Grading & the Ultra Gradebook

Owned by Mariann Hawken
Last updated: Aug 05, 2024

The Ultra Gradebook helps faculty to streamline grading and assessment processes. It offers features such as customizable grading schemas, efficient grade entry and feedback provision, automatic performance calculations, and collaboration options. With its intuitive interface and comprehensive insights, faculty can manage grades, monitor student progress, and facilitate effective communication for a seamless grading experience.

Posting grades outside the Blackboard gradebook using a student’s name or campusID is strictly prohibited even if information is partially obscured. Alpha and/or numeric student identifiers are considered Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and their use constitutes a FERPA violation. For more information, please contact the Registrar's Office.


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Gradebook Basics
Before You Begin

Before configuring the overall grade and gradebook settings, we recommend starting with your course syllabus. Some things to carefully consider are: grading policy, use of a point or weighted grading system, types of assignments, etc.

The calculation↗︎ schema displays grades as points, letters (A, B, C), or a percentage with the grading schema you choose for each assessment. The schema takes the points scored on an item and compares them with the item's total possible points to get a percentage. This percentage is mapped to a range of scores and displays a grade, such as a letter. 

Example: 

For the total grade, a student's raw numeric score is 88 out of 100 points possible. In a grading schema in which a percentage of 87 to less than 90 equals a B+, the student's score of 88 results in a B+. 

Points or Weighted Grading

In a point-based system, each assignment holds equal weight, simplifying calculations and providing a straightforward evaluation. On the other hand, weighted grading allows you to assign different values to assignments based on their significance, reflecting the relative importance of each task. Select the grading method that suits your instructional needs, promotes fairness, and provides clarity for both you and your students. Just remember to choose either point-based or weighted grading, as combining both approaches can lead to complexity and confusion.

Points

Weighted

Grading
Gradebook Management
 Exemptions

There are times that instructors need to exempt students from assessments or activities in the course. Now instructors can provide exemptions. Students can view exempted items. A student is not expected to complete an exempted task. When exempted, a student’s overall calculation will adjust for them. The overall points possible or weighting for a student with exemptions may change compared to other students.

Instructors may exempt any gradebook item in two ways:

  • From the submission list view, select the ellipsis menu of a student and choose to add or edit the exemption.
  • From the student detail view, select the ellipsis menu of the item and choose to add or edit the exemption.

When exempting an item, the item will not be:

  • included in the overall grade calculation,
  • marked late for students who do not make a submission, or
  • assigned an automatic zero.

Note that exemptions are different from exceptions, where instructors can give an individual student an exception on a specific test or assignment. An exception includes additional attempts, rescheduled due dates, or extended access, even if the assessment is hidden from other students. 

For more information on exceptions, please see Create an Assignment or Test Exception

 Sharing Grading Responsibilities

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