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How do I set up a Pass/Fail class?

This article describes the different options schools have to report grades as a Pass/Fail. Admins can set up pass-fail classes using one of the following methods:

  1. Pass/Fail Special Grade Codes
  2. Pass/Fail Traditional Grading Scale

Pass/Fail Special Grade Codes

In most cases, schools will use Pass/Fail special grade codes, rather than creating a separate grading scale. This method is used to enter Pass/Fail grades on the report card only while using the grading scale assigned to the course to record gradebook grades. For example, the music teacher may want to score assignments using an A, B, C, etc grading scale in the gradebook, but the school policy requires a Pass/Fail grade on the report card.

To implement this solution, you will need to create a Pass and a Fail special grade code. For instructions on how to create special grade codes, please click here.

Pass/Fail Traditional Grading Scale

In some situations, schools may need to have individual assignment scores in the gradebook entered as a Pass or Fail. This can be common in classes that grade on participation or completion, rather than assessing individual assignments, such as PE or extracurricular classes. In this case, it is appropriate to create a Pass/Fail traditional grading scale to assign to the course.

To create a Pass/Fail grading scale:

  1. Go to (School District) Admin Main > Grading Scales > Create Traditional Grading Scale
  2. Select the option for a Points-based Grading Scale or a Percentage-based Grading Scale
    • Note: For further reading about the differences between percentages-based and points-based grading scales, please click here
  3. Save
  4. Enter a new Title which will display on report cards
  5. Input the following information:
    • Letter Grade: This will be “P” and “F”
    • State Code: Only for Illinois, Missouri, or Oklahoma state reporting schools
    • Min %: Available if you select a percentage-based scale. Enter the minimum number for your pass and fail codes, for example, “100%” and “0%”
      PF___scale.PNG
    • Points: Available if you select a points-based scale. Enter the minimum number for your pass and fail codes, for example, “1” and “0”
      PF_point_scale.PNG
    • GPA: Available only if you have GPA mode turned on under Grade Reporting Options
    • Notes: Enter Pass and Fail
    • Passing Grades?: Set Yes for Pass and No for Fail
  6. Select delete next to any extra rows
  7. Set the Options
  8. Save

After the grading scales are created, you will need to assign them to courses that require this type of grading. Read the following article for directions on how to assign a grading scale to courses.