🎯 Purpose
Category weighting lets you assign percentage-based weights to your assessment categories so that certain assignment types, like tests or quizzes, carry more impact on a student's final grade than others.
🔑 Key Functions
Category Weight Assignment: Set percentage weights for each assessment category (e.g., Tests = 60%, Quizzes = 30%, Assignments = 10%).
Weighted Grade Calculation: Otus automatically calculates each student's final grade based on the weights applied to each category.
Flexible Adjustments: Update or clear weighting at any time directly from gradebook settings.
Per-Class Configuration: Weighting is configured individually for each class, giving you control over each classroom's grading structure.
✅ Prerequisites
A Teacher account in Otus
Points-based assessments already created and assigned to categories
You must be working in the Assessments View category; weighting is not available in the Standards View
🔢 Steps
Step 1: Navigate to the Points Gradebook module.
Step 2: Select the ellipsis in the upper-right corner.
Step 3: Select Weighting.
Step 4: Type in the desired weight for each assessment category. Percentages must add up to 100.
To see an example of a raw score calculation vs. a weighted grade calculation, click here.
Step 5: Click anywhere outside of the weighting window to save. A green confirmation message will appear: "Gradebook weighting saved successfully."
💡Tips:
Weighting grades can significantly change students' final grades depending on the values applied. To preview how different weights might affect grades before committing, use this grade calculator.
When grade weighting is turned on, the points earned / total points ratio will no longer display in the gradebook. This is intentional; it prevents confusion when weighting is active.
🎥 Otus Live Video
Click to see a video from our Otus Live series on weighting grades.
Click to see a video from our Otus Live series on weighting grades.
🛠️ FAQ and Troubleshooting
Click to see FAQ and Troubleshooting details.
Click to see FAQ and Troubleshooting details.
Can I reset the weighting?
Yes, you can change the weighting at any time. Simply open the weighting modal again and change any of the values. If you need to remove the weighting altogether, select Clear Weighting.
Can I set the weighting for all of my classes at the same time?
No. Weighting is set on a class-by-class basis.
As an administrator, can I set school or district-wide weighting for all gradebooks?
That is something the Otus Team can do for you. Reach out to your Otus Client Experience Partner or the Otus Support Team using our chat feature. We are happy to help!
Why isn't weighting available for standards-based assessments?
Standards-based grades do not have numerical values. Numerical values are needed for grade weighting.
If a weighted category doesn't have any assessments linked to it, how does that impact the student's grade?
The category will not impact the grade until it has assessments tied to it.