About Chuck Brickman Expertise I can assist with questions about classroom management and discipline, practices and procedures, special education, lesson plan development, proactive teaching strategies, researched based teaching methodologies, instructional methods, integration of technology, standards based learning, mainstreaming, ADD, ADHD, IEPs, parent involvement, team teaching, staff issues and professional development.
Experience College, middle school and elementary school teacher. Certified teacher in special education and elementary comprehensive. Educational consultant.
Education/Credentials A.A. University of the State of New York
B.A. Indiana University
M.A. California State University
Awards and Honors Current candidate for National Board Certification in Exceptional Needs
Question What is your experience with choosing a grading software package for middle schoolteachers either building wide or district wide? There are many available for purchase or free. How do I present this to a school that is considering a computer grading requirement for their teachers? Thanks!
Answer Hi Leslie,
These are the factors that I have used to assess programs:
cost
user friendly
ability to compile reports
ability to add on each grading period as opposed to a new gradebook
You might start with conducting a survey to determine what characteristics in a grading program are important to your users....what reports and formats are important. Next, you can make a matrix reflecting their needs and how each programs addresses those needs.
Next, do you want a stand alone program or one that is net-based. I'm a big proponent of stand alone...much cheaper, more control, etc.
What is the computer readiness level of your users?
There are many grading programs that are high quality including: Gradequick, Gradepro, Easygrader, Grade genie...and I'm sure many others. My personal choice is Gradequick. Below is a link which may help you in your comparisons:
I would offer another suggestion - Everyone likes the free programs...how about downloading a few free programs and let some of the teachers use them as a pilot program? I think you'll find that the free programs are great for simple grade keeping. If you want enhanced report writing and options you'll probably go to commerical software.
