













                                THE PROGRADE SYSTEM

                                Grading Program For
                                     Educators

                              REFERENCE USER'S MANUAL


























                                THE PROGRADE SYSTEM
                                   P.O.  Box 627
                              South Dennis, MA 02660


                 Contents of Manual, Tutorial, and Program Series
               Copyright 1993 by William E.  Peace.  Duplication in
               whole or in part, by any means, is forbidden without
             express written consent of the author and the publisher.
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                                  COPYRIGHT

                             THE PROGRADE SYSTEM
                     COPYRIGHT 1993 BY WILLIAM E.  PEACE


                   THANK YOU FOR USING THE PROGRADE SYSTEM!
            THE AUTHOR REQUESTS A $48 FEE FOR USE OF THE PROGRAM.
                   PLEASE BE FAIR AND CONSIDER THE AUTHOR.

        If you use the PROGRADE SYSTEM for long, you will notice several
        things.  First of all, your students may show an improvement in
        their performance because of the prompt feedback that the SYSTEM
       can provide.  Parents may praise you for the thorough reports that
        you can provide.  And your family and friends will rejoice -- no
       more end of the term "grading" -- it's always done and up to date
                              with little effort.

       Please -- the author worked long and hard writing and having this
         program field tested.  He is an educator like yourself, and is
          asking for you to be fair.  Your registration will be truly
                                  appreciated.

        Please -- it is a violation of copyright law to use this program
        without registering.  And even more-- it's just not fair to the
         author.  Think about how much benefit YOU get weekly from this
        program!  Registered users who update their program will receive
        professionally packaged software, diskette case, printed manual,
       and most recent program versions automatically sent.  In addition,
         registered users can earn a $10 finder's fee by convincing any
         other user to register also.  Details of this program are sent
                               upon registration.

         PLEASE USE THE ORDER/REGISTRATION FORM IN THE BEGIN PROGRAM TO
                PROPERLY REGISTER OR TO OBTAIN UPDATED VERSIONS.

         International Registrants: Please use US funds and please add
                  $2 US additional for international postage.



                           Thank you from the author,
             WILLIAM E.  PEACE P.O.  BOX 627 SOUTH DENNIS, MA 02660

              Your comments and suggestions are more than welcome.

         MS-DOS IS A TRADEMARK OF MICROSOFT CORPORATION PORTIONS OF THE
       COMPILED PROGRAMS ARE FROM COMPILERS COPYRIGHTED BY THE MICROSOFT
                                  CORPORATION.

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                                CONTENTS

                 I.    KEY FEATURES OF THE PROGRADE SYSTEM

                 II.   SETTING DISKS UP TO USE PROGRADE

                 III.  INITIALIZING THE PROGRADE SYSTEM

                 IV.   RUNNING THE PROGRADE SYSTEM

                 V.    NAMING THE CLASS FILES

                 VI.   ENTERING STUDENT NAMES

                 VII.  DELETING STUDENT NAMES

                 VIII. ENTERING GRADES

                 IX.   CALCULATING GRADES

                 X.    RECALCULATING THE VALUE FOR A GRADE

                 XI.   MODIFICATIONS

                 XII.  REPORTS

                 XIII. SAVING FILES

                 XIV.  GETTING OR CREATING ANOTHER CLASS

                 XV.   SCALING

                 XVI.  ENDING THE PROGRADE SYSTEM

                 XVII. PROGRADE PLUS INTRODUCTION

                 XVIII.RUNNING PROGRADE PLUS

                 XIX.  QUICK PLUS BATCH REPORT PROGRAM

                 XX.   INITIALIZE (BEGIN) PROGRAM

                 XXI.  APPENDIX
                       (Rounding, Error Codes, Multiple Subjects,
                       Extra Credit, and Protecting Data)

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                      I. KEY FEATURES OF THE PROGRADE SYSTEM

        With the PROGRADE SYSTEM you will be able to:

           - enter grades in any order at any time
           - enter new names or assignments at any time
           - use points, percents, or letter grades
           - get numerical or letter grade for quarter, semester, year
           - combine quarter or other period grades for year grade
           - choose from dozens of report options; many reports can be
             printed in several ways
                - alphabetical class lists
                - ranked class lists
                - blank grade book sheets for record keeping
                - grade reports with student grades and averages
                - progress reports with student grades and averages
                - cooperative learning team reports
                - gradebook report with all grades for all students
                - summary reports with all averages for all categories
                  for all students
                - summary reports with rank performance in all categories
                - list of students who have completed all assignments
                - list of assignments missing for each student
                - statistical analyses of individual assignments or
                  of all assignments
                - list of grades or averages for any assignment
                - bar graphs of grades
                - list showing variability of grades
                - year long reports combining grades for each quarter
                  or semester along with exams to show year grade
           - use different grading procedures for each class
           - mark grades so that they "don't count"
           - scale any or all grades
           - instantly set up the next quarter or semester without
             reentry of names
           - instantly average grades as they are entered
           - automatically save grades as you work, even if you forget
           - save two extra copies of each grade file
           - define up to ten grade categories PER CLASS
           - use weighted or unweighted grades
           - use a built in word processor to edit progress report
             comments section
           - print reports for one student or all of your classes at
             the same time
           - flexibly change any entry at any time
           - add or delete students quickly and easily
           - compare one assignment with another
           - enter grades as quickly as you can to a gradebook - no
             hunting through spreadsheets

---
                 II. SETTING DISKS UP TO USE THE PROGRADE SYSTEM
        PREPARATION OF PROGRAM DISK: The PROGRADE SYSTEM disk is ready to
        use. NEVER DELETE, ALTER , OR RENAME ANY FILES ON THE DISK OR YOUR
        PROGRAM MAY MALFUNCTION. DO NOT PLACE A WRITE PROTECT TAB ON THE
        PROGRAM DISK!! Simply follow the commands on the disk label. The
        original program disk must be in Drive A: when the ANY of the
        programs start from the master menu, when you request on screen
        help, or when you view the manual to the screen. It is best to
        use the PROGRAM DISK in DRIVE A: and the DATA disk in DRIVE B: (The
        program will also work with a single drive, but there will be some
        disk switching required because of this. Be certain that when you
        are using the MASTER MENU that the PROGRAM DISK is in your drive
        and when saving or getting grades, the DATA DISK is in the drive).
        Hard disk users do not need to have program disk in drive A.

        NOTE: WHEN YOU SEE THE "INSERT DISK WITH COMMAND.COM" MESSAGE,
        you should insert your DOS disk.  Your computer is just looking
        for the DOS disk at that time.

        HARD DISK OR VIRTUAL DISK USERS: Prepare to use the PROGRADE
        SYSTEM as follows.  Place the PROGRAM DISK in DRIVE A: and type
        HARD <enter>.  Follow all instructions that appear.

        Then use the BEGIN program to CHOOSE DISK DRIVE C FOR DATA
        (fastest) or DRIVE A or B if you have them and prefer to store
        data on regular disks.

        To run the programs from the hard drive, type
                         C: <enter> (if you are not already in drive C)
                         CD C:\PROGRADE <enter>
                         PRO <enter>

        Hard drive users who do not use drive letter C or who wish to use
        WINDOWS should follow the instructions in the READNOW file found on
        the program disk.

        UTILITY DISK: No preparation is required.  The UTILITY disk contains
        the PROGRADE SYSTEM manual.  If you print the manual, you will be
        asked to place the UTILITY disk into a specified drive at a specific
        time.  To use the sample grade files (DEMO1 , DEMO2 ...) on the
        UTILITY DISK, use the UTILITY disk AS IF IT WERE YOUR DATA DISK.
        The disk also contains other files.  .TXT files are for word
        processor use -be sure to examine them.  The GET program is
        explained fully in the tutorial.

        PREPARATION OF YOUR OWN DATA DISK: Simply format a blank disk for
        use as a data disk. Be sure that whenever you are saving a file
        that this Data Disk is in the Data Drive which you specify in the
        initialization section (see section III). Also, be sure that you
        use the data disk one time with the MAIN PROGRAM before using it
        with QUICK or PROPLUS.
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                      III. INITIALIZING THE PROGRADE SYSTEM

        The purpose of the initializing section is to set certain
        variables for THE PROGRADE SYSTEM to use each time it runs. The
        initialization needs to be done only once, but may be redone at
        any time. To initialize the program, simply get to DOS, put the
        program disk in Drive A, and type PRO <enter>. Then choose the
        BEGIN program. The menu that appears will provide you with the
        following choices (see section XX of this manual for details):

           SCREEN COLOR SELECTIONS          OVERALL GRADE SETUP
           PRINT MANUAL / TUTORIAL          AUTOMATIC SAVE - HOW OFTEN
           VIEW MANUAL ON SCREEN            SAVE CHANGES TO DISK AND END
           CHOOSE DISK DRIVE FOR DATA       END BUT DON'T SAVE CHANGES
           PROGRESS REPORT COMMENTS         ADJUST TREND CALCULATIONS
           HARD DRIVE LETTER                ORDER/REGISTRATION

                         IV. RUNNING THE PROGRADE SYSTEM

        THE PROGRADE SYSTEM is easy to run.  Once you have read section
        II and have initialized the program (see section III), and once
        you are in DOS, simply type PRO <enter> and the SYSTEM MASTER
        MENU will appear.  From this, choose the program that you want:
        PRO for the main program, QUICK for the quick printed grade
        reports, progress reports, team reports, gradebooks, year reports
        or summary reports, PROPLUS for the supplementary program, and
        BEGIN for the program to initialize options.  Alternatively, you
        can run the programs by typing their individual names.  The first
        time that you run PROGRADE, you should go through each menu
        option in the BEGIN program (see section III).

                                  ERROR MESSAGES
        If an error message occurs while you run the program, check first
        to see that you have the correct DISK in the computer, that the
        PROGRAM disk has not been altered in any way, that there is NO
        WRITE PROTECT TAB on the program disk, and that if you are getting
        a file, that you are using the filename that is ON THE DISK. If you
        are entering NAMES or ASSIGNMENTS and see the "NAME REJECTED", your
        entry is either too long, or uses non-allowable characters.

                            V. NAMING THE CLASS FILES

        When prompted by THE PROGRADE SYSTEM to enter the classname
        (filename), you may use any DOS acceptable filename (i.e. up to 8
        characters in length; acceptable characters are A-Z, a-z, 0-9,
        ()@#$%&!-_'`^~) DO NOT USE SPACES OR ANY OTHER CHARACTERS NOT
        LISTED HERE. ALSO, DO NOT USE "DEMO" IN YOUR FILE NAME. DO NOT
        USE ANY EXTENSIONS (e.g. .GRD) ON GRADE FILES; THIS WILL CAUSE
        THE BACKUP SYSTEM TO MALFUNCTION. An organized approach to
        filenaming should be used right from the start. For example,
        FRIQ193 could indicate FRENCH I, QUARTER 1, 1993.
---
                            VI. ENTERING STUDENT NAMES

        TO ENTER THE NAME OF A NEW STUDENT: Once you get the main program
        running and have chosen a classname (see Sections IV and V) enter
        the names of students at the NAME entry area. Then, simply type
        the desired student name in one character at a time: USE ONLY
        A-Z. Because of PROGRADE'S name recognition feature, other names
        may appear as you type in the first few characters. This is
        normal. Keep typing in the name, check it, and touch enter
        (return) when the name is correctly entered. Before touching
        enter, you may use BACKSPACE once to erase an incorrect entry and
        start all over. After you touch enter, if the program has not
        already stored this name, it will respond with NEW NAME Y/N?
        Typing N will return you to the NAME entry area and the name will
        NOT BE STORED. Typing Y at the Y/N? will cause the program to
        ACCEPT and STORE the NEW NAME. It will then rearrange all names
        (if any) and grades in its memory to make room for the new name.

        TO ENTER AN ENTIRE CLASS LIST: Proceed as above. If the program
        brings you to the ASSIGNMENT.GRADE entry area, touch enter to
        return to the NAME entry area. Although the last name with which
        you worked will still be there, begin typing in the new name and
        proceed as before.

        TO ACCESS THE RECORD OF A PARTICULAR STUDENT: Simply begin to
        type in the student's name! BUT ... as soon as THE PROGRADE
        SYSTEM recognizes the name, it will print to the screen the
        entire name. Usually you will only need to type a single letter
        of the name to achieve complete recognition. If, after typing ONE
        character, the computer recognizes the wrong name, simply type in
        ONE or TWO MORE characters. Don't backspace. As soon as the
        correct name does appear, stop typing in the name and touch
        enter. The average and the grades that appear after you touch
        enter are those of the student whose name remains on the screen.
        You may now enter grades or use the menu selections to access
        other parts of the program.  You may also use the up and down
        arrow keys to move from one name to another.  At first this method
        of access seems slow.  But when you are familiar with it and with
        a pile of papers in front of you, you will BREEZE through them.
        A spreadsheet or a program accessing by student number simply
        cannot do this.

        NOTE: THE PROGRAM CANNOT HAVE TWO IDENTICALLY NAMED STUDENTS IN
        THE SAME FILE. YOU MUST DETERMINE SOME WAY TO DISTINGUISH THE TWO
        NAMES BEFORE ENTERING THEM. THE PROGRAM REQUIRES UPPERCASE
        LETTERS. NAMES CAN HAVE A LENGTH OF 15 CHARACTERS AND MAY INCLUDE
        SPACES APOSTROPHES, AND PERIODS, BUT NOT COMMAS. IF ON FIRST
        ENTERING A SHORTER NAME LIKE DODD ACCESS TO ANOTHER STUDENT SUCH
        AS DODDMAN OCCURS, THEN SIMPLY TYPE A SPACE AFTER DODD .
---
                           VII. DELETING STUDENT NAMES

        TO DELETE A STUDENT AND ALL GRADES FOR THE STUDENT: First access
        the student's record (see section VI). In the ASSIGNMENT.GRADE
        entry area, type the letter Z <enter>. Once you DELETE a student
        this way, there is NO WAY BACK! The grades for this student will
        no longer be available for ANY reason. Perhaps you should delete
        the student only from averaging calculations (see following
        paragraph).

        TO DELETE A STUDENT FROM AVERAGING FUNCTIONS: Should you wish to
        keep a student's record but not count his or her work toward
        class averages, then proceed as above, but type the letter M
        instead of Z. Then choose option 3 from the Modification Menu.
        (SEE SECTION XI.) You can still access grades, add or change
        grades for this student, but the student's grades will not be
        used in any averaging functions. One reason to do this would be a
        student who leaves the school part way through a course.

                              VIII. ENTERING GRADES

        FIRST TIME YOU ENTER A GRADE FOR AN ASSIGNMENT: After accessing a
        student's record, type the assignment number and the grade for
        the assignment for this student in the ASSIGNMENT.GRADE entry
        area. For example, if the grade for assignment 6 is 88, then type
                                  6.88 <enter>
        The number after the period is the grade for this
        student. Don't forget the period. Do not use decimals in the
        grade itself and do not enter grades less than -100 or that total
        more than 9999. If this is an assignment that has not been
        entered before, then THE PROGRADE SYSTEM will prompt for a
        description of the assignment (example: SOUND TEST), grade
        category (example: T for TEST), and maximum grade value
        (examples: 100 or 25. NOTE: DO NOT USE A VALUE LESS THAN 1.0).

        TO ENTER A GRADE FOR THE SAME ASSIGNMENT AS THE LAST ASSIGNMENT
        ENTERED: Simply enter the grade with NO PERIOD. For example, if
        you had just entered ASSIGNMENT 6 for SMITH, you can now enter
        ASSIGNMENT 6 for JONES without specifying ASSIGNMENT 6. Just type
        in the grade itself. This speeds entry of a class set of grades.
        Should a paper for ASSIGNMENT 5 show up, though, you must use the
        ASSIGNMENT.GRADE format to tell THE PROGRADE SYSTEM to place the
        grade in ASSIGNMENT 5. (example: 5.83) Then use the
        ASSIGNMENT.GRADE format again to return to ASSIGNMENT 6 entries.
        If you continue to enter the grades for one assignment, you do
        not need to specify the ASSIGN. NUMBER.

        TO ENTER A LETTER GRADE (A,A-,C+, ETC.) be certain that you have
        preset the numerical grade equivalents using the initialization
        program. Once this has been done, a letter grade may be entered
        at any location where a number grade can be entered. For example,
        you could enter 5.B- or simply C+ if the assignment is the same
        number as the previously entered assignment. If you enter a
        letter grade, all grades for the assignment should be letter grade
        entries.
---
                              IX. CALCULATING GRADES

        THE PROGRADE SYSTEM continuously averages grades. You don't need
        to do anything. To see details on an individual's grades or on
        the entire class' grades, use the reports section of the MAIN
        PROGRAM or the QUICK PROGRAM at any time.

                      X. RECALCULATING THE VALUE FOR A GRADE

        You can recalculate a grade for any assignment at any time. For
        example, you may enter an assignment with a maximum value of 10
        (8 out of 10, 6 out of 10, etc.). Later, you may recalculate all
        grades for this assignment so that they reflect a maximum of any
        other value, such as 100. (The above grades would then be 80 out
        of 100 and 60 out of 100.) You may later return to the original
        value. You may want to do this to deemphasize or emphasize a
        certain assignment's grades if using an unweighted point system.
        To recalculate grades, access any student's grades, type M for
        MODIFICATION MENU, and choose #9.  Before using this section, be
        certain that it does what you want.  It will change the
        averages of all students!

                                XI. MODIFICATIONS

        To get to the MODIFICATION MENU, type M in the ASSIGNMENT.GRADE
        entry area. The MODIFICATION section makes it possible to "change
        your mind". Easy modifications include correcting a student's
        name (OPTION 5), or changing any assignment description,
        category, or maximum value (ALL FROM OPTION 4). Running Option 4
        can be used change an accidental letter grade to a numerical one.

        The MODIFICATION MENU also lists several modifications to grade
        status. With these techniques, you can make an assignment "not
        count" for a particular student or for the entire class, for one
        assignment or for all assignments. The NO GRADE status leaves a
        grade recorded, but does not COUNT the grade in ANY averaging.
        This could be used to EXCUSE a student from work or for students
        who were not present for an extended time. It would also be used
        to "DROP" a grade from a student's average, or to "NOT COUNT" a
        certain assignment for all students. The NO GRADE status is
        easily reversible. However, OPTION 6 and OPTION 7 will not alter
        grades for students who have NO GRADE on ALL GRADES already. In
        this situation, use option 8 first. Also, read the menu choices
        carefully; the choices, though similar in appearance, are quite
        different in function. Always check your NO GRADE changes using
        the reports section before issuing averages . A "*" will appear
        in the name of students whose grades do not count, and a "*" will
        appear near any grade that does not count.

        To leave options 1 or 2 if you change your mind, simply type the
        enter key in response to student name and assignment.

        MODIFICATION MENU options 6,7,8 reverse the NO GRADE status,
        returning to grades that do count.  Option 11 scales grades.  See
        section XV on scaling.  Option 9 changes the maximum value for a
        grade (see section X.)  The Eliminate an Assignment section (option
---
        10) will totally remove all grades for a particular assignment for
        all students.  Use this section CAUTIOUSLY: THERE IS NO WAY BACK.
        Use it only to DESTROY and to KEEP NO RECORD of a certain
        assignment.  DO NOT USE MODIFICATIONS TO CHANGE A GRADE: USE THE
        MAIN SECTION.

        Option 12 allows you to drop the lowest grade for EACH STUDENT in
        the class for a particular category (tests, for example).  Be
        sure not to run this twice! (If you do, reverse with option 6.)

        The modification section will also permit you to alter the setup
        that is used to do grades for a particular class (option 13).  The
        BEGIN program is used to set up an OVERALL grade procedure.  Then,
        when you create a particular class file, you can choose to accept
        this OVERALL procedure to use for that particular class.  At a later
        time, you could use the modification section, option 13, to change
        the setup for this class.  The grade setup includes:

              1.  what numerical value a letter grade (such as C+) has
              2.  what grade categories (TEST, HOMEWORK ..) you use
              3.  if you use weighted grades (see section XX) and if so,
                  what the weights will be

        Since you may want to use different standards for different classes,
        PROGRADE makes it easy for you to adjust these important factors.
        Again, the BEGIN program is used to set OVERALL standards that could
        be used with all classes.  The modification section of the MAIN
        program is used to reset those standards for a particular class.
        You can always determine what factors are currently in use by using
        the REPORTS section of the MAIN program.

        Finally, the modification section will permit you to change
        cooperative learning team specifications.  Use of cooperative
        learning with PROGRADE is entirely an option.  You could opt to
        never use it and never know that it is there.  However, if you wish
        to use it, the cooperative learning team report features are next to
        automatic.  The team set up or modification section includes
        specifications for these three things:

              1.  what students are on which team
              2.  how improvement is to be calculated (for example, if
                  the current test is to be compared with the previous
                  three tests)
              3.  how many improvement points are to be issued for a
                  given improvement as defined (perfect scores are
                  assigned the same improvement pts. as 15% gain)

        Once these things are specified, team reports can automatically be
        printed out using the QUICK program with no additional input.

        This team modification section is also accessed directly from the
        MAIN PROGRAM main screen by typing T in the ASSIGNMENT.GRADE area.
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                                   XII. REPORTS

        TO ACCESS THE REPORTS SECTION: Simply type R at the
        ASSIGNMENT.GRADE entry area, followed by enter. The reports menu
        will then appear.

        ALPHABETICAL LIST WITH AVERAGES: This report lists all students
        in the class alphabetically, along with their percent average and
        their total grade.

        RANKED CLASS LIST WITH AVERAGES: This report will list all
        students in rank order, with the student with the highest grade
        listed first. The student's rank in class, percent average, and
        total grade are also listed. This section is excellent for
        quickly spotting all low or high grades in the class.

        INDIVIDUAL GRADE REPORTS: This section produces individual grade
        reports. Separate averages are provided for each grade category
        (TEST, QUIZ, READING, MATH, LANGUAGE, ETC.) The specific
        categories to be analyzed are determined once by you in the
        initializing program (see section III). Use this section to
        provide reports directly to students or parents or simply to keep
        yourself more informed. It is quite easy using this section to
        find "test- phobics" or "homework-phobics" and then to work to
        remedy the situation. To terminate the grade reports at any time,
        touch E. To print reports for an entire class, use the QUICK PLUS
        program.

        LIST ALL ASSIGNMENTS: This section lists all assignments as well
        as the average number of points earned in the class for each
        assignment and the per cent average for each assignment. Also
        shown is the grade category (HOMEWORK, TESTS, MATH etc.) for each
        assignment. (A category followed by the letter L indicates that
        the assignment has been used for LETTER GRADE entry. Assignments
        can be listed in order by ASSIGNMENT number, or can be grouped
        into the categories for easier comparison. This section could be
        used to quickly compare class averages on assignments or tests,
        to detect class trends in grades (homework or test grades
        slacking off for class overall, for example) or simply to check
        category or maximum values for any particular assignments.

        OVERALL GRADE SETUP:  This will display the factors that are being
        used to calculate grades.  Specifically:  are grades being weighted
        or not; what percent weights are being used; and what are the grade
        categories (TEST, HOMEWORK, etc.) being used.
---
        LIST ALL NO GRADE ENTRIES: This section lists all student's names
        and assignments for which a NO GRADE status has been chosen.
        Remember, there are two ways to create the NO GRADE status.
        First, you can enter a * in place of a numerical grade right on
        the main grade entry screen.  Or else, you can use the
        modifications section of the program by typing M in the grade
        entry area and using the modifications section.

        LIST ALL GRADES FOR ONE ASSIGNMENT: This section lists the grades
        for a particular assignment for each student in the class.

        STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF GRADES: The statistical analysis section
        will provide the mean, median, standard deviation, maximum, and
        minimum grades for any assignment or for the total class
        averages. This section can be VERY helpful!! Don't be afraid of
        it. THE PROGRADE SYSTEM does the work! The standard deviation is
        an excellent guide to the variability of grades. The teacher's
        attention should be drawn to any assignment with a very low or
        very high standard deviation compared to the standard deviations
        usually seen for this teacher for this category of assignment. A
        comparison of the mean and median can also be enlightening. A
        high mean and a lower median indicates that some students have
        exceptionally high grades in comparison with the class. The
        reverse indicates some very low grades. Either situation may
        require some special attention.

                 TO CONTINUE ONCE A REPORT IS DONE: TOUCH ENTER.

           TO PRINT A REPORT TO THE PRINTER:  Run the report and use the
              print keys on your computer terminal to print the screen.
           The screen is designed to provide an organized printed report.

         AFTER YOU PRINT A REPORT FROM THE MAIN PROGRAM OR FROM PROPLUS,
                YOU SHOULD TOUCH ENTER TO GET THE 1 LINE MENU.
            ON THIS MENU, YOU MAY TOUCH   F   TO OBTAIN A FORM FEED,
          PROVIDED THAT YOUR PRINTER IS ON.  THIS IS USEFUL IN BEGINNING
                  YOUR REPORTS AT THE BEGINNING OF A NEW PAGE.
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                                XIII. SAVING FILES

        The initialize program will set THE PROGRADE SYSTEM to save your
        data periodically. Additionally, the program will save your data
        before you switch files or end the program. You may also save the
        file at any time using the SAVE function (type S in
        ASSIGNMENT.GRADE area)

        It is suggested that you keep 2 DATA disks, one for EXTRA copies.
        You can save a file onto as many disks as you wish by simply
        changing formatted disks before saving. Total ease of mind can be
        achieved by using the QUICK PROGRAM to print a teacher's
        gradebook periodically onto paper.

        PROGRADE will protect your data in two ways. As soon as it reads
        any file, it will save a copy of the file with a ".BAK"
        extension. If an accident or error were to harm data in the file
        as you work on it, the ".BAK" file would contain data from BEFORE
        the program ran, and would serve as a safety net. DO NOT EVER
        LOAD A ".BAK" file directly into PROGRADE. Make a copy of it
        first using your DOS and giving the new file a new name without
        the .BAK extension. Then LOAD ONLY THE COPY. If necessary, seek
        assistance from someone who knows about computing, as the
        "BAK" file should not be destroyed.

        PROGRADE'S second file protection is to make "EXTRA" file copies
        that have the ".EXT" extension and that contain identical data to
        the current working copy. These should be saved on a SEPARATE
        data disk. Note that "EXT" files only serve as a safety net if
        the original DISK is harmed; they do not contain "OLD DATA", but
        are just extra copies of what you have just done. It may be a
        good idea to keep the EXTRA and original disks in two separate
        locations. Treat these disks with the same security precautions
        as you would use for your written gradebook.

        THE BEST WAY TO SAFEGUARD YOUR DATA IS TO MANUALLY COPY YOUR
        GRADEFILES (USING DOS OR BATCH FILES) DIRECTLY TO YET ANOTHER
        DISK. (see your DOS manual on copying files and on batch files)
        THIS WAY YOU WILL ALWAYS HAVE AN OLD COPY OF THE FILE.
---
                      XIV. GETTING OR CREATING ANOTHER CLASS

        To switch to another class, simply access any student's record
        and type G in the ASSIGNMENT.GRADE entry area. The current grade
        file will automatically be saved and you will be prompted to
        provide the file name that you wish to get or create. To see the
        names of the files that are currently on the data disk, simply
        type L in the ASSIGNMENT.GRADE entry area.

                                   XV. SCALING

        THE PROGRADE SYSTEM will scale any or all assignments either UP
        or DOWN. Choose M at the ASSIGNMENT.GRADE entry area to get the
        MODIFICATION MENU and choose option 11 for scaling.

        THE PROGRADE SYSTEM provides two distinct methods of scaling.  The
        first ADDS (subtracts) a certain percent of the total (say 5% or
        10%) to each student's grade for that particular assignment.  This
        procedure benefits students with lower grades more than those with
        higher grades.  The second method MULTIPLIES each student's grade
        by a certain factor, to increase (decrease) that grade by say 5% or
        10%.  With this method, all students are scaled an equal PER CENT
        of the GRADE THEY ALREADY HAVE.  A student with a zero grade would
        gain nothing.  Give careful consideration to which scaling
        procedure to use.  An example follows.

             ORIGINAL      ADD TO SCALE 10%   MULTIPLY TO SCALE 10%
              24/100           34/100                 26/100
              68/100           78/100                 75/100
              89/100           99/100                 98/100

        Although this is not a usual procedure, to scale grades downward,
        enter a negative factor such as -10.

                         XVI. ENDING THE PROGRADE SYSTEM

        To end the program, enter E in the ASSIGNMENT.GRADE entry area.
        Your file will automatically be saved. To override the automatic
        save, you may end with CTRL-BREAK, but all your work will be
        lost.   This is for emergencies ONLY.
---
                **************************************************
                **********        PROGRADE  PLUS        **********
                **************************************************

                        XVII. PROGRADE PLUS INTRODUCTION

        PROGRADE PLUS provides additional operations that can be
        performed on grade files. Use the regular PROGRADE SYSTEM program
        to routinely make and modify grade files. Use PROGRADE PLUS for
        its slightly more sophisticated analyses of a class' grades. For
        example, PROGRADE PLUS allows you to compare grades for any two
        assignments. PROGRADE PLUS can clone your grade file so that you
        don't need to type in a class's names a second time for the next
        grading period. PROGRADE PLUS will also provide more detailed
        individual grade reports, provide histogram diagrams, and compare
        variability of grades. Finally, PROGRADE PLUS allows you to
        combine averages from several quarters, semesters, or grading
        periods; and along with exam grades, to calculate a year grade.

                           XIII. RUNNING PROGRADE PLUS

        Be sure that you have initialized THE PROGRADE SYSTEM using the
        initialization program (see section III). Also, be certain that a
        grade file already exists on your data disk. If you are working
        with PROGRADE PLUS, be sure that you save any file that you are
        working on; then exit from the regular program. To run PROGRADE
        PLUS, use the MASTER MENU or get to the DOS and type PROPLUS
        <enter>. When PROGRADE PLUS runs, it will require you to pick a
        file on which you will be working first. NOTE: YEAR FILES END IN
        .YR REGULAR FILES, WHICH YOU ARE CHOOSING NOW, DO NOT! DO NOT
        ENTER A FILE WITH A .YR EXTENSION AT THIS POINT IN THE PROGRAM.

        CLONE A GRADE FILE: This section will create a new copy of your
        file with ALL GRADES AND ASSIGNMENTS DELETED.  All that will be
        placed in the new file will be student names from the old file
        and the grade procedure to use.  The old file will not be
        changed.  Use this section at the beginning of a new grading
        period or quarter.  Be careful not to save to any file NAME
        already in use on the data disk, as this would destroy the old
        file by overwriting it with the new clone.  USE A NEW NAME!

        COMPARE ANY TWO ASSIGNMENTS: This section will compare the grades
        for an entire class for any two assignments. The method used is
        the Pearson product moment correlation for measures . A linear
        regression is also calculated that relates the values on one
        assignment with those on another. With consistent class
        performance overall, you will find a high correlation between
        assignments. A low correlation may require some assessment.

        COMPARE VARIABILITY OF GRADES: This compares the variability of
        student performances, one with another, and ranks the students
        based on this VARIABILITY. Students with highly VARIABLE grades,
        either low or high, will be ranked high with this section.
        This is an unusual feature in a grading program, and it is most
        intriguing to examine the results of this type of calculation.
---
        DISPLAY DISTRIBUTION OF GRADES: Use this section to create a bar
        graph display of any assignment from a grade file or for the
        averages in a grade file. The display may result in an
        approximate normal distribution.

        RANK STUDENTS BY ASSIGNMENT CATEGORY: This section provides a
        rank listing of students based on the average in a single
        category, such as TESTS, HOMEWORKS, READING or MATH. Trends are
        printed based on information set in the initialization program.

        DETAILED INDIVIDUAL GRADE REPORTS: This section will provide more
        detailed grade reports on individual students. It will analyze
        the student's average for all assignment categories, as is done
        in the regular PROGRADE SYSTEM program. In addition, this section
        uses a scanning routine to search for increasing, decreasing or
        consistent grades for each student in each category. To terminate
        the grade reports at any time, touch E. See Section XII on
        beginning grade reports at the top of a new page.

        SEND AVERAGES TO YEAR FILE: This section will take the averages
        (only the averages) from any grade file and place them into
        another file called a year file. Use a separate year file for
        each separate class.

        COLUMN   1    2    3    4    5    6    7    8    9    10    AVE
        DESCRIP  Q1   Q2   MID  Q3   Q4   FIN
        PERCENT  20   20   10   20   20   10

        ADAMS    87.5 88.9 68.5 87.4 86.4 71.6                      84.1
        ALLEN    88.9 77.5 76.5 77.1 77.0 45.9                      76.3
        ...
        ZEDRON   61.7 63.5 71.6 81.5 82.3 76.8                      72.6

        Using this section, you can take the averages from several
        different grade files for the same class (one file at a time) and
        combine them to calculate a final year's average. To transfer
        averages, choose a year file to which grades will go, the column
        number, and the percent of the final grade. It is IMPERATIVE that
        you have used the exact same student names in each grade file
        that you combine into a single year file. It is also possible to
        use the year file section to monitor the progress of grades
        during a particular grade period. Ignore the AVE and PERCENT
        values and enter the averages to a year file periodically. This
        way, you can look back to see what grades were during the course
        of the period at hand.

        EXAMPLE after one quarter:

        COLUMN   1    2    3    4    5    6    7    8    9    10    AVE
        DESCRIP  Q1
        PERCENT  20

        ADAMS    87.5
        ALLEN    88.9
        ...
        ZEDRON   61.7
---
        EXAMPLE after second quarter:

        COLUMN   1    2    3    4    5    6    7    8    9    10    AVE
        DESCRIP  Q1   Q2
        PERCENT  20   20

        ADAMS    87.5 88.9
        ALLEN    88.9 77.5
        ...
        ZEDRON   61.7 63.5


        ENTER EXAM GRADES TO YEAR FILE: This section allows you to enter
        exam grades (or other grades) into the year file. This exam grade
        will then be used to calculate the year average. You are NOT
        REQUIRED to use an exam grade, however. To enter exam grades,
        choose the year file to which grades will go, the column number,
        and the per cent of the final grade.

        EXAMPLE after exam grade added:

        COLUMN   1    2    3    4    5    6    7    8    9    10    AVE
        DESCRIP  Q1   Q2   MID
        PERCENT  20   20   10

        ADAMS    87.5 88.9 68.5
        ALLEN    88.9 77.5 76.5
        ...
        ZEDRON   61.7 63.5 71.6

        AVERAGE YEAR FILE: Once a year file is fully prepared using the
        two previous sections, you may average for the year by choosing
        this option. Later, you may reaverage at any time. Be certain
        that the percents for the columns sum to 100. Until they do, the
        average that is displayed is NOT the correct final average. This
        section will also show the year file (with grand average) to the
        screen, from where it may be printed. Finally, this section will
        display a histogram based on the grand average.  You can print
        your year files most easily from the QUICK program.

        CHOOSE A NEW GRADE FILE TO WORK ON: Use this choice to access a
        different grade file before you put its average in a year file or
        before you analyze its grades using PROGRADE PLUS.
---
          **************************************************
          **********         QUICK PLUS           **********
          **************************************************

                    XIX. QUICK PLUS REPORT PROGRAM

        QUICK PLUS is designed for batch processing of reports.  You can
        use it to print reports for all of your classes at once.  You can
        also use it to print reports only for students with a particular
        average (0-60% for example).  You can even print reports for just
        one student.  The QUICK program will print eight types of reports:
        grade reports, progress reports, teacher's gradebooks, class
        lists, team improvement reports, summary reports, year reports,
        and lists of incomplete assignments.

        Run QUICK from the MASTER MENU or simply type QUICK.  Once at the
        menu, choose the preview option to see grade reports on the screen
        before they are printed; use this option also to add a comment to
        an individual student's grade report or progress report.  Choose
        the print option to print reports without screen preview.  Be
        certain that the date is correctly set via your DOS system before
        running QUICK PLUS, or reports will be incorrectly dated.

        QUICK PLUS will request upper and lower limits for some reports.
        Only reports with averages within these limits will be screened or
        printed.  For example, to print all students with averages below
        65, specify a lower limit of 0 and an upper limit of 65.  To print
        all reports, specify 0 and 100.  To print only "A" grades, specify
        90 and 100, and so on.

        QUICK PLUS will also allow you to print reports "BY NAME".  Use
        this option to print only a particular students report.  This
        section uses a name recognition feature, so that when you are
        asked to type in the name, you only need to type in the minimum
        number of characters to recognize the name.  For example, if the
        student's name is ZYGBRINSKY, you probably only need to type ZY as
        the name to provide enough information for the program to locate
        ZYGBRINNSKY's report.

        QUICK PLUS will also request up to ten filenames to analyze.  Type
        in up to 10 filenames, one at a time, each followed by the enter
        key.  QUICK PLUS will scan through all files requested without
        additional information.

        The PROGRESS report uses the first half of the sheet as a user
        defined area.  The BEGIN program has a built in word processor to
        set up what will be in this area.

        To enter a comment on a report, choose the preview option and then
        touch C when a student's report appears.  Then simply type in the
        comment you wish to appear on the report, followed by enter.
        NOTE: RETURNING TO THE MAIN MENU AT ANY TIME WILL ERASE ALL THE
        COMMENTS.  The PRINT ALL choice will terminate the preview mode
        and begin printout of all previously specified reports.
---
                                  GRADE REPORTS

        These reports are the most frequently issued to students.  Each
        report is printed showing all grades as well as the student's
        average.  If you issue these reports to students on a weekly or
        biweekly basis, your students can be well informed about their
        grades at all times.  With the features of the QUICK program, you
        can run all of these reports while you go to the mailroom or get
        some coffee!

                                 PROGRESS REPORTS

        These reports include the grade report at the bottom of the sheet
        and the teacher-defined word processing areas made in the BEGIN
        program at the top.  Many teachers use a checklist of some sort at
        the top of the sheet.  If you include a title line for your
        school, some sort of checklists, and if you enter a comment to be
        printed on all reports of "PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE
        ______________", you will have a neat looking form that is quite
        professional in appearance.  REMEMBER - there are TWO different
        progress reports "tops" - made to be different for LOWER and
        HIGHER grades using the BEGIN program (PROGRESS REPORTS).  Here
        you can design the progress reports AND specify a cutoff grade to
        print one report or another (one form below 75 and one above 75,
        for example.)

                                  CLASS LISTS

        These reports can optionally include grade averages.  You may
        print reports alphabetized or ranked.  You may choose single
        spacing for simple reports, double spacing, or anywhere from 2-10
        boxes to the right of each student name.  Finally, you may select
        a part of the class to be on the list instead or all of the class.
        Because of the flexible options in this report section, there are
        many uses for the lists.  You could use them as grade entry
        sheets, as attendance record sheets, or record sheets of virtually
        anything.

                                 SUMMARY REPORTS

        These reports contain all the averages found on the individual
        grade or progress reports.  Each student is listed and each
        students average in each area (TEST, HOMEWORK, etc.) is shown
        along with a class rank and overall average.  Finally, averages
        for each area for the entire class are shown.  This report can be
        printed in another fashion, showing ranks instead of percent
        averages.  Both reports are invaluable on parents night, or to get
        a real clear picture of the overall progress of the class.

                               DONE/NOT DONE LISTS

        With these listings, you can list all assignments of a particular
        type (such as HOMEWORK) that a student has NOT DONE.
        Alternatively, you can list all students who have all the
        assignments completed.  (Some schools give awards or recognition
        to students who complete ALL homework, and this list helps here.)
---
                             TEAM IMPROVEMENT REPORTS

        These reports are used to show cooperative learning group team
        improvement.  Use the team set up section from the MAIN program
        to set up variables that calculate these reports.  The baseline
        grade is what is being used to determine the improvement.  You
        could use the previous 3 homeworks, for example, as a baseline.
        Then, the report is constructed by comparing the most recent
        homework with the average for the previous three.  Most teachers
        would use tests for this purpose, but you could use homework or
        any area, or even the overall average.

        Each group receives their own report, and the teacher receives a
        team summary report that summarizes all teams.  The reports show
        what the baseline was calculated to be, what the new grade was,
        what the change was (from baseline to the new grade) and what the
        improvement points are.

        Improvement points are not automatically recorded back to the
        grade file.  You may wish to use these reports only as a positive
        incentive, by themselves.  Should you wish to actually record the
        improvement points, then you could use the main program in the
        standard way to record the points from the report sheets.  This
        type of work could be viewed as extra credit, or could be a
        separate grade category (COOP LEARN) by itself.  These are
        decisions that you would make yourself.

                               TEACHER'S GRADEBOOK

        This will show all grades for the class for all students for all
        assignments.  Basically, it is like a standard gradebook.  You
        would use this for the administration if they require you to
        submit a book.  You would also definitely use this to maintain a
        hard copy of your work; print it out periodically.

                                   YEAR REPORT

        This section can be used to combine quarter or semester grades to
        determine a year long grade.  Both numerical and letter printouts
        are available.  A full description of use of the year files is
        found in the PROPLUS section of this manual.
---
                **************************************************
                **********        BEGIN PROGRAM         **********
                **************************************************

                          XX. INITIALIZE (BEGIN) PROGRAM

        To run the initialize program, get to the DOS system, place the
        program disk in drive A, and type BEGIN <enter>. Or, access the
        program from the MASTER MENU. The initialize program options are:

        SCREEN COLOR SELECTIONS: Use this section to choose colors to use
        on the screen.

        PRINT MANUAL TO PRINTER: Use this section to print this manual to
        the printer. Be certain that the printer is ready and on line. You
        may also use your word processor to load, view, and print the
        manual file (PROGRADE.TXT). The word processor must accept ASCII
        files. Another choice is to use DOS commands.

        HANDS ON TUTORIAL: Use this section to print a hands-on
        tutorial to the printer.

        VIEW MANUAL ON SCREEN: Use this section to view a short manual on
        the screen; a menu is provided.

        CHOOSE DISK DRIVE FOR DATA: Use this section to choose the
        disk drive on which THE PROGRADE SYSTEM will read and save
        data files. For two disk drives, it is best to use B for data
        and A for the program disk. For a one drive system, also set B
        for data. This method will give you the most clear prompts as
        to when to change your disks. Thus, it's best to use B for
        data whether you have ONE OR TWO drives. Other drive letters
        can be acceptable, depending on the system configuration.

        AUTOMATIC SAVE - HOW OFTEN: Use this section to tell the PROGRADE
        SYSTEM program how often to automatically save your grade file as
        you work on it.

        SAVE CHANGES TO DISK AND END: Use this section to save all the
        instructions that you have made with the initialize program. Each
        time the main PROGRADE SYSTEM program is run, it will
        automatically check the instructions that you have saved.

        END BUT DON'T SAVE CHANGES: Use this section if you think that you
        have altered the instructions in a way that you do not wish to
        save.

        ADJUST TREND CALCULATIONS: It is a matter of judgement what is
        "consistent" or "variable" or even "increasing". Use this section
        to fine tune the trend calculations in PROGRADE PLUS to suit your
        judgement. Choose a higher percent to make it less likely for
        PROGRADE PLUS to indicate a trend up or down; the change in a
        student's grade must EXCEED this percent to show a trend.
---
        HARD DRIVE LETTER: Use this section only if your hard drive is
        not letter C.  It will reset the entire program series to use
        another letter, such as G.

        PROGRESS REPORT COMMENTS: Use this section to save comment lines;
        these lines will be printed by the QUICK program PROGRESS REPORT
        option. You may use up to 70 characters on each of fourteen lines.
        All lines will appear on all QUICK PROGRESS REPORTS. Many teachers
        use a checklist (see below), but any text at all is acceptable.
        This is a very powerful feature in customizing your reports.

              ____    Please contact me at the school for a meeting.
              ____    Work has improved considerably.
              ____    Homework needs more attention to detail.

        OVERALL GRADE SETUP: This is composed of three sections:

        1.  NAME GRADE CATEGORIES: Use this section to define grade
        categories, such as TEST, QUIZZES, HOMEWORK, LAB WORK, ORAL PRES,
        VOCAB, BOOK REP, etc.  Elementary teachers could use categories such
       ` as READING, MATH, LANGUAGE, and so on.  A code letter,
        probably best
        the first letter of the category, is also to be chosen.  You can
        define 10 categories or less.  These categories are then used by
        some of the averaging functions in the main PROGRADE SYSTEM program.
        Give the categories careful thought.  Once you have created a grade
        file, you can add categories, but do not delete any.

        2.  DEFINE LETTER GRADES: Use this section to define numerical
        equivalents (example 92.5) for the letter grades (example A-).
        Allowable letter grades are: A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D,
        D-, F+, F, F-.  Numerical values should reflect a 0-100% scale.
        However, do not enter the % sign.  If you do not enter a value for a
        certain letter grade, this letter grade have a value of zero.

        Default values for grades are: A+ 97, A 93, A- 90, B+ 87, B 83, B-
        80, C+ 77, C 73, C- 70, D+ 67, D 63, D- 60, F+ 57, F 53, F- 50. If
        you wish to accept the default values, do not access this section
        at all.

        These values are the MINIMUM that would receive a particular grade.
        If YOU ASSIGN A LETTER grade to a student, they program will use a
        number equal to MIDDLE grade of the range (example, A- would be
        91.5).  If the PROGRAM ASSIGNS A LETTER based on a number, the
        letter will be assigned for any number in the range. (A- will be
        issued for 90.0 to 93.0, but not including 93.0 which would be A)


        3.  GRADE WEIGHTING OPTIONS: Use this section to cause THE

        PROGRADE SYSTEM to calculate all averages using WEIGHTED grades.
        By using WEIGHTED grades, you can specify that certain categories
        (TESTS, HOMEWORKS, LABS, etc.)  count a certain percent toward
        the average.  For example: TESTS 50% OR READING 25% HOMEWORK 25%
        MATH 25% QUIZZES 15% SCIENCE 25% LABS 10% LANGUAGE 25%
---
        If you don't use weighted grades, THE PROGRADE SYSTEM will add all
        the grades that a student has and divide by the total of the
        maximum values of all assignments; this will give the average.
        Here is an example using weighted grades:

                        ASSIGN     GRADE       MAX. VALUE
                         1 TEST      90            100
                         2 TEST      80            100
                         3 HOME      70            100
                         4 QUIZ      60            100
                         5 LAB       50            100

        With weighting as follows (TESTS 50%, HOMEWORK 10%, QUIZ 20%, LAB
        20%) the weighted average would be: 71.5. The weighted average is
        NOT (90+80+70+60+50)/5 or 70.0; that would be an unweighted
        average.

        Here is an example using unweighted grades:

                         ASSIGN    GRADE       MAX. VALUE
                         1 TEST      90            100
                         2 TEST      80            100
                         3 HOME       7             10
                         4 QUIZ       6             10
                         5 LAB        5             20

        The unweighted average would be (90+80+7+6+5)/240 or 188/240 or
        78.3. This particular unweighted average emphasizes test grades,
        because the maximum value for tests is 100 compared to 20 for the
        lab and 10 for the other work.


        RESTORE INSTRUCTIONS

        Should you accidentally alter and save the initialize instructions
        to a point where THE PROGRADE SYSTEM malfunctions, you can restore
        the DEFAULT instructions by getting to DOS, replacing the program
        disk in Drive A, and typing RESTORE.

        ABOUT THE ~ FILES

        The ~ files are used to distinguish the program disk from the data
        disk and to contain information necessary to the functioning of
        the programs. NEVER COPY OR REMOVE THESE FILES FROM ANY DISK or
        the program my not function and your data may be harmed.

        ABOUT THE CODE FILES

        The CODE files contain information that you have saved using the
        initialize program. DO NOT COPY OR REMOVE THE FILES FROM ANY DISK
        or the program may not function and your data may be harmed.
---
                            XXI.  APPENDIX

                   ABOUT ROUNDING IN THE PROGRADE SYSTEM

     Numbers in the PROGRADE SYSTEM programs must necessarily be
     rounded before they are output to the screen or printer.  This
     can sometimes create confusion.  If a student's grade were
     73.461, for example, it would be rounded on output to 73 if it is
     being output to the closest integer.  That is because the .461 is
     less than .500.  The 73.461 would round to 73.5, however, if the
     result is being output to the closest tenth.  This is as it
     should be, as the .461 should round to .5    The problem occurs
     when the rounded values are compared.  73 vs. 73.5    The correct
     grade, as the program reports, is 73 (rounded to the nearest
     integer).  It is not 74, which would be rounding TWICE.  You can
     rely on the PROGRADE SYSTEM to round properly for you.  DO NOT
     ROUND YOURSELF (such as from 73.5 to 74) UNLESS YOU DO NOT MIND
     ROUNDING TWICE.

     When letter grades are output, they are based on the actual value of
     the grade, not on the rounded value.  For example, if a student had
     a grade of 89.513.  This student would get a B+ since 89.513 is less
     than 90.  However, the output if rounded to the nearest integer
     would be 90.  But the letter grade is based on the actual value, not
     on the rounded one.  Now you should use some common sense here.
     Perhaps in this matter, you would want to give the student the A-
     grade and override the computer's hair-splitting decision.

                               ERROR CODES

     4  OUT OF DATA   -- Your data file may have been damaged.
     7  OUT OF MEMORY -- You need additional memory in your computer.
     24 DEVICE TIMEOUT - Check printer: online ? all cables connected?
     25 DEVICE FAULT  -- Some input/output device was not ready.
     27 OUT OF PAPER  -- Check paper in your printer; check if it's ON.
     53 FILE NOT FOUND - Insert disk with this file; check the filename.
     57 DEVICE I/O ERR - Check all inputs/outputs. Formatted disk in ?
     61 DISK FULL     -- Use another formatted disk.
     62 INPUT PAST END - Your data file may have been damaged.
     64 BAD FILENAME  -- Use correct length and characters in filenames.
     67 DIRECTORY FULL - 255 files maximum in a directory.
     68 DEVICE UNAVAILABLE - Some device is not on line.
     70 DISK WRITE PROTECTED - Do not use write protected disks.
     71 DISK NOT READY - Put the disk in the drive and shut drive door.
     72 DISK MEDIA ERROR - Use another disk; defect on this disk or drive.
     75 PATH ERROR     -- Do not use pathnames with PROGRADE.
     76 (see 75)          This is to prevent you from misplacing files.

     For information on other errors, consult any DOS manual or contact the
                                PROGRADE SYSTEM.
---
                 MULTIPLE SUBJECTS IN THE PROGRADE SYSTEM

     THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT TO ELEMENTARY
     SCHOOL TEACHERS:


     TEACHERS WHO TEACH MULTIPLE SUBJECTS TO THE SAME STUDENTS can
     still use the PROGRADE SYSTEM to do their grades. There would be
     two essentially different ways to go about this. Be sure to go
     through the TUTORIAL (accessed from the BEGIN program) before
     deciding how to set up your own grades.

     METHOD 1: Make a single class file for your class. Use the BEGIN
     program to set the grade categories for the individual areas,
     such as READING, MATH, SPANISH, and so on. When you enter any
     grades to the grade file, you will specify if it is for the
     READING, MATH, SPANISH (etc.) category.


            ADVANTAGE:  You will have just one file for your class.
                        You can get the averages for each category in
                        several places in the program, including the
                        main program reports section, the QUICK program
                        summary report (easiest for the whole class), or
                        the PROPLUS program grade reports and the PROPLUS
                        program rank students section.

            DISADVANTAGE:  The overall average on the grade and progress
                        reports may not have a significance to you, as it
                        would represent a combination of the different
                        subjects.


     METHOD 2: Make a separate class file FOR EACH SUBJECT MATTER. Use
     the main program to make your first subject matter file, such as
     READING, and then use the PROPLUS program to clone that file,
     making one copy of the file for each of your subject areas, MATH,
     SPANISH, and so on. Then use the BEGIN program to set grade
     categories to areas such as QUIZ, TEST, ORAL WORK, and so on.
     When you enter grades, access the file for the subject matter you
     are grading at the time (READING, SPANISH, MATH, etc.) and when
     you are asked to pick the grade category, use Q for QUIZ, T for
     TEST, and so on.

     IF YOU USE METHOD 2, BE SURE TO USE A SEPARATE DISK FOR EACH
     DIFFERENT SET OF STUDENTS.  (Otherwise, for example, a SPANISH
     file for one class could not be distinguished from a SPANISH file
     for another class of students.)
---

            ADVANTAGE:  You will have more information at your disposal.
                        If you need progress reports just for failures in
                        MATH and SPANISH, for example, then you could
                        do this with the QUICK program. The overall
                        average on the report would be the overall
                        average for that particular subject matter.  If
                        you were to use the QUICK program summary report,
                        the overall average would be shown (for the
                        particular subject); also shown would be all the
                        averages for the different categories (TEST,
                        QUIZ).  Since you can enter up to 10 filenames
                        at once into the QUICK program, your work in
                        getting all the individual subject grades is min-
                        imized.

            DISADVANTAGE:You will have to make several subject matter
                        files in the first place, and this will take more
                        time. Also, you will need to access the files
                        individually to enter the grades for the
                        different subjects, and this will take more time.
                        However, you will then have A LOT of information
                        at your immediate disposal.

     TEACHERS WHO DO NOT TEACH MULTIPLE SUBJECTS TO THE SAME STUDENTS:
     Simply use a separate class file for each of your classes, and grade
     categories as discussed in the REFERENCE USER'S MANUAL.
---
             HOW TO ENTER EXTRA CREDIT TO THE PROGRADE SYSTEM


     The purpose of an extra credit grade is to reward a student who has
     done extra work, but NOT to penalize the student that has not. It is
     important to keep this in mind. In order to accomplish this fairly,
     extra credit grades must be entered to any grading system in one of
     two fashions, depending on whether you use WEIGHTED GRADES or
     UNWEIGHTED grades. First, make your decision on the type of grades to
     use. See section XX of the REFERENCE USER MANUAL.

                    EXTRA CREDIT FOR UNWEIGHTED GRADES

     To enter extra credit if you use unweighted grades, simply add an
     assignment that is worth 0 points (enter 0 as the MAX VALUE).
     Then if a student has earned 12 points of extra credit, simply
     enter the 12 as his or her grade.  Thus, the student will have
     12 out of 0.  For example, if this is assignment 4, to give the
     extra credit, type
                             4.12

                         NEW ASSIGNMENT  ?      Y

                         DESCRIPTION            EXTRA CRED

                         CATEGORY               E

                         MAX VALUE              0

     This will not penalize students who have no extra credit, as they
     are expected to have a 0; anything above that is "gravy", as the
     expression goes.  (You may need to explain this to your students
     when they see their grade reports; a student with 0 for extra
     credit is not penalized in ANY WAY.)

     You may enter the assignment to any category at all; however,
     that category will show an increased average for students with
     any extra credit.  You can create an EXTRA CRED category (E) and
     then the other averages will not be directly affected, only the
     overall average.  This is the best approach.

---
                     EXTRA CREDIT FOR WEIGHTED GRADES

     If you use weighted grades, it is IMPERATIVE that you DO NOT
     FOLLOW the previous procedures.  The reason for this is that you
     would be PENALIZING students with no extra credit, and LOWERING
     THEIR GRADES.  DO NOT CREATE A SPECIAL CATEGORY FOR EXTRA CREDIT
     if you use weighted grades, or else you will lower some student's
     grades.

     Instead, enter the extra credit INTO ANOTHER ASSIGNMENT'S GRADES.

     For example, if you use weighted grades and a student just earned
     some extra credit, then access some existing assignment's grade
     and add the extra credit to the present value. Let's say that the
     student had gotten 57% on ASSIGNMENT 3, a TEST. Then, to add 12%
     extra credit, simply type

                               3.69

                     CHANGE GRADE ?      Y

     The 69 is the 12 added to the 57.  If a student started with 91
     and earned 12, then simply enter 3.103

     With weighted grades, there is no way to do extra credit without
     changing the average in SOME category.  This is not a function of
     the PROGRADE SYSTEM; it is merely a function of the way the
     weighted system works.

     REMEMBER:  DO NOT CREATE ANY SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS OR CATEGORIES
     FOR EXTRA CREDIT IF YOU USE WEIGHTED GRADES, OR YOU WILL BE
     PENALIZING STUDENTS WITH NO EXTRA CREDIT.

---
              A FEW POINTERS ABOUT PROTECTING YOUR DATA DISKS

     Needless to say, your grades are important information, and you
     do not want to damage the disk media that contains your grades.
     With this in mind, you should take several precautionary measures
     to prevent grade loss:

     1.  Frequently print your grades using the QUICK PROGRAM gradebook.
     Also, physically copy your grade data disk periodically using DOS
     commands.  Find someone to help you if you are not sure how.
     Your grades are important!

     2.  Use only highest quality disks for data storage.

     3.  Keep your disk drives in clean, optimum operating condition.
     Keep dust and cigarette smoke away from your drives.

     4.  Do not try to overfill the disks with grade data.  It is
     probably best to store only one quarter's grades on each disk.
     Use a new disk for the next quarter.

     5.  Never try to use a data disk that has under 40,000 bytes free
     space left.

     6.  Never remove the data disk until the disk drive light is
     completely out.  If you go "by sound" or try to beat the drives,
     you run an excellent chance of creating cross-linked files that
     would be difficult if not impossible to recover.

     7. Keep your disks away from magnetism (loudspeakers, radios);
     keep your disks away from liquids, dirt, dust, heat, or bending;
     and keep your disks away from the monitor or the computer, except
     for the drives.

     8.  Do not use CTRL-BREAK to terminate any program.  You will
     definitely lose the data you have worked on; you may damage the
     entire disk directory.

     9. Always use the COPY instructions that appear at the end of
     PROGRADE. Use a blank formatted disk for the .EXT copies that
     will be produced.

     10. HARD DRIVE USERS:  Frequently store your grades onto a floppy
     disk.  FREQUENTLY use proper procedures to maintain your hard
     drive, especially CHKDSK and other HARD DRIVE UTILITIES.

     Please -- the author worked long and hard writing and having this
      program field tested.  He is an educator like yourself, and is
        asking for you to be fair.  Your registration will be truly
     appreciated.  PLEASE USE the order/registration form in the BEGIN
            program to register and to obtain updated versions.

                      Thank you from the author,
         WILLIAM E. PEACE P.O. BOX 627 SOUTH DENNIS, MA 02660
           Your comments and suggestions are more than welcome.
---
