Trainer Tip: Setting up Semesters, Marking Periods, and Progress Reports

Our SchoolTool trainers are experts in providing training and support for using our comprehensive student management system. Every month, we'll share a tip to help teachers/faculty members, and administrators get the most out of our system. This month, we're focusing on configuring the School Year for any Building School Level, which involves setting up semesters, marking periods, and progress reports.

When configuring a School Year for any School Level building, it's essential to follow these tips to ensure a smooth process in each area.

Semesters:

• The Start Date marks the beginning of the School Year, and the End Date marks the end of the School Year. Set the Start Date to coincide with the first day teachers are in the building.

Marking Periods:

• The start and end dates indicate the timeframe during which students are receiving grades. The Marking Period Start and End dates should encompass all potential attendance dates for students.
• Gaps between the End Date of one Marking Period and the Start Date of the next are not recommended.
• Calendar days with the "Students Off" flag should be entered for all dates between the day teachers start (first Semester Start Date) and the day students start (first Marking Period Start Date) for accurate teacher and student day calculations.
• The unlock and lock dates represent the first and last date that teachers can submit marking period grades. The publish date is when the grades become visible to students and parents.

Progress Reports:

• The Start and End dates indicate the length of the progress report interval.
• The unlock and lock dates represent the first and last date that teachers can submit progress report grades.
• The publish date is when grades become visible to students and parents.
• Using the last two checkboxes, choose whether grades, comments, or both are being submitted for the selected progress report interval.

By following these guidelines, configuring the School Year for any Building School Level will be more manageable and ensure accurate tracking of teacher and student progress throughout the academic year.