions as
in the previous section. Try entering
PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE _____________________________
for the comment that will appear on EACH report. This can help
make a fine, detailed progress report.
*** MASTER MENU ***
To return to the MASTER MENU type M <RETURN>. Let's return to the
master menu to look at the MAIN PROGRAM.
Type M <RETURN> to return to the MASTER MENU. Be sure that the
program disk is in the correct drive.
---
The tutorial will now give you an overview of how to use the
********************************
MAIN PROGRAM
********************************
Be sure to read sections IV - XVI of the USER REFERENCE MANUAL you
proceed with the tutorial. First (if not already there) get to the
MASTER MENU. Place the PROGRAM DISK in DRIVE A, and type PRO.
Then touch M <RETURN> to enter the MAIN PROGRAM. At the title
screen, touch any key to continue. Then, as instructed, be
certain that the data disk is in the specified drive. For this
tutorial, use the UTILITY DISK as the data disk. Once the disk
is in, touch any key to go on. If you have more than one utility
disk in your program set, use the one of the correct size.
Next, you will see a directory of the UTILITY DISK. Notice the
DEMO1, DEMO2, DEMO3, DEMO4 filenames. At this point, touch G
<RETURN> to GET one of these files. C, which we will not do
here, would CREATE a totally new file. The program will now
prompt you for a filename. Type in DEMO1 <RETURN>. After the
grades are read from the disk, EDWARD BARNET'S grades will
appear. Touch the <RETURN> key several times. Notice how the
cursor moves from the NAME area to the GRADE area
(ASSIGNMENT.GRADE area).
Touch <RETURN> until the cursor is back in the name area. Now
touch G (no return). Notice that JOHANNA GRIBLY'S name appears in
the name area. Touch <RETURN> and her grades will also appear.
Return to the name area and touch S (no return) Notice that DAVID
SMITH'S name appears. Now touch T (no return). The name SAM
STEVENS now appears. The program recognizes names based on the
minimum required number of characters. To get STEVEN'S grades,
you must type ST <RETURN> in the name area. To get SMITH'S, you
need only type S <RETURN>. You can also move from name to name using
the up and down arrow keys. Try going through the list now! EASY!
Now touch the BACKSPACE key to blank out the name area. Try
typing STO (no return) . Notice that the program does not
recognize any names like this. You are free to continue. Do it.
Type STORRS RICHARD <RETURN> (If you make an error, use backspace
and redo the entire name.) The program will now ask if this is a
new name. Type Y <RETURN>. Notice that STORRS has no grades yet!
Return to the NAME area (NOT THE ASSIGNMENT AREA!) and touch G
<RETURN>. Now return to the name area and touch STO <RETURN>.
It's that easy to get the student's record! Don't forget that you
can always use the arrow keys, too.
---
Now let's enter a grade for JOHANNA GRIBLY. Get her grades on the
screen and touch enter to get to the grade area. Then type 35.9
<RETURN> This will give her a grade of 9 on assignment 35. Notice
how the grade is changed immediately, as is her overall average.
Now try changing the grade to 8. Get to the grade area with
<RETURN> Type in 35.8 <RETURN> Since the program recognizes that
you are changing the grade, it prompts you to be sure that you
wish to make the change. Type Y to make the change. Now return to
the grade area and simply type 7 (no 35 this time) <RETURN> and
then Y <RETURN> to change the grade. Once you have specified one
assignment number, you don't need to specify the assignment
number until you change to another assignment; this speeds entry
of a class of papers.
Now get STORRS grade on the screen and enter assignment 35 equal
to 10 points. (In the name area, type STO <RETURN> and then type
10 <RETURN> in the grade area. DONE!) Try some of the other
names and other grades.
To enter a grade for an altogether new assignment, simply specify
the grade and the assignment number. Let's say you just get a
test grade for JOHANNA GRIBLY. This will become assignment 38,
the next available assignment. Get GRIBLY'S grades, and in the
grade area, enter 38.95 to give her a 95 grade. Note that the
program recognizes this as a new assignment and asks you if it
is. Respond with Y <RETURN> . Next you will be asked to give an
assignment description. Type in COSBY TEST <RETURN> and then
type in T <RETURN> for the category code. Finally, type in 100
<RETURN> for the maximum grade value. You did it! All of the
students now have an assignment 38. Get to DOBSON'S grades and
enter a value of 86 for this assignment. While this grade entry
method is complex to explain, it is fast to use and particularly
fast to use in going through a class set of papers.
In the grade entry area, you may also enter one of the letters
found in the box at the bottom right of the screen. For
example, get STORR'S grades and then type Z in the grade area.
Follow the instructions, and STORR will be totally deleted from
the grade file. (There are less drastic measures to make grades
not count, however.)
Let's look at each of these letter options individually.
*** REPORTS ***
To get to the reports section, type R in the grade entry area. This
will get you to a reports menu. Section XII of the REFERENCE USER
MANUAL has detailed descriptions of what each of the report options
is about. At this point, you should read this section of the manual
again. Try one of these options at a time, starting with A for the
alphabetical lists.
To return to the report menu from the report itself, simply touch
the enter key.
---
Each report can be printed by using the PRINT SCREEN (or SHIFT
PRINT SCREEN on some computers) key on your computer.
Be sure to try EACH report option before you proceed with the
rest of the tutorial.
*** SAVE DATA TO DISK ***
To save your data at any time, type S <RETURN> in the grade entry
area. Try it now! Your grade file will be saved and you will be
returned to your work. Use this section whenever you like to
save your grades as you work.
The demonstration version of the program, it should be noted,
will not save grade files.
A detailed explanation of the .EXT and .BAK files is found in
section XIII of the REFERENCE USER MANUAL.
*** MODIFICATIONS ***
To get to the modifications section, type M <RETURN>. Try it! You
will then be at the MODIFICATIONS MENU. On your own grades, be
careful here! The purpose of the modifications section is to allow
you to revise ANY entry that you have already made. Needless to say,
careless work here could have a direct negative effect on your
grades. Read section XI of the USER REFERENCE MANUAL before
proceeding with the tutorial.
With the DEMO1 file in memory, you have little to worry about.
Now is the time to explore! Options 1, 2, and 3 will cause grades
NOT TO COUNT. Try each one, one at a time, and then return to the
main program. Look at the grades on the screen to see the effects
of what you have done. The * next to the assignment indicates
that it does NOT COUNT. A * next to a student name indicates that
ALL of the student's grades do not count.
Options 6, 7, and 8 from the modifications menu will reverse the
first three options. Try each of these, one at a time, and then
return to the main program with choice 13. Look at the grades to
see the effects. Notice that the * are removed and that the
grades now count again.
---
Try option 4. With it you can change the description of an
assignment. Change assignment 6 to read DENSITY, a Homework
assignment worth 10 points.
Option 5 can be used to change a student name. Try changing JILL
THOMPSON'S name to JILL TOMPSON. Then use option 13 to return to
the main program, and type in T <RETURN> in the name area. There
it is!
Option 9 will recalculate the values of all grades for one
assignment; this is so that you can change the maximum value.
For example, choose option 9. Then choose assignment 35, which
is now worth 10 points maximum. Give it a new maximum value of
20. Now return to the main program. Notice how each grade
for assignment 35 is now out of 20 points. It would be rare to
use this section, but it's there just in case.
Option 10 will eliminate an assignment from the grades. This
totally removes all reference to the grades. Try it and remove
assignment 37. Return to the main program. NO MORE OLD ASSIGNMENT
37!! and no way back. If you want a less decisive option, use
option 6 to mark an assignment NOT TO COUNT.
Now, have some fun! Try option 11 from the MODIFICATION menu.
You are given a choice of assignments to scale, or you can just
touch the <RETURN> key to scale ALL assignments for ALL students.
This would directly raise the class average. Type <RETURN> to
scale all the grades. Then type A <RETURN> to add to each
student's grades; then enter a scaling factor of 5 (% sign is not
to be entered). Return to the main program and notice that the
grades are going higher! While we advise some discretion in using
this option, it is there for those who seek it!
Read section XV on the scaling of grades. It is well worth your
serious thought if you do scale grades, as different scaling
methods benefit different types of students differently.
Now pick option 12 from the MODIFICATION menu. This will allow
you to TEMPORARILY switch from weighted to unweighted grades. BE
CERTAIN that you have used the BEGIN program already to set
appropriate weights for each category. Try switching from
unweighted to weighted grades and back. Then return to the main
program to see the effect on the grades. There are differences in
the grade outcomes, of course. Here again, some careful thought
should be given, in advance!! NOTE: To change more permanently from
weighted to unweighted or vice versa, use the BEGIN program. This
option 12 is ONLY TEMPORARY!
By now, you must know -- option 13 will return you to the main
program.
---
*** GET ANOTHER CLASS ***
From the main program, you may type G in the grade area to save
the file you are now working on and to get another file. Try it!
The file will be saved immediately, so be sure that the data disk
is in the correct drive. (Reminder: the demonstration program
does not save files and will skip this section.) Then the program
will return you to the option to get or create a file. You are
back at the beginning of the program, and can get or create
another file.
If you choose G, you will be getting a file already on the disk
(such as DEMO1, DEMO2, ETC.). If you choose C (let's do that,
now), then you will CREATE A TOTALLY NEW FILE. Type C <RETURN> at
the get/create prompt. You will need to type another <RETURN> to
continue. This is to be CERTAIN that your wish is to create a
file. Then enter the filename TEST <RETURN> in response to the
next prompt.
You will soon arrive at the main program screen -- but no grades,
no names. That's right! It's totally blank. Try entering a few
names and grades, as we have already done. Then save the file.
(NOTE: DEMO FILES ARE NOT ACTUALLY SAVED TO THE DISK.)
*** LIST FILES ON DISK ****
This simple section can be accessed by typing L in the main
program grade entry area. You will simply get a directory of
your data disk, in case you forget the file names. You will
also be given the option of DELETING files at this point. As
always, you should use this option sparingly. Try deleting a
demo file sometime, but not right now, OK ?
*** DELETE A STUDENT ***
Type Z <RETURN> in the main program grade entry area and the
student whose grades are on the screen can be totally deleted
from the grade file. This section is best used sparingly. It
might be better to leave the grades and simply use the
modification section to mark them not to count.
---
*** HELP ***
Type H <RETURN> in the main program grade entry area and the help
screens menu will appear. The help screens are condensed versions
of important sections of the manual. To view a section, enter the
number for that section. Enter 2 <RETURN> to see the section on
SETTING PROGRADE UP, for example. BE CERTAIN THAT THE PROGRAM
DISK IS IN DRIVE A! When you finish reading the screen, touch
<RETURN> to go on. You will be automatically returned to the help
screens menu. Try some other help screens. When you finish with
the help section altogether, touch <RETURN> to go back to the
main program.
*** EXIT FROM PROGRAM ***
Type E <RETURN> in the main program grade entry area and the
title screen will first appear. Touch any key to go on and you
will be given a choice: No (I don't really want to end), Yes (I'm
all done with the PROGRADE SYSTEM, but save my grades first), and
Master Menu (save my grades, but I want to get back to that
MASTER MENU). Try choosing M at this point, so that we can go on
with the tutorial. Be certain that the PROGRAM DISK is in the
drive A when prompted. Soon, the MASTER MENU will reappear.
Were you to choose Y in the above paragraph, the program would
then terminate completely. The screen would then ask you to type
in a drive name and the word EXTRA. This command will make an
EXTRA copy (called an .EXT file) of any file that you have just
accessed; follow the screen instructions to be certain that you
are placing an extra disk in the correct drive at the correct
time. At this point, however, the tutorial will go on, so you
will not see this sequence.
---
The tutorial will now give you an overview of how to use the
********************************
PROPLUS PROGRAM
********************************
Be sure to read sections XVII and XVIII of the USER REFERENCE MANUAL
before you proceed with the tutorial.
First (if not already there) get to the MASTER MENU. Place the
PROGRAM DISK in DRIVE A, and type PRO.
Then touch P <RETURN> to enter the PROPLUS PROGRAM. At the
title screen, touch any key to continue. Then, as instructed, be
certain that the data disk is in the specified drive. For this
tutorial, use the UTILITY DISK as the data disk. Once the disk
is in, touch any key to go on.
At this point, enter the filename for the grades you wish to
examine. Enter DEMO1 <RETURN> at this point. Shortly the PROPLUS
menu will appear.
Let's try one option at a time. Option 1 will clone a grade file.
Pick this option and see what it does. You will be asked for a
new filename: use TEST2 <RETURN>. What the clone section does is
make a new gradefile, named TEST2 in this case, that has NO
GRADES, NO ASSINGMENTS, ONLY STUDENT NAMES. This is a timesaver
at the beginning of the quarter, as it makes it so that you don't
have to reenter those names. It could also be used to make more
than one grade file for a particular class. If you wish, you can
load the cloned file from the main program. However, you cannot
use it in PROPLUS, as it contains no grades to process.
Now, reload DEMO1. Option 2 from PROPLUS will compare any two
assignments. Technically, it calculates a correlation coefficient
between any two assignments. Try comparing several assignments.
Consistent grading and consistent class performance will cause
correlations that are high. Other values may require some
consideration. Any elementary statistics book will provide a
detailed discussion of correlation.
---
Option 3 from the PROPLUS menu will calculate the VARIABILITY of
grades. Try it! The student listed as #1 shows the greatest
variability in his grades (his scores vary considerably, from 30s
to 100's to 50's to 90's for example); his work should be given
close attention to try to determine the cause of this type of
variation. Simply touch the <RETURN> key and then return to the
PROPLUS menu.
Option 4 from the PROPLUS menu will show a histogram graph of
grades in the class. You can choose to show just one assignment,
or you can choose to show all assignments (overall averages).
Try this, and show averages by just touching <RETURN> at the
prompt. The graph is a nice, easy way to get an overall picture
of the class's work, or of their work on any individual
assignment. Touch the <RETURN> key to return to the PROPLUS
menu.
Option 5 from the PROPLUS menu will allow you to view ranked
listings of averages in each of the 10 grade categories. For
example, who has the highest homework average? Choose option 5,
and then choose category 3. TARA VINCENT has the highest homework
average, while MIKE DOBSON (there he is again!) has the lowest.
Notice that TARA's grade is over 100%. The program will correctly
handle extra credit and excess credit (104/100, for example); do
not be afraid to use such grades. More information about extra
credit is found at the end of this tutorial. The "CONSISTENT",
"VARIES", "TREND UP' and "TREND DOWN" notations may be helpful to
you in spotting trends; however, as the REFERENCE MANUAL explains
in section XX, there is a certain degree of judgement in this type
of description. Use the begin program if you wish to make the
trend detection more or less sensitive. To return to the PROPLUS
menu at this time, touch the <RETURN> key and then M <RETURN>.
Choose option 6 now from the PROPLUS menu. This option will
present you with the student roster. Pick any student or type
<RETURN> by itself (for all students). You will see individual
grade reports with TRENDS indicated. You may have some
occasional use to print reports with these trends shown. Simply
use the PRINT SCREEN feature of your computer to do the printing.
In other ways, the report is identical to reports generated by
the MAIN PROGRAM or by the QUICK PROGRAM. Go to the next report
with <RETURN> and touch E <RETURN> to leave this section.
Option 7,8, and 9 allow you to save OVERALL AVERAGES from your grade
files into files called YEAR FILES. Use a separate name for your year
file. The program will automatically attach a .YR extension to the
filename you give.
---
Choose option 7 now. For the year file name, enter TEST3
<RETURN>. Then enter C <RETURN> to CREATE this year file. Once
the file is created on disk, choose column 1 into which to enter
the grades. Type 1 <RETURN> and then type Y in response to the OK
prompt. Finally, enter QUAR1 <RETURN> (for quarter 1) as the
short code to identify the column, and 20 <RETURN> as the amount
the quarter's grade will count toward the final average. The
grades will now appear on the screen. This is the year file. You
can use it to record grades from up to ten grade files (for the
same students). Touch <RETURN> to leave the section and save the
file.
Choose option 8 now. This section can be used to record exam
grades for each student. It could be used to store other data,
also. For the year file, enter TEST3 <RETURN>. Then enter G
<RETURN> to GET THE file you already created in option 6. At the
prompt, choose column 2. Now the program will take you through
the class list. Enter the exam grade for each student, making
them up as you go. Use EXAM <RETURN> as the short code to
identify the column, and 10 <RETURN> as the amount to count
toward the average.
This will return you to the year file. Remember, you can always
use PRINT SCREEN to print the screen to the printer. Should you
wish to change just a single exam grade, enter 99 at this point.
Try changing a few grades using this method. Return to the main
PROPLUS menu using 0 <RETURN>. (zero) Option 9 from the PROPLUS
menu will simply access the year file for you to view it. It will
also show you a bar graph of grades to date. Try viewing TEST3 at
this time. Use <RETURN> to leave the section.
Now choose option 10. You will be reminded to insert the data
disk and then asked for a new filename. Try DEMO4. Then try
some of the options that we have already looked at.
Finally, we reach option 11. Option 11 will bring you back to the
MASTER MENU. Here, choose G to learn about the GET program. More
information is found on the next page. Once back at the master
menu, choose E to end the program. You MAY see: INSERT DISK WITH
COMMAND.COM. What's this? This is a DOS message that sometimes
appears when large programs are ended. There is nothing to worry
about. Your own DOS disk is the disk that is being asked for.
Insert the DOS DISK at this time and touch any key. At a later
time, you may use sec. II of the REFERENCE MANUAL to avoid seeing
this message. However, proceed carefully and do exactly what the
manual says.
Once you are back to the DOS, you may put the program and data back
where they had been just before you ended. Then, follow the screen
instructions to cause your work to be copied to .EXT files. Try it now
by following the instructions that had appeared on the screen. NOTE:
DEMO FILES ARE NOT ACTUALLY SAVED TO THE DISK, SO AT THIS TIME,
YOU WILL GET AN RESPONSE THAT SAYS FILE NOT FOUND. When you
do your own grades, you will not get this response.
---
*******************************
GET PROGRAM
*******************************
This program IS ON THE UTLITY DISK.
This program will enable you to quickly print a single grade report
or a handful of grade reports from a single class WITH A SINGLE
COMMAND and no menus to access. Let's try it now.
First, get to the DOS SYSTEM prompt. If necessary, reinsert your
DOS disk. Then, insert the PROGRADE UTILITY DISK in A: The GET program
is found on the UTILITY disk, not on the PROGRAM disk! Be
certain that your printer is ON line and powered ON. Now type:
GET DEMO1 STEVENS SMITH* GRIB
The program will ask you to insert your data disk. Once this has
been done, then touch enter. You will now get a printed grade
report for STEVENS, for SMITH, and TWO for GRIBLY. The * causes
an EXTRA report to be printed. You may use up to 3 * . Do not
use first and last names, just last names; you may use any unique
portion of a name rather than the entire name (such as GRIB
instead of GRIBLY), and you may use 0-35 names in any sequence.
GET DEMO1 STEV** SMIT GRIBLY*
would print 3 reports for STEVENS, one for SMITH, and 2 for
GRIBLY.
GET DEMO2
would print a grade report for each student in the class.
Do not use more than one filename with the GET program. Use the
QUICK program instead. Also, do not use drive letters before
the filenames.
The GET program is best used to print a handful of reports when
students, parents, or school personnel require "instant" service.
---
*******************************
NOW.... YOUR OWN GRADES
*******************************
You can now proceed using some of your own grades. Use blank
formatted disks on which to store your grades. Use some sensible
precautions in protecting your data, too. Information on
protecting your data disks, on setting up files for multiple
subjects with the same students, on extra credit, and on rounding
follows in the appendix of this tutorial.
Set up your own grade files using the main program and examine them
using the MAIN program and then the QUICK and PROPLUS programs.
You'll probably be overwhelmed with the amount of information
that the program can generate. Learn to use the sections that
you feel are most useful to you. And most importantly, use this
information to HELP students, not to PUNISH them.
Remember, there are other files on the utility disk that you should
examine. These files end in .TXT and can be examined using most
word processors.
---
**********************************
APPENDIX
***********************************
ABOUT ROUNDING IN THE PROGRADE SYSTEM
Numbers in the PROGRADE SYSTEM programs must necessarily be
rounded before they are output to the screen or printer. This
can sometimes create confusion. If a student's grade were
73.461, for example, it would be rounded on output to 73 if it is
being output to the closest integer. That is because the .461 is
less than .500. The 73.461 would round to 73.5, however, if the
result is being output to the closest tenth. This is as it
should be, as the .461 should round to .5 The problem occurs
when the rounded values are compared. 73 vs. 73.5 The correct
grade, as the program reports, is 73 (rounded to the nearest
integer). It is not 74, which would be rounding TWICE. You can
rely on the PROGRADE SYSTEM to round properly for you. DO NOT
ROUND YOURSELF (such as from 73.5 to 74) UNLESS YOU DO NOT MIND
ROUNDING TWICE.
ERROR CODES
4 OUT OF DATA -- Your data file may have been damaged.
7 OUT OF MEMORY -- You need additional memory in your computer.
24 DEVICE TIMEOUT - Check printer: online ? all cables connected?
25 DEVICE FAULT -- Some input/output device was not ready.
27 OUT OF PAPER -- Check paper in your printer; check if it's ON.
53 FILE NOT FOUND - Insert disk with this file; check the filename.
57 DEVICE I/O ERR - Check all inputs/outputs. Formatted disk in ?
61 DISK FULL -- Use another formatted disk.
62 INPUT PAST END - Your data file may have been damaged.
64 BAD FILENAME -- Use correct length and characters in filenames.
67 DIRECTORY FULL - 255 files maximum in a directory.
68 DEVICE UNAVAILABLE - Some device is not on line.
70 DISK WRITE PROTECTED - Do not use write protected disks.
71 DISK NOT READY - Put the disk in the drive and shut drive door.
72 DISK MEDIA ERROR - Use another disk; defect on this disk or drive.
75 PATH ERROR -- Do not use pathnames with PROGRADE.
76 (see 75) This is to prevent you from misplacing files.
For information on other errors, consult any DOS manual or contact the
PROGRADE SYSTEM.
---
MULTIPLE SUBJECTS IN THE PROGRADE SYSTEM
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT TO ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL TEACHERS:
TEACHERS WHO TEACH MULTIPLE SUBJECTS TO THE SAME STUDENTS can
still use the PROGRADE SYSTEM to do their grades. There would be
two essentially different ways to go about this. Be sure to go
through the TUTORIAL (accessed from the BEGIN program) before
deciding how to set up your own grades.
METHOD 1: Make a single class file for your class. Use the BEGIN
program to set the grade categories for the individual areas,
such as READING, MATH, SPANISH, and so on. When you enter any
grades to the grade file, you will specify if it is for the
READING, MATH, SPANISH (etc.) category.
ADVANTAGE: You will have just one file for your class.
You can get the averages for each category in
several places in the program, including the
main program reports section, the QUICK program
summary report (easiest for the whole class), or
the PROPLUS program grade reports and the PROPLUS
program rank students section.
DISADVANTAGE: The overall average on the grade and progress
reports may not have a significance to you, as it
would represent a combination of the different
subjects.
METHOD 2: Make a separate class file FOR EACH SUBJECT MATTER. Use
the main program to make your first subject matter file, such as
READING, and then use the PROPLUS program to clone that file,
making one copy of the file for each of your subject areas, MATH,
SPANISH, and so on. Then use the BEGIN program to set grade
categories to areas such as QUIZ, TEST, ORAL WORK, and so on.
When you enter grades, access the file for the subject matter you
are grading at the time (READING, SPANISH, MATH, etc.) and when
you are asked to pick the grade category, use Q for QUIZ, T for
TEST, and so on.
IF YOU USE METHOD 2, BE SURE TO USE A SEPARATE DISK FOR EACH
DIFFERENT SET OF STUDENTS. (Otherwise, for example, a SPANISH
file for one class could not be distinguished from a SPANISH file
for another class of students.)
---
ADVANTAGE: You will have more information at your disposal.
If you need progress reports just for failures in
MATH and SPANISH, for example, then you could
do this with the QUICK program. The overall
average on the report would be the overall
average for that particular subject matter. If
you were to use the QUICK program summary report,
the overall average would be shown (for the
particular subject); also shown would be all the
averages for the different categories (TEST,
QUIZ). Since you can enter up to 10 filenames
at once into the QUICK program, your work in
getting all the individual subject grades is min-
imized.
DISADVANTAGE: You will have to make several
subject matter files in the first place, and this
will take more time. Also, you will need to access
the files individually to enter the grades for the
different subjects, and this will take more time.
However, you will then have A LOT of information
at your immediate disposal.
TEACHERS WHO DO NOT TEACH MULTIPLE SUBJECTS TO THE SAME STUDENTS:
Simply use a separate class file for each of your classes, and grade
categories as discussed in the REFERENCE USER'S MANUAL.
---
HOW TO ENTER EXTRA CREDIT TO THE PROGRADE SYSTEM
The purpose of an extra credit grade is to reward a student who has
done extra work, but NOT to penalize the student that has not. It is
important to keep this in mind. In order to accomplish this fairly,
extra credit grades must be entered to any grading system in one of
two fashions, depending on whether you use WEIGHTED GRADES or
UNWEIGHTED grades. First, make your decision on the type of grades to
use. See section XX of the REFERENCE USER MANUAL.
EXTRA CREDIT FOR UNWEIGHTED GRADES
To enter extra credit if you use unweighted grades, simply add an
assignment that is worth 0 points (enter 0 as the MAX VALUE).
Then if a student has earned 12 points of extra credit, simply
enter the 12 as his or her grade. Thus, the student will have
12 out of 0. For example, if this is assignment 4, to give the
extra credit, type
4.12
NEW ASSIGNMENT ? Y
DESCRIPTION EXTRA CRED
CATEGORY E
MAX VALUE 0
This will not penalize students who have no extra credit, as they
are expected to have a 0; anything above that is "gravy", as the
expression goes. (You may need to explain this to your students
when they see their grade reports; a student with 0 for extra
credit is not penalized in ANY WAY.)
You may enter the assignment to any category at all; however,
that category will show an increased average for students with
any extra credit. You can create an EXTRA CRED category (E) and
then the other averages will not be directly affected, only the
overall average. This is the best approach.
---
EXTRA CREDIT FOR WEIGHTED GRADES
If you use weighted grades, it is IMPERATIVE that you DO NOT
FOLLOW the above procedures. The reason for this is that you
would be PENALIZING students with no extra credit, and LOWERING
THEIR GRADES. DO NOT CREATE A SPECIAL CATEGORY FOR EXTRA CREDIT
if you use weighted grades, or else you will lower some student's
grades.
Instead, enter the extra credit INTO ANOTHER ASSIGNMENT'S GRADES.
For example, if you use weighted grades and a student just earned
some extra credit, then access some existing assignment's grade
and add the extra credit to the present value. Let's say that the
student had gotten 57% on ASSIGNMENT 3, a TEST. Then, to add 12%
extra credit, simply type
3.69
CHANGE GRADE ? Y
The 69 is the 12 added to the 57. If a student started with 91
and earned 12, then simply enter 3.103
With weighted grades, there is no way to do extra credit without
changing the average in SOME category. This is not a function of
the PROGRADE SYSTEM; it is merely a function of the way the
weighted system works.
REMEMBER: DO NOT CREATE ANY SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS OR CATEGORIES
FOR EXTRA CREDIT IF YOU USE WEIGHTED GRADES, OR YOU WILL BE
PENALIZING STUDENTS WITH NO EXTRA CREDIT.
---
A FEW POINTERS ABOUT PROTECTING YOUR DATA DISKS
Needless to say, your grades are important information, and you
do not want to damage the disk media that contains your grades.
With this in mind, you should take several precautionary measures
to prevent grade loss:
1. Frequently print your grades using the report section, part L
Also, physically copy your grade data disk periodically using DOS
commands. Find someone to help you if you are not sure how.
Your grades are important!
2. Use only highest quality disks for data storage.
3. Keep your disk drives in clean, optimum operating condition.
Keep dust and cigarette smoke away from your drives.
4. Do not try to overfill the disks with grade data. It is
probably best to store only one quarter's grades on each disk.
Use a new disk for the next quarter.
5. Never try to use a data disk that has under 40,000 bytes free
space left.
6. Never remove the data disk until the disk drive light is
completely out. If you go "by sound" or try to beat the drives,
you run an excellent chance of creating cross-linked files that
would be difficult if not impossible to recover.
7. Keep your disks away from magnetism (loudspeakers, radios);
keep your disks away from liquids, dirt, dust, heat, or bending;
and keep your disks away from the monitor or the computer, except
for the drives.
8. Do not use CTRL-BREAK to terminate any program. You will
definitely lose the data you have worked on; you may damage the
entire disk directory.
9. Always use the COPY instructions that appear at the end of
PROGRADE. Use a blank formatted disk for the .EXT copies that
will be produced.
10. HARD DRIVE USERS: Frequently store your grades onto a floppy
disk. FREQUENTLY use proper procedures to maintain your hard
drive, especially CHKDSK and other HARD DRIVE UTILITIES.
Please -- the author worked long and hard writing and having this
program field tested. He is an educator like yourself, and is
asking for your help. Send what you can; it will be truly
appreciated. PLEASE USE the order/registration form in the BEGIN
program to register and to obtain updated versions.
Thank you from the author,
WILLIAM E. PEACE P.O. BOX 627 SOUTH DENNIS, MA 02660
Your comments and suggestions are more than welcome.
---
Directory of PC-SIG Library Disk #1779
Volume in drive A has no label
Directory of A:\
READNOW 7552 1-12-90 12:15a
DEMO1 4131 12-01-88 12:28p
DEMO2 2162 12-01-88 12:27p
DEMO3 3274 12-01-88 12:27p
DEMO4 3274 12-01-88 12:28p
TUTORIAL TXT 62080 10-28-89 5:09a
PROGRADE TXT 50816 10-21-89 12:53a
QUOTES TXT 17792 8-01-89 1:08a
AUTHOR TXT 4480 10-28-89 5:06a
COMMENTS TXT 3712 8-01-89 1:02a
GET EXE 54816 10-20-89 12:05a
CCODE 409 10-20-89 12:04a
BRUN30 EXE 70680 4-07-87 10:48a
C T 1 10-20-89 12:04a
~H 7 8-15-89 1:24a
~ 3 1-01-80 12:32a
READNOW BAT 155 10-25-89 12:11a
HARD2 BAT 232 3-14-90 1:19a
FILES 3968 11-07-89 12:33a
GO BAT 38 1-01-80 1:37a
GO TXT 771 5-05-90 4:54p
FILE1779 TXT 2603 6-05-90 2:02p
22 file(s) 292956 bytes
14336 bytes free