Grade weighting is used when you want certain assignments to be worth more than others. For example, you may want tests to have more of an impact on a student's grade than quizzes. This can be accomplished by applying different weights to the appropriate assessment categories in the gradebook settings.
❗ Please note: Grade weighting is only available in the assessments gradebook and applies to points-based assessments only.
➡️ How Does It Work?
Weights (percentages) are given to each of the categories used (for example, Tests = 60%, Quizzes = 30%, Assignments = 10%).
The sum of the weights must be 100.
The percentage earned for each category is calculated and then multiplied by the weight it has been assigned. This represents the weighted category score. Once all weighted category scores have been found, they are added together to determine the final percentage.
➡️ Example Weighted Grade Calculation
To see an example of a raw score calculation vs. a weighted grade calculation, click here.
➡️ How Are Weighted Grades Set in Otus
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 assessment category weight. Percentages added here must add up to 100.
Step 5: To save the weighting, click anywhere outside of the weighting window. You will see a green popup message that says "Gradebook weighting saved successfully."
➡️ Things to Note:
Weighting grades has the potential to drastically change students' final grades in the gradebook depending on the weights applied to each category. The only way to know if a student's grade would be higher or lower with gradebook weighting enabled is to practice with the different weights. If you want to practice with weighted grades, here is a resource that allows you to try it out.
If grade weighting is turned ON, the points earned / total points ratio will no longer display in the gradebook. This is to avoid confusion among those trying to calculate the grade when grade weighting is on.
FAQ
Can I reset the weighting? Yes, you can change the weighting at any time. Follow the same steps listed above. If you need to remove the weighting altogether, follow the steps above, and at Step 5, 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.