FCC ID: TJA-REC-1000 Classroom Response System

Renaissance Classroom Response System and Test Creation, Scoring, and Gradebook Software User Manual Create your own quizzes, tests, and other assignmentsand score them immediately!

Renaissance Learning P. O. Box 8036 Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495-8036 Toll free phone: (800) 656-6740*

Local (715) 424-3636 Fax: (715) 424-4242 Outside the U.S. 1.715.424.3636 Email (for general questions): answers@renlearn.com Email (for technical questions): support@renlearn.com Web site: www.renlearn.com

* If you have questions about other Renaissance Learning products, call:

For reading solutions: (866) 846-7323 For math solutions: (866) 492-6284 For writing solutions: (866) 220-8811 Copyright Notice Copyright 2005, Renaissance Learning, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This publication is protected by U.S. and international copyright laws. It is unlawful to duplicate or reproduce any copyrighted material without authorization from the copyright holder. This document may be reproduced only by staff members in schools that have a license for Renaissance Place Edition software. For more information, contact Renaissance Learning at the address above. Accelerated Grammar & Spelling, Accelerated Math, Accelerated Reader, Accelerated Vocabulary, Accelerated Writer, AccelScan, AccelTest, Adaptive Branching, AR, AR BookGuide, AssessmentMaster, English in a Flash, Fluent Reader, MathFacts in a Flash, Perfect Copy, Read Now, Renaissance, Renaissance Learning, the Renaissance Learning logo, Renaissance Place, STAR Early Literacy, STAR Math, STAR Reading, and TOPS are trademarks of Renaissance Learning, Inc. registered or pending registration in the United States and in other countries. Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Macintosh is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. InstallShield is a registered trademark and service name of InstallShield Software Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Sentry Spelling-Checker Engine copyright Wintertree Software Inc. QuickTime is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. 9/05 v1.0 Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. FCC Caution:

Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by Renaissance Learning could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation Computer-connected Receiver REC-1000 FCC Radiation Exposure Statement for Mobile Devices:

This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with the minimum distance 20cm between the radiator and your body. This transmiter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. Contents Welcome . 1 About AccelTest . 1 Renaissance Classroom Response System . 1 Responder - RES-1000. 1 Receiver - REC-1000 . 1 AccelScan . 2 AccelTest helps you, the classroom teacher: . 3 How does AccelTest Work? . 3 Assignment Creation . 3 Assignment Scoring . 4 Gradebook Functionality . 4 Other features . 4 How to use this Manual and Online Help . 5 Installing AccelTest . 6 Where to Find the System Requirements . 6 Installing AccelTest Software . 6 Starting AccelTest . 7 To-Do List for Teachers Starting AccelTest . 9 Setting up Your School Year . 10 Editing the Subjects List . 11 Setting Category Values . 12 Setting Grading Scales . 12 Setting Exams Preference . 13 Two Ways to use AccelTest . 14 Getting to Know AccelTest. 15 Assignment . 15 Score. 16 Preparing AccelTest for Students to Score Scan Cards . 16 Password to Unlock AccelTest . 16 Student instructions for using the Classroom Responder . 17 Student Instructions for Using AccelScan. 19 Gradebook . 20 Using Gradebook . 21 Frequently used Gradebook Features . 21 Add Assignments to Gradebook and Assign to Students . 21 Assignments for Individual Students . 23 Removing/Clearing Assignments in the Gradebook . 24 Printing Assignments for Students . 25 Viewing Assignment Item Scores in the Gradebook . 25 Scoring Assignment Items in the Gradebook . 27 C o n t e n t s iii Contents Entering Scores at the Keyboard. 27 Editing Scores at the Keyboard. 28 Teacher Instructions for Scoring Student Assignments . 30 Scoring Free Response Items . 30 Using AccelScan from the Gradebook . 32 Gradebook Drop-down Menu . 34 New Students . 34 Edit Student . 35 Delete Student . 35 Importing Student Data into AccelTest . 36 Exporting Student and Grade Information as Text . 39 New Section . 39 Edit Section . 40 Delete Section. 41 Assignment Properties. 41 Remove Assignment . 41 Export Results. 42 Show Scores as Points . 42 Show Scores as Percentages . 42 Show Entire School Year. 42 Show Term. 42 Reports . 43 Report Descriptions . 43 Report Filters . 45 Report Details. 46 Answer Key . 46 Assignment Analysis . 46 Assignment. 47 Assignment Results. 47 Free Response Grading Worksheet. 47 Gradebook Summary . 48 Group Assignment . 48 Overdue Assignments. 48 Program Information. . 49 Student Grade . 49 Student Record . 49 Preferences . 50 Setting Reports Preferences . 56 Print Preview . 56 Sort/Order . 56 Setting Assignment Creation Preferences . 58 Window . 62 Using Assignments . 63 s t n e t n o C iv Contents Using Quick Assignment in AccelTest . 63 Creating Questions for a New Assignment . 64 Creating New Score Key for Existing Assignment. 66 Teacher Instructions for Editing a Score Key . 70 Creating New Points Only Assignment . 72 How to Use the Assignment Editor . 74 Assignment Editor Buttons . 74 Importing Graphics Files in an Assignment Item . 78 Spelling Check . 80 Validate Assignment . 81 Printing a Single Copy of an Assignment . 82 Importing and Exporting AccelTest Assignments . 83 Importing Assignments. 83 Exporting Assignments . 84 Deleting Assignments . 85 Using Sessions . 86 Review Panel (Teacher-Paced) . 86 Responder Panel . 86 Session Toolbar Mode Panel. 86 Pacing Sessions . 87 Using Libraries . 88 Importing Print Engine Book Files . 88 Installing Renaissance Learning Book Files . 88 Appendix: AccelTests Grade Calculations . 89 Determining Grades . 89 Term, Semester and Final Grades . 89 Grade Calculations . 90 Points Possible . 90 Category Weights. 90 Extra Credit . 90 C o n t e n t s v Contents s t n e t n o C vi

Welcome Welcome About AccelTest Thank you for selecting AccelTest, our new test creation, scoring, and gradebook software. Now you can instantly create your own quizzes, tests, and assignments for any subject, score them immediately, and have them automatically entered into an electronic gradebook! In addition, you can easily manage all of your existing assignments, quizzes, and tests. There are two major optional accessories that you can use to take full advantage of its capabilities. Renaissance Classroom Response System Responder - RES-1000 AccelTest is designed to work with the optional Renaissance Classroom Response System. The wireless, radio frequency (RF) technology coupled with the Renaissance Classroom Response System encourages student participation and permits instant teacher access to see how students are using quizzes, tests and formative assessments. One part of the system is the student-operated Classroom Responder. Receiver - REC-1000 The second part is the Receiver, connected to the teachers computer. The Receiver provides an RF link between the Responder and the teachers computer. Student responses at the Responder are instantly transferred to teachers computer - teacher input in the form of notes, as well as some assessment or assignment content can be transferred by the RF wireless link to the Responder. W e l c o m e 1 Welcome AccelScan Students fill out a scan card as they complete an assessment, then use the optional AccelScan to score (scan in) the answers at the teachers computer. e m o c l e W 2 Welcome AccelTest helps you, the classroom teacher:

Quickly create your own customized quizzes, tests, and assignments for any subject.

Save time! Score the work of an entire class in just minutes!

Easily manage all of your existing assignments and tests.

Dramatically reduce the time you spend recording grades by hand.

Increase your preparation and teaching time. Immediately identify student problem areas and intervene through the use of detailed, easy-

to-use reports. Become a more efficient, effective teacher. W e l c o m e How does AccelTest Work?

AccelTest is a software product that consists of three main components: Assignment Creation, Assignment Scoring, and a Gradebook. Assignment Creation AccelTest gives you the ability to create your own assignments containing the following types of assisted response questions:

Multiple Choice True/False Matching Yes/No Ranking AccelTest also supports the creation of free response questions. Essay Blank Short Answer Numeric Response Modified True/False Only numeric response questions can be scored on the Classroom Response System. There are no free response questions that can be scored using the scanner. 3 Installing AccelTest Assignment Scoring To optimize scoring, you must have either the Classroom Response System or an AccelScan scanner or ideally, both, on the classroom computer where AccelTest is installed. The Classroom Response System allows student answers to be instantly recorded as they are enterd on the Responder. Assignment scanning in AccelTest allows students to record their answers on an AccelTest scan card and run it through the AccelScan scanner to score it. This is similar to Renaissance Learnings Accelerated Math and Surpass programs. AccelTest automatically scores the students assignments and records the grades in the Gradebook. AccelTest works with either the AccelScan Model RL-2110 or the AccelScan Model OMR-1100. Gradebook Functionality The Gradebook in AccelTest allows you to switch between different sections of students or different subjects, using the drop-down menus. The Gradebook holds specific information about each assignment. Assignment Title Due Date Assignment ID Points Possible Category When you enter a student name, AccelTest assigns a 3-digit student identification number. Students can be imported from other Renaissance Learning programs, as well as other gradebooks that are .csv export capable. Other features Teachers define school year dates and term dates to be used for determining grades. There are Grading Scale Options (Standard A - F, Pass/Fail, O-S-I-U, and 1 - 10 scales) which include capability for teacher-defined percentages that are used to determine grades, as well as teacher-defined and weighted categories (Test, Quiz, Homework, and Extra Credit, for example). The Gradebook displays calculations based upon the number of points earned versus the number of points possible. However, you can decide whether to display points earned or percentages in the Gradebook. There are also numerous reports available in AccelTest. See Reports on page 43. g n i l l a t s n I t s e T l e c c A 4 Installing AccelTest How to use this Manual and Online Help This manual will help you become familiar with your AccelTest software. You can get help while using AccelTest by clicking on Help. AccelTest operates much the same on both Windows and Macintosh computers. When differences occur, we provide information for both operating systems. Note that in Windows computers, Wizards are used, and Macintosh computers use Assistants. Both Windows and Macintosh screens are shown in this manual. If you have additional questions or need more information about AccelTest or other Renaissance Learning software, you can email us at answers@renlearn.com. For technical support, email questions to us at support@renlearn.com. In this manual, we use different symbols and type styles to identify buttons, menus, and dialog boxes or screens on your computer screen. We also identify computer keys on your keyboard. Item Button Dialog Boxes Keys Menus Screen names Shortcuts How we identify it in the manual Square brackets appear around button names. Dialog box names appear in bold. Sections of the dialog box and field names appear with initial capital letters. Options within the dialog box are enclosed in quotation marks. Example Click the [Assignment Bank] button. In the New Section dialog box, type your section name in the Name field. In the Import Students Wizard

(Assistant) dialog box, select Import from a Renaissance Learning LIS product. Angle brackets appear around key names Press the <Enter> key. Menu names and menu items appear in bold type. Screen names appear in bold type. Specified areas in the screen appear with initial capital letters. Menu shortcuts are shown as Reports menu > Student Grade. From the Gradebook menu, select New Student. In the Gradebook screen, in the Students column, click on the name of the student you are selecting. From the Student Grade screen,

(Reports menu > Student Grade) click on Print. When you need to type information in a field, we use a different font to identify what you need to type. For example, Type admin in the Enter your password field, in the AccelTest Password dialog box. A c c e l T e s t I n s t a l l i n g 5 Installing AccelTest Installing AccelTest Where to Find the System Requirements Before you install AccelTest software, make sure your computer meets the following minimum hardware and software requirements. For the latest system requirements, visit www.renlearn.com/

requirements. If you have questions, email us at answers@renlearn.com. Installing AccelTest Software Refer to the AccelTest Installation Guide for instructions on how to install your AccelTest software and connect optional items such as the Renaissance Classroom Responder System and AccelScan. g n i l l a t s n I t s e T l e c c A 6 Installing AccelTest Starting AccelTest Follow these steps to start AccelTest, if it is not already open. 1. Windows computers: Click the [Start] button and select Programs, AccelTest, and AccelTest. Macintosh computers: If it is not already open on your desktop, open the AccelTest folder on your hard drive. Then, double-click the AccelTest icon to start the program. When the Registration dialog box opens, go directly to step 2 on the next page. If one of two messages appear, you will need to either a. upgrade or b. install QuickTime. If the message states you need to install Authoring and Still images support, you have a partial QuickTime installation. See a. Upgrade QuickTime. If the message states that you need to install QuickTime, see b. Install QuickTime. a. Upgrade QuickTime To add the missing components in Windows:

Click Start and Programs. Select QuickTime.

Click on the QuickTime updater. Select Custom.

Go to the QuickTime folder and click on the boxes next to QuickTime Still Images and QuickTime Authoring. Click [Update Now]. To add the missing components in Macintosh:

Navigate to your QuickTime folder. It probably is in your Applications folder.

Launch the QuickTime updater. Select Custom.

Go to the QuickTime folder and click on the boxes next to QuickTime Still Images and QuickTime Authoring. Click [Update Now]. b. Install QuickTime To install in Windows and Macintosh:

Insert the AccelTest CD-ROM in your CD drive.

Navigate to the Extras folder and open the QUICKTIME folder. Double-click the QUICKTIME file for the installer. Select default settings and click [Next], and [Agree] at the license agreement. You will not need to enter anything on the registration screen. Click [Finish] when done. A c c e l T e s t I n s t a l l i n g 7 Installing AccelTest If a window opens with a message indicating you do not have a default printer, you will not be able to create AccelTest Assignments or print or preview reports until you get access to a printer and set it as your default printer. After reading the message, click the [OK] button. 2. The AccelTest Registration dialog box opens. Type the Serial Number in the boxes. The serial number may be found on the sticker located below the CDROM package on the inside front cover of this manual, or on the one-

page instruction sheet you received with the software. As you type the serial number, be careful not to confuse Z and 2, I and 1, S and 5, or O and 0. Type in the school name and your name in the boxes provided. Then click the [OK] button. 3. When the AccelTest Password dialog box appears, type admin in the text box. Click

[OK]. You will be asked if you would like to set up your school year. Click [Setup School Year Now] to set up your school year. The School Year Wizard

(Assistant in Mac) will start. See Setting up Your School Year on page 10. If you click [Setup School Year Later], AccelTests Getting Started screen appears. Before you start using AccelTest, you should read and follow the suggestions in the To-Do List for Teachers Starting AccelTest on page 9. To learn more about how students can use the program, see Student Instructions for Using AccelScan on page 19. g n i l l a t s n I t s e T l e c c A 8 Installing AccelTest To-Do List for Teachers Starting AccelTest Once youve started AccelTest, you can start using it to create, import, modify, score and manage assignments, as well as print or preview reports. However, before you start using AccelTest, you should complete the following steps so that you can take full advantage of AccelTests features. 1. Set up your school year information so that AccelTest can include it in your assignments automatically. As you type in your school year information, you will be prompted to set up your terms and semesters. For an introduction to the School Year preference, see page 50. For detailed instructions, see Setting up Your School Year on page 10. Set up your class sections. SeeNew Section on page 39. 2. 3. Add or import your students. See New Students on page 34. 4. Review the Subjects preference, and if necessary, add to or edit the subject list. For an introduction to this preference, see Subjects on page 50. For detailed instructions, see Editing the Subjects List on page 11. A c c e l T e s t I n s t a l l i n g 5. 6. 7. Look at the Category preference, and edit categories or add categories to fit the subjects you teach. You can decide weights for categories, if a categorys worst score should be dropped, how to calculate grades, etc. For an introduction to this preference, see Categories on page 51. For detailed instructions, see Setting Category Values on page 12. Review the Grading Scale preference. You will want to change the Grading Scale to fit your grading system. For an introduction to this preference, see Grading Scale on page 51. You can find detailed information on Setting Grading Scales on page 12. Look at the Exams preference. You may want to adjust the percent and marking period the grade applies to. For an introduction to this preference, refer to Exams on page 51. For detailed instructions, see Setting Exams Preference on page 13. 8. Now you can start to work with AccelTest. See Two Ways to use AccelTest on page 14. 9 g n i t r a t S t s e T l e c c A Starting Acceltest Setting up Your School Year 1. Click on the Preferences drop-down menu, and click on School Year. The School Year Wizard (Assistant on Macintosh computers) starts. In the Welcome screen click [Next]. 2. In the School Year dialog box, type in your Start Date and End Date.

(Hint: If you want to see a calendar, click on the calendar icons next to the Start and End date boxes. Use the arrows to select the year, and click on the month, then click on the day to enter the Start Date and End Dates.) Click [Next] after you enter your dates. 3. 4. Select the number of terms in the Terms drop-down menu in the Number of Terms dialog box. In AccelTest, you will use Term to define blocks of time in the school year. You can select up to six terms. If you select two or more terms, you can choose to group them into a semester. Type in each Term start date or click the calendar icons to enter the term start and end dates in the Term Dates dialog box. Click [Next] after you enter your dates. 5. Review the information you have entered in the Summary dialog box. Click [Back] if you need to correct any errors; then, click [Done]. 10 Editing the Subjects List 1. Click on the Preferences drop-down menu, and click on Subjects. Starting AccelTest 2. In the Subjects dialog box, click on [Add]

to add a subject. In the Add Subject dialog box, type the name of your subject. Click [OK]. 3. If you need to edit the name of a subject, click on the subject and then click [Edit]. Make your change and click [OK]. If you want to keep your subject list short as you add more subjects, click on the unused subjects and then click [delete]. When you finish adding, editing or deleting, click [OK]. 11 A c c e l T e s t S t a r t i n g g n i t r a t S t s e T l e c c A Starting Acceltest Setting Category Values 1. Click on the Preferences drop-down menu, and click on Categories. 2. The Categories dialog box opens. If you need to edit an existing category, click in the box, and type your changes. You can type in a new category in a blank field, if needed. Click on the Drop Worst Score box, where applicable. In the Calculate Grades Using section, select Category Weights or leave Total Points Earned selected. Edit or type in a Weight value (if using category weights). Dont forget Extra Credit, if used. Note: For more information on category weights, extra credit and grade calculation, see Appendix: AccelTests Grade Calculations on page 89. 3. When you have finished adding or changing your category preferences, click the [OK] button. Setting Grading Scales 1. Click on the Preferences drop-down menu, and click on Grading Scale. 12 2. The Grading Scale dialog box opens showing the Standard grading scale. If you are not using a standard grading scale, choose another option from the Grading Scale drop-down list. Starting AccelTest If you are using a standard grading scale, you can determine the minimum percentage needed for each letter grade by clicking the box and changing the number. Note: The number you type is the minimum percent necessary to obtain that letter grade. For example, if your grading scale does not use the A+ as a letter grade you can leave the box next to A+ blank. This can be done for any letters not used in your grading system. If you selected Pass/Fail, in the dialog box, you can change the percentage delineating pass/fail. Click in the box next to Pass to enter the new number. For the Outstanding/Satisfactory/

Unsatisfactory option, you can change the percentage delineating Outstanding and Satisfactory in the boxes next to each. The 1 to 10 grading scale is used internationally and automatically assigns a number grade of 1 - 10 depending upon the percentage earned. 3. When you have finished changing your grading scale preference, click the [OK] button. Setting Exams Preference 1. 2. Click on the Preferences drop-down menu, and click on Exams. In the Exams dialog box, you can edit the percent that exams count toward either a Term Grade, Semester Grade, or Final Grade. The Term and Semester selections available will vary according to School Year preference settings. Click [OK]

when you are finished. 13 A c c e l T e s t S t a r t i n g g n i t r a t S t s e T l e c c A Starting Acceltest Two Ways to use AccelTest First Example:

I need to create new assignments, such as quizzes, tests, exams, and home-

work, that I want to be able to quickly score and grade. Second Example:

I have existing assignments, such as quizzes, tests, exams, and homework, that I want to be able to quickly score and grade. Step 1:

Create assignments using the Assign-

ment Editor. See Creating Questions for a New Assignment on page 64. Step 1:

Create answer keys in AccelTest to score and record grades. See Creating New Score Key for Existing Assignment on page 66. Step 2 Use the Gradebook to give assignment to students. See Add Assignments to Gradebook and Assign to Students on page 21. Use the Gradebook to print assignments for students. SeePrinting Assignments for Students on page 25. Distribute AccelTest assignment copies. Step 2 Use the Gradebook to give assignment to students. See Add Assignments to Gradebook and Assign to Students on page 21. Distribute your existing assignment. Prepare AccelTest for student scoring. See Preparing AccelTest for Students to Score Scan Cards on page 16. Have students score their completed assignments. 14 Getting to Know AccelTest The main AccelTest screen has four tabs: Gradebook, Assignments, Libraries, and Sessions. You can click on a tab to go to the AccelTest function indicated on the button. Starting AccelTest Replace with 4 tabs panel Assignment Clicking on the Assignment tab starts the following process to create and assign tests, quizzes and homework, etc.

You create assignments to give to your students. You determine the item (question) type, number, and point value. You create an AccelScan score key to automate the scoring of your existing assignments. The AccelTest program default Category, Subject, and Item choices are shown in the table below. Category Subjects Item (question) Types Quiz Test Homework Teacher defines additional Categories. English Math History Reading Geography Science Grammar Teacher defines additional Subjects. Assisted Response, which includes:

MC - Multiple Choice

M - Matching

R - Ranking

TF - True/False

YN - Yes/No Free Response, which includes:

E - Essay

F - Fill in the Blank

MTF - Modified True/False

SA - Short Answer

NR - Numeric Response Teacher defines number of items and point value for both Assisted Response and Free Response Item Types. For detailed information see Using Assignments on page 63. 15 A c c e l T e s t S t a r t i n g g n i t r a t S t s e T l e c c A Starting Acceltest Score Before you can score any scan cards in AccelTest, you must install and connect the AccelScan scanner. See the AccelTest and Renaissance Classroom Response System Installation Guide. You must create an assignment or create a score key for an existing assignment. To create an assignment, see Creating Questions for a New Assignment on page 64. To create a score key, see Creating New Score Key for Existing Assignment on page 66. The Score button in the Getting Started screen permits students to use of the AccelScan card reader to score the assignments. See Student Instructions for Using AccelScan on page 19. Teachers can score the scan cards. See Teacher Instructions for Scoring Student Assignments on page 30. In both cases, AccelTest records student grades. Replace with 4 tabs panel Preparing AccelTest for Students to Score Scan Cards To prepare AccelTest for student scoring of their scan cards, simply click [Score] in the Getting Started screen. (Do not start scoring from the Gradebook to prevent unauthorized access to AccelTest.) Instructions that you can copy for students to use for scoring are found inStudent Instructions for Using AccelScan on page 19. Note: Once you click on [Score], the application locks, and the students will not be able to access any other part of the program. Password to Unlock AccelTest To return to AccelTest from student scoring, you must enter the AccelTest password in the Enter your password to unlock AccelTest box in the Unlock AccelTest screen. Then click

[OK]. Your default password is admin.To change the password, use the Password Preference;

see page 52. 16 Starting AccelTest Student instructions for using the Classroom Responder AccelTest software and the Classroom Receiver and Classroom Responder must both be installed and confiured before teachers and students can start using the Classroom Responder. For installation and set up instructions, see AccelTest and Renaissance Classroom Response System Installation Instructions. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 17 A c c e l T e s t S t a r t i n g g n i t r a t S t s e T l e c c A Starting Acceltest 6. 7. 8. 18 Starting AccelTest Student Instructions for Using AccelScan 1.Be sure that you filled in your three-digit Student ID number and Assignment ID number (and letter, if used) at the top of the scan card. Fill in a bubble underneath each number (or letter). Fill in the Student ID numbers. Fill in the bubbles under each digit. Fill in the Assignment ID numbers

(and letter, if used). Fill in the bubbles under each digit

(or letter, if used). 2.Check over your AccelScan scan card.

*Make sure that all answers have been filled in and marked next to the correct problem numbers.

*Erase any stray marks.

*If any answers were changed, be sure the old answers are completely erased. 3.The Score Assignments screen shows that the scanner is ready. 4.Insert the scan card into the scanner face up, with the scan card number and arrow going into the scanner first. 5.The scanner will take the scan card and score the assignment. The message saying the scanner is ready will appear again. If AccelScan cannot read your scan card a message will tell you to see your teacher. 6.Your card will be behind the scanner. Save it so you can use the other side. 19 A c c e l T e s t S t a r t i n g g n i t r a t S t s e T l e c c A Starting Acceltest Gradebook The Gradebook displays assignments, showing student, section, subject and grade information for the teacher to view, edit, and manage. Replace with 4 tabs panel The Assignment Title, Assignment ID, Category, Due Date and Points Possible are shown for each assignment. The Gradebook is where assignments created in the Assignment tab are added so they can be assigned to class sections and groups of students. See Add Assignments to Gradebook and Assign to Students on page 21. Giving an assignment to an individual student is easy in the AccelTest Gradebook. See Assignments for Individual Students on page 23. 20 See Add Assignments to Gradebook and Assign to Students on page 21. See Assignments for Individual Students on page 23. See Printing Assignments for Students on page 25. See ????????????

Was Using Score Starting AccelTest Replace with 4 tabs panel Using Gradebook Frequently used Gradebook Features Clicking on the [Gradebook] button opens the Gradebook. The teacher can add (or import) students in Gradebook. The Gradebook allows the teacher to use drop-down menus to switch between different sections of students or different subjects. The Gradebook contains information on assignment title, id, category, due date, and points possible. The teacher uses Gradebook to give assignments to sections, groups of students or individual students. Add Assignments to Gradebook and Assign to Students The Add Assignment Wizard or Assistant helps you add to the Gradebook, assignments that you have created in the Assignment tab. Once they are recorded in the Gradebook, the Add Wizard/

Assistant helps designate assignments for sections, groups of students and individual students. 1. Start AccelTest and click on the

[Gradebook] button in the Getting Started screen. If you want to select a Section, click on the Sections drop-down menu and click on the section. To start the Add Assignment Wizard/Assistant, in the Gradebook screen, click on the

[Add] button. Note: Extra Credit assignments have EC after Points Possible in the column head. 21 A c c e l T e s t S t a r t i n g Assignment 2. In the Select Assignment screen, click on the Select Assignment drop-down menu and select your subject if you want to limit the list of assignment titles by subject. Click on the assignment title you are adding/assigning. Click [Next]. In the Enter Gradebook Details dialog box, enter a short title for your assignment in the Short Title box. Click on the term that applies in the Term drop-down list, and the category in the Category drop-down list. Category choices are Homework, Test, Quiz, or Extra Credit. If you want to make an assignment extra credit, click on the box next to Assignment is extra credit. (EC will appear next to Points Possible in the Gradebook column. See Note on preceding page.) Do not click on Assignment is Extra Credit for an Extra Credit category assignment. Note: For an explanation of when to use Extra Credit Category and when to check Assignment is extra credit, see Grade Calculations on page 90. If it is an exam, click on the box next to Assignment is an exam. Click [Next] to continue. 3. In the Enter Due Date dialog box, click on Yes if your assignment needs a due date. Type in the date or click on the calendar icon and click to select the year, month and day the assignment is due. Click on No if there is no due date. Note: If you do not enter a due date for an assignment, AccelTest will not track it as a required Assignment. Click [Next] to continue. t n e m n g i s s A 22 Assignment 4. In the Assign to Students dialog box, click on All Students if all students are required to do the assignment. To assign to the students in a section, click on Students in a section. Then click on the section name in the drop-down list. To assign to individual students, click on Select specific students. 5. In the Select Students dialog box, look in Students to choose from to find your student(s). Since you only want to add some of the students, first hold down the <Ctrl> key (Windows) or the <z> key (Macintosh) and then click on the students you want to add. You can also select a group of students by clicking on the first student name, holding down the <Shift> key, and clicking on the last student name. Click on the [Add]

button, then the [Next] button. To add all of the students, click on the [Add All]

button, and then the [Next] button. Check the information in the Summary screen. Click [Back] to go back and make corrections. If the information is correct, click [Done]. Your assignment will appear at the top of the Gradebook screen, to the right of previously added assignments. Students you have assigned this assignment to, should show Waiting in the column under your new assignment. Assignments for Individual Students The Assign button allows you to quickly assign one or more assignments to individual or multiple students. It is helpful when a new student joins a class in progress. 1. If the student is not in your school database, add or import the student. SeeNew Students on page 34. A s s i g n m e n t 23 Assignment 2. Next, from the Gradebook screen, click on the Sections drop-down menu and then click on the section the new student is in. 3. In the Subject drop-down menu, click on the subject. 4. Under Students, find the name of the student you are adding. In the assignment column, under your assignment, click once in the row with the name of the new student you are giving the assignment to. Then click on [Assign]. If you have more than one assignment to give to a student, click on the students name and all will be assigned. You can give the assignment to all the students in the students column, by clicking on the assignment name. Removing/Clearing Assignments in the Gradebook To completely remove an assignment from the Gradebook, see Removing Assignments. To clear an assignment from a student see Clearing Assignments. Removing Assignments: If you want to remove an assignment that has been given to students, you can do so by clicking on the column heading for the assignment, then, in the Gradebook drop-

down menu clicking on Remove. This will remove all student records for this assignment. If this is OK, click [Yes] in the dialog box. Clearing Assignments: You can clear assignments from individual students by clicking on the cell in the assignment column after the students name and clicking on the Edit drop-down menu and then clicking on Clear. This will remove student score data on this assignment for the student. If this is OK, click [Yes] in the dialog box to clear the assignment. t n e m n g i s s A 24 Assignment Printing Assignments for Students From the Gradebook, you can print a master for each assignment variation, or print individual assignments for each of your students. From the Gradebook, click on the top of the assignment column, then click on [Print]. In the Print Assignment dialog box:

click on [Master Copies] to print a master of each test variation. Use this option if you would like to duplicate your own copies of the assignment to distribute. click on [Individual Copies] to print a single assignment for each student. Use this option to print out all copies for distribution. Viewing Assignment Item Scores in the Gradebook Note: Only assignments that have been added to the Gradebook will appear in the Gradebook screen. To edit and view more assignments (not yet in Gradebook), see How to Use the Assignment Editor on page 74. You can view assignment points per item and see how your students scored on items

(in completed and scored assignments) in the Gradebook. 1. From the Gradebook screen, find the assignment you want item information on. Double click in the column heading for the assignment. A s s i g n m e n t 25 Assignment 2. An expanded screen will open for the selected assignment. 3. Notice that there is a column for each item on your assignment. The points per item and an abbreviation for the item type are at the top of each column. For an explanation of the item abbreviations see Creating Questions for a New Assignment on page 64. 4. 5. The assignment Variation for each student (whose card has been scanned) is shown. You can select the Variation view in the Variation drop-

down menu. For assignments that have been

(scored), the points earned per item for each student appears in the columns. The points total for the assignment per student is shown in the Score column. At the bottom, click on Mean or Median to switch the view. The mean points per item and mean total score are shown at the bottom, in this example. 6. To return to the Gradebook screen, click [Done] or click on the File menu and click Close. t n e m n g i s s A 26 Assignment Scoring Assignment Items in the Gradebook You can score and edit individual item points (for an assignment) in the Gradebook. Note: Normally the easiest way to score students assignments is to scan the cards with the AccelScan. If your students have not used AccelScan to score their own scan cards, you can scan your students cards yourself. See Using AccelScan from the Gradebook on page 32. The steps below, Entering Scores at the Keyboard describe how to enter student scores for assisted response items from your computer keyboard. For information on how to edit student scores that have been already been entered, see Editing Scores at the Keyboard on page 28. Note: If your assignment contains free response items, complete work on the assisted response items as described below. Then you should refer to Scoring Free Response Items on page 30. Entering Scores at the Keyboard 1. From the Gradebook screen, find the assignment you want to score. Double click in the column heading for the assignment. 2. An expanded screen will open for the selected assignment. 3. There is a column for each item on the assignment. Double click in the first space in the first column (first item). If the default variation of 1 was changed to 2 or higher, the Select Assignment Variation dialog box opens. (See Variations on page 59.) Find the assignment variation on the student assignment or scan card where the student recorded the answers. In the Variation drop-down menu, click on the variation letter. Click [OK]. A s s i g n m e n t 27 Assignment 4. The Score Items dialog box will open. Look at the Item entry, 1 (8) of 10. In the example shown, this describes the variation; your original item (8) was shuffled and is currently item 1 for William Abbot and other students who received the A variation. The correct answer for item 1, is D as shown at Correct Answer. Look at the answer marked by William for item 1 on this assignment, and then click on the corresponding letter next to Student Answer. Click [Next]. Repeat, entering Williams answer for each item. When you reach the last item, Click [Done]. Correct and incorrect points for Williams answers will be entered in the row to the right of his name. The Score (%) column will show Williams total assignment score. Repeat step 3 and 4 for each student. 5. 6. After you have entered the items for each student, you are finished. To return to the Gradebook screen, click on the File menu and click Close. Editing Scores at the Keyboard 1. From the Gradebook screen, find the assignment where you want to edit item score(s). Double click in the column heading for the assignment. t n e m n g i s s A 28 Assignment 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. An expanded screen will open for the selected assignment. Find the student whose score you want to edit. Find the variation under the Variations column for that student. Click on the students variation in the Variation drop-down menu. The window that opens lists the students with the selected variation. Find your student and then double-click on the item you want to edit. The Score Items dialog box will open. Look at the Item entry, 4 (5) of 10. In the example shown, this describes the variation; your original item (5) was shuffled and is currently item 4 for Jane Douglas and other students who received the E variation. The correct answer for item 4, is D as shown at Correct Answer. If you are correcting an item incorrectly scored, you need to deselect the incorrect answer at B by clicking on the checked box next to it. Then enter the correct answer by clicking the check box next to D to select it. If you have other items that need correcting for Jane, Click [Next]. If not click [Done]. Edited item points for Janes answers will be entered in the row to the right of her name. The Score (%) column will show Janes total assignment score. Repeat steps 4, 5, and 6 for each student with items to edit for this variation. 7. 8. Go back to step 3 and select the next variation and repeat steps 4, 5, and 6 for that variation for each student. 9. After you have edited the items for each student in each variation, you are finished. To return to the Gradebook screen, click on the File menu and click Close. A s s i g n m e n t 29 Assignment Teacher Instructions for Scoring Student Assignments Scoring Free Response Items For assignments with only assisted response items, students can score their own assignments using AccelScan. AccelTest will record the grades in the Gradebook. See Student Instructions for Using AccelScan on page 19. The teacher can use also AccelScan to score student scan cards. If assignments contain one or more free response items, only the assisted response items are scored and recorded. The Gradebook assumes that all students earn all of the points on free response items. Free response items have to be graded by the teacher. To assist the teacher, AccelTest includes a report called the Free Response Grading Worksheet. The worksheet provides a place for teachers to record reduced point scores for free response items. The teacher must then update the Gradebook. The Free Response Grading Worksheet should be printed after the students scan cards have been scored. This shows the points earned for the assisted response items that were scanned, and aids the teacher in grading the free response items. Follow these instructions to score and record assignments with assisted response items and free response items. 1. When your students complete their assignment, have them score their assignments. See Student Instructions for Using AccelScan on page 19. 2. After all students have completed and scored the assignment, go to the Gradebook. Click in the top of the assignment column. Print a Free Response Grading Worksheet report for the assignment. To print the Free Response Grading Worksheet Report:

Click on the Reports drop down menu,

Click in the top of column for the assignment, and

Click on Free Response Grading Worksheet.

Click [Preview] or [Print] if asked. t n e m n g i s s A 30 Assignment 3. 4. Record your scores for the students in the Free Response Grading Worksheet. If your assignment has variations, you will have a separate worksheet for each variation. Return to your assignment in the Gradebook. For assignments that have been assigned, completed and scored, the points scored per item for each student appears in the columns. Note: Free response items will show the full point value until you evaluate each students free response items and decrease the items point value as needed. To adjust the free response point value, double click in a free response item column (item/column 10 here). Then enter the point value you determined for each students free response item. In this case the item was a short answer (S.A.) item. In the first row, John missed item 10, so item 10 has been scored at 0. Next, to adjust Rons score, double-click in the item 10 row for Ron. Enter the corrected point value in the Points Earned box. Click [Done] and go on to the next free response student item you need to adjust. 5. When you have completed entering Free Response Item data, click on the File menu and click Close. A s s i g n m e n t 31 Assignment Using AccelScan from the Gradebook 1. Be sure that students filled in their three-digit Student ID number and Assignment ID number (and letter, if used) at the top of the scan card. Fill in a bubble underneath each number (or letter). Fill in the Student ID numbers. Fill in the bubbles under each digit. Fill in the Assignment ID numbers

(and letter, if used). Fill in the bubbles under each digit

(or letter, if used). t n e m n g i s s A 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Check over the students AccelScan scan card.

*Make sure that all answers have been filled in and marked next to the correct problem numbers.

*Erase any stray marks.

*If any answers were changed, be sure the old answers are completely erased. From the Gradebook, click the [Score] button. The Score Assignments screen shows that the scanner is ready. Insert the scan card into the scanner face up, with the scan card number and arrow going into the scanner first. The scanner will take the scan card and score the assignment. The message saying the scanner is ready will appear again. If AccelScan cannot read your scan card a message will tell you to see your teacher. 7. The card will be behind the scanner. Save it so you can use the other side. 32 Assignment Repeat steps 1 through 7 for each student scan card. 8. 9. When you have finished, all the student scores will be recorded in the assignments column in the Gradebook. 10. Students who have not yet completed the assignment will show Waiting in the row with their name. When their cards are scanned, the score replaces Waiting. Click on Mean to switch to Median scores in the last row. Click Median to go back to Mean. Important: If the Due Date elapses before the student completes the assignment, the status will show as overdue in the Gradebook, and it will be scored as a 0. A s s i g n m e n t 33 Assignment Gradebook Drop-down Menu From AccelTests Getting Started window, click the [Gradebook] button. The Gradebook drop-

down menu provides access to many key Gradebook functions. When you start using AccelTest for the first time, you will need to do this in Gradebook:

First, you must create your class sections. SeeNew Section on page 39.

Next, enter your students. See the New Students section below. New Students Note: To save time, you should create your class sections before you add or import students. SeeNew Section on page 39. If you are adding students who are already in a database that you can import into AccelTest, see Importing Student Data into AccelTest on page 36. If you need to add new students who are not in a database at your school, go to the Gradebook menu and click New Students. In the New Students dialog box, under the Names tab, type in each students name in the First Name and Last Name boxes. Click [Add] and repeat for each student you are adding. Note: If you will be adding the student(s) to a class section, add all the students for the class section at one time, then go to step 3 to select the class section. If you are not adding the students to a class section, go to step 4. If you want to add the students to a class section at this time, click the Sections tab. Under Sections to choose from, click on the class section you want. Click [Add]. Click OK. Repeat steps 1 - 3 to add more students. When you have finished adding students click [OK]. 1. 2. 3. 4. t n e m n g i s s A 34 Assignment Edit Student 1. 2. To edit information for a student, from the Gradebook screen, first click on the students name. Then click on Edit Student in the Gradebook drop-down menu. You can edit the students name, in the Edit Student dialog box Name tab. To add the student to a section or delete from a section, simply click on the Sections tab. In the Sections tab dialog box, under Sections to choose from, click on the section you want to add the student to. To delete the student from a section, under Sections enrolled in, click on the section you want to remove the student from. Click the

[Remove] button. When you have finished, click [OK]. Delete Student Note: Deleting a student will result in the loss of all the information for that student, including class enrollment, grades, etc. 1. To delete information for a student, click on the students name and then click on Delete Student in the Gradebook drop-down menu. 2. When you are asked if you want to delete this student, click [Yes]. A s s i g n m e n t 35

Assignment Importing Student Data into AccelTest If you have students in a database already, you may be able to import them into AccelTest. You can import students from three types of files:

1. 2. 3. Import from a Comma Separated Value (CSV) formatted file Import from a Renaissance Learning LIS product (FMD) formatted file Import from another AccelTest database (RBD) formatted file. To import students, click on the Gradebook menu and click Import Students. The Import Students Wizard

(Assistant) opens. Click on the type of file you are importing. For example, if you want to import students from your Accelerated Reader database, you would click on Import from a Renaissance Learning LIS product. (This imports a .FMD file). Check the Note to ensure that you will not exceed your license capacity limit, when you import your students. Click [Next]. 4. The Import Students dialog box opens. t n e m n g i s s A 36 Assignment 5. In the Import Students dialog box, navigate to the drive and folder where your Student.FMD file is located. Windows A typical Renaissance Learning installation places the STUDENT.FMD file in the following location on your local Hard Drive or Network Drive:

ALSDATA: COMMON FILES: STUDENT.FMD. Click on STUDENT.FMD and then [Open] or

[Select]. Macintosh 6. Confirm that the file and location are correct. Click [Next]. 7. In the Select Students dialog box, you will select the students to import. To import all of the students,click on the [Add All] button, and then the click the [Next]

button. If you only want to import some of the students, first hold down the <Ctrl> key

(Windows) or the <z> key (Macintosh) and then click on the students you want to import. You can also select a group of students by clicking on the first student name, holding down the <Shift> key, and clicking on the last student name. Click on the [Add] button, then the [Next] button. Note: If you want to add your students to sections as you import them, you must import students from one class at a time. Select students who will be added in the same section. A s s i g n m e n t 37 Assignment 8. The Add Students to Section dialog box opens. If you want to simply add the students without associating them with a class section, select the Do not add the students into a section option. If you have a class section you want to add the students to, select the Add the students into an existing section option, and click on the list to select the section. If you want to create a new section, select Add the students into a new section option. Click in the box and type in the new section name. After you have made your selection, click [Next]. 9. Review the information in the Summary dialog box. If it is correct, click the [Finish] button (Windows) or the [Done] button (Macintosh). If not, click the [Back] button and make corrections. t n e m n g i s s A 38 Exporting Student and Grade Information as Text Assignment Follow these steps to export student and grade information as a text file. You must be in the Gradebook to export this information. The text file is tab-delimited so you can use it in a spreadsheet program. 1. 2. If you are not already in the Gradebook, open it. From the Getting Started screen, click on [Gradebook]. To export information for an assignment, click in the top of the column for the assignment. Then click in the Gradebook drop-down menu and click Export Results. 3. Choose the drive and folder for the export file. Type a name for your file, ending in .txt. Click [Save]. First: Choose the drive and the folder where you want to save the export file. Second: Type a name for the file. Third: Click [Save]. 4. When the export is complete, the program will notify you. Click the [OK] button. New Section 1. 2. 3. If you need to add a new class section, go to the Gradebook menu and click New Section. In the New Section dialog box, type the name of the new section in the Name box. You can enroll students in your new section. To enroll all of the students, click on the [Add All]

button, and then the [Next] button. If you only want to enroll some of the students, first hold down the <Ctrl> key (Windows) or the

<z> key (Macintosh) and then click on the students you want to import. You can also select a group of students by clicking on the first student name, holding down the <Shift> key, and clicking on the last student name. Click on the [Add] button, then the [Next] button. A s s i g n m e n t 39 Assignment Edit Section To edit a section (add or remove students) from the Gradebook screen, click on the All Sections drop-down menu and select the section you want to edit. In the Gradebook drop-down menu, click on Edit Section. In the Edit Section dialog box, if you are adding students, look in the Students to choose from column. If you are deleting students, look in the Students enrolled in column. To add (or delete) all of the students, click on the [Add All] (or

[Delete All]) button, and then click the [OK] button. If you only want to add (or delete) some of the students, first hold down the <Ctrl> key (Windows) or the <z> key (Macintosh) and then click on the students you want to add (or delete). You can also select a group of students by clicking on the first student name, holding down the <Shift> key, and clicking on the last student name. Click on the [Add] button, then the [OK] button. t n e m n g i s s A 40 Delete Section To delete a section from the Gradebook screen, click on the All Sections drop-down menu and select the section you want to delete. (Students and their grades remain in the Gradebook after their section is deleted.) In the Gradebook drop-down menu, click on Delete Section. When asked if you want to delete the section, click [Yes]. Assignment Properties To set assignment properties for an assignment, click on the column heading for the assignment in the Gradebook screen. Click on the Gradebook menu and click Assignment Properties. Refer to Assignment Editor Properties information. See page 77 for detailed information and instructions. Remove Assignment To remove an assignment, click on the column heading for the assignment in the Gradebook screen. Click on the Gradebook menu and click Remove Assignment. A warning appears stating student records for the assignment will be lost; to remove assignment anyway, click [Yes]. Assignment A s s i g n m e n t 41 Assignment Export Results You can export student and grade information as text. To Export Results, from the Gradebook screen, click on the Gradebook drop-

down menu and click on Export Results. For detailed instructions, seeExporting Student and Grade Information as Text on page 39. Show Scores as Points If you have selected show scores as percentages, to change to show scores as points, from the Gradebook screen, click on the Gradebook drop-down menu and click on Show Scores as Points. Show Scores as Percentages If you have selected show scores as points, to change to show scores as percentages, from the Gradebook screen, click on the Gradebook drop-down menu and click on Show Scores as Percentages. Show Entire School Year If you have selected show (number) term, to change to show entire school year, from the Gradebook screen, click on the Gradebook drop-down menu and click on Show Entire School Year. Show Term If you have selected show entire school year, to change to show (number) term, from the Gradebook screen, click on the Gradebook drop-down menu and click on Show (number) Term. t n e m n g i s s A 42 Assignment Reports You can create reports and print them in AccelTest. From the Reports drop-down menu, click on one of reports. You will be asked if you want to Preview or Print the report. You can select Preview to see what the report looks like and check its data contents before printing. Some reports can be customized to suit your preferences. See Setting Reports Preferences on page 56. Report Descriptions The table below lists the AccelTest reports. It includes a brief description of each report. There is additional information and a view of the reports in Report Details on page 46. Note: You must be in the Gradebook in order to select the Answer Key, Assignment Analysis, Assignment Results, Group Assignment, Overdue Assignments, Student Grade, or the Student Record Report. Report Name Answer Key Assignment Analysis Assignment Description Select this report from the Gradebook. This report is for teacher use and identifies correct answers, as well as all pertinent information for the assignment. Preferences: Print/Preview Setting Select this report from the Gradebook. The Assignment Analysis report provides assignment information, an item analysis summary, and some item details for assignments created in AccelTest (change if this is not implemented in software-See page page 46 also). The report can be used with assignments that were not created in AccelTest; however the report will show less information detail for each item. Preferences: Print/Preview Setting The Assignment report provides a list of all assignments found in the Assignment tab. This report helps the teacher identify assignments that can be used for lesson planning. Preferences: Print/Preview Setting, Sort Order A s s i g n m e n t 43 Assignment Report Name Assignment Results Free Response Grading Worksheet t n e m n g i s s A Gradebook Summary Group Assignment Overdue Assignments Program Information 44 Description Select this report from the Gradebook. This report can provide the student with immediate feedback on an assignment. Teacher-selected preferences determine if the report should print after the student scores an assignment and if only missed or all questions and/or correct answers are shown. The Assignment Results report has space for a teachers signature and comments. Preferences: Print/Preview Setting, Questions to display, Show correct answers, Autoprint, Batch print This is a worksheet that helps the teacher record student scores when they have missed points on free response items. Note: The Gradebook assumes the students earn all of the points on free response items. This worksheet provides a place for teachers to record reduced point scores for updating the Gradebook. The worksheet should be printed after the students scan cards have been scored, as the scores will be shown for the scanned answers part on the assignment. This will help the teacher in grading the free response items. Preferences: Print/Preview Setting The Gradebook Summary Report lists each student and their grades for the term and/

or semester. The display options showing on screen (On-screen points, percentages, section and subject) will be printed, for example. Preferences: Print/Preview Setting Select this report from the Gradebook, so you can display the results for a specific assignment for a group of students. This report shows:

average

median

standard deviation of points earned

percent of points possible

high and low score

students with a Waiting or Overdue Status Preferences: Print/Preview Setting, Sort Order Select this report from the Gradebook. This report lists all incomplete assignments

(homework, tests, quizzes, etc.) for each individual student. Gradebook scores overdue assignments as 0 points earned. Preferences: Print/Preview Setting, This report lists specific program information including:

how AccelTest is set up

computer configuration and computer hardware information

user defined preferences Preferences: Print/Preview Setting Score Description Select this report from the Gradebook. The student grade report shows: Term and semester progress.

year-end progress

provides space for attendance and comments

may serve as a report card for schools that do not have a standard report card

useful for transferring information to a standard school report card Preferences: Print/Preview Setting Select this report from the Gradebook. This is an historical record of scored and teacher entered assignments for the student. The report can:

provide the student with a record of their assignments

be used at parent-teacher conferences

be filed in the students portfolio Preferences: Print/Preview Setting, Page break after student Report Name Student Grade Student Record Report Filters The Gradebook has a Section drop-down menu and a Subject drop-down menu that are useful for filtering information in the Gradebook screen. The filters save time by limiting the amount of information you must scroll through on the screen. The reports reflect the as filtered screen content. AccelTest resets to All Sections and All Subjects when it starts. The Section drop-down menu allows the selection of all sections or the selection of one specific section. The Subject drop-down allows the selection of all subjects, or one particular subject. S c o r e 45 Gradebook Report Details Answer Key This report shows the teacher the correct answers for an assignment, as well as other pertinent information. The answer key report produces an answer key for each variation. Each variation is identified by a letter code, after the Assignment ID number. Assignment Analysis The Assignment Analysis report provides assignment information, an item analysis summary, and some item details (for assignments that were not created in AccelTest -change if report changes to reflect teacher created assignments. See also page 43. k o o b e d a r G 46 Gradebook Assignment The Assignment report lists all of the assignments in the Assignment tab. Assignment Results The Assignment Results report can provide the student with immediate feedback on an assignment. The teacher selects a preference to print or not print the report, and whether the printout shows only missed or all questions and/or correct answers. Space is provided for the teacher signature and comments. Free Response Grading Worksheet The Free Response Grading Worksheet report helps the teacher record student scores for missed points on free response items. Note:

The Gradebook assumes the students earn all of the points on free response items. This worksheet provides a place for teachers to record reduced point scores for updating the Gradebook. Print the worksheet after the students scan cards have been scored, as the scores are shown for the scanned answers part on the assignment. This helps the teacher in grading the free response items. G r a d e b o o k 47 Gradebook Gradebook Summary The Gradebook Summary Report lists each student and their grades for the term and/or semester. The display options showing on screen (On-screen points, percentages, section and subject) will be printed, for example. Group Assignment The Group Assignment report displays the results for a specific assignment for a group of students. The report shows:

average

median

standard deviation of points earned percent of points possible high and low scores students with a Waiting or Overdue status. Overdue Assignments This report lists all incomplete assignments

(homework, tests, quizzes, etc.) for each individual student. Note: Gradebook scores overdue assignments as 0 points earned. k o o b e d a r G 48 Program Information. The Program Information report shows specific program information, including:

How AccelTest is set up

Computer configuration and computer hardware information

User defined preferences Student Grade Select this report from the Gradebook. The student grade report:

shows term and semester progress shows year-end progress has space for attendance and comments can serve as a report card useful for transferring information to a report card. Student Record This report is an historical record of scored and teacher entered assignments for the student. The report can:

provide the student with a record of their assignments be used at parent-teacher conferences be filed in the students portfolio Gradebook G r a d e b o o k 49 Gradebook Preferences Using the AccelTest preferences, you can adjust how AccelTest works for your school. The table below lists the preferences in AccelTest and tells you how to change them. The preferences are available in the Preferences menu. Preference School Year What it does Use this preference to enter your school year information, including start and end dates for the school year, number of terms, start and end dates for terms, and, if applicable, number of terms per semester. Changing the school year affects the calculation of student grades. Your school year should be completely set up before you start scoring student assignments. Subjects Use this preference to add subjects, edit subjects, or delete subjects. k o o b e d a r G 50 How to change it 1. Click on the Preferences menu and select School Year. 2. The School Year Assistant (Wizard) dialog box will open. Click [Next]. 3. Enter the Start and End dates for your school year, and click [Next]. 4. Select the number of terms in your school year and click [Next]. 5. Enter the Start and End date for each term 6. and click [Next]. If your terms are grouped into semesters, select the number of terms per semester and click [Next]. 7. Check the information in the Summary and click on the [Back] button to edit if needed. Click the [Done] button. Click on the Preferences menu and select Subjects. 1. 2. The Subjects dialog box will open.

If you are adding a subject, click on the

[Add] button and type the name of the subject you want to add.

To edit a subject, scroll down the list until you find the subject, and click on it. Then click the [Edit] button, and make changes.

To delete a subject that is not being used, scroll down the list to find the subject, and click on it. Then click the [Delete]

button. Subjects being used cannot be deleted. 3. Click the [OK] button. Preference Categories What it does Use this preference to create or change categories for assignments you include in your Gradebook.

Create or edit categories

Assign weight to each category

Decide whether or not to drop worst grade for each category

Decide how much extra credit should be worth.

Select Total Points Earned or Category Weights to calculate grades. Grading Scale Use this preference to select the grading scale used in calculating grades. Exams Use this preference to set the percent that the exam weights the grade, and also decide if the grade is the Term Grade, Semester Grade, or Final Grade

(default). Gradebook How to change it 1. Click on the Preferences menu and select Categories. 2. The Categories dialog box will open.

Edit an existing category by clicking the box or Type in a new category in a blank field.

In the Calculate Grades Using section, select Category Weights or Total Points Earned.

Edit or type in a weight value (if using category weights) and click on the Drop Worst Score box, if applicable. 3. When you have finished adding or changing your category preferences, click the [OK] button. Click on the Preferences menu and select Grading Scale. 1. 2. The Grading Scale dialog box will open. 3. Select one of the options from the Grading Scale menu. 4. You can change the numerical value(s) for 5. 1. the grading scale option you selected. When you have finished changing your grading scale preferences, click the [OK]

button. Click on the Preferences menu and select Exams. 2. The Exams dialog box will open. Select a Grade option to match your schools program. 3. The default setting is 25 percent of the selected grade. If you want to change the percent, type in a different percent in the Exams are... blank. 4. When you have finished changing your Exam preferences, click the [OK] button. G r a d e b o o k 51 Gradebook Preference Password What it does The password preference lets you change the password to maintain AccelTest security. You should change the default admin password to a password of your choice after AccelTest is installed. How to change it 1. Click on the Preferences menu and select Password. 2. The Change Password dialog box will open. 3. Type in your current password in the Current Password box, then press <Tab>. Type in your new password in the New Password box, press <Tab>, and then type your new password in the Confirm Password box. 4. When you have finished changing and con-

firming your Password preference, click the

[OK] button. k o o b e d a r G 52 Gradebook Preference Scanner Settings Use this preference to set the scanner What it does port setting, and the scanner sensitivity. How to change it 1. Click on the Preferences menu and select Scanner Settings. 2. The Scanner Settings dialog box will Port Setting: First, make certain the scanner is installed according to the instructions in the AccelScan Users Guide.

Start your computer and AccelTest. If AccelTest does not detect the scanner, you may need to manually set the scanner port setting to the computer port you have connected your AccelScan to. Sensitivity Setting: You may need to adjust scanner sensitivity to allow for differences in the way students mark scan cards. If the AccelScan is too sensitive to stray marks, decrease the sensitivity. If the AccelScan does not recognize some marked answers, increase the sensitivity.

If AccelTest still does not detect the AccelScan scanner, confirm that your computer system specifications meet the requirements in Where to Find the System Requirements on page 6. open. Click to select a different port. Macintosh:

Move the slide to change AccelScan sensitivity. Click to select a different port. Windows:

Move the slide to change AccelScan sensitivity.

To manually set the Port setting, click on the Port drop-down list and click on the appropriate computer port.

To change the scanner sensitivity click on the pointer and move it to change the sensitivity. 3. Click the [OK] button. G r a d e b o o k 53 Gradebook Preference Reports How to change it For more detailed information and instructions, see Setting Reports Preferences on page 56. 1. Click on the Preferences drop-down menu and go to Reports. 2. Click on the report you want to set 3. preferences for. In the Report Options Dialog Box, make your changes and click [OK]. What it does The following reports have settings you can change:

Answer Key Print/Preview Setting preference

Assignment Analysis Print/Preview Setting preference Display Item Details

Assignment Print/Preview Setting preference Sort Order preference

Assignment Results Print/Preview Setting preference Questions to display Show correct answers Auto print after student score Batch print report

Free Response Grading Worksheet Print/Preview Setting preference

Gradebook Summary Print/Preview Setting preference

Group Assignment Print/Preview Setting preference Sort Order preference

Overdue Assignments Print/Preview Setting preference

Program Information Print/Preview Setting preference

Student Grade Print/Preview Setting preference

Student Record Print/Preview Setting preference Page Break after student preference k o o b e d a r G 54 Preference Assignment Creation What it does This preference includes several settings that allow you to customize your assignments. The Assignment Creation preference includes:

Favorite Item Types

Default Fonts

Variations

Multiple Choice

True/False

Yes/No

Matching

Ranking

Modified True/False

Numeric Response

Fill in the Blank

Short Answer

Essay Gradebook How to change it For more detailed information and instructions, see Setting Assignment Creation Preferences on page 58. 1. Click on the Preferences drop-down menu and go to Assignment Creation. 2. Find the setting in the drop-down menu that you want to change and click on it. Make your changes and then click [OK]. 3. G r a d e b o o k 55 Gradebook Setting Reports Preferences You can change your reports preferences. To change your Report Preference settings, follow these steps. 1. 2. 3. Start AccelTest. From the Getting Started screen, click on the Preferences drop-

down menu and go to Reports. Click on the report you want to set preferences for. In the Report Options Dialog Box, make your changes and click [OK]. Print Preview One is Print/Preview setting, available for all reports. Print/Preview determines what happens when you print your report. There are three choices available:

Ask - asks if you want to preview or print the report selected. This is the default. Always Preview - always shows preview before you start to print. Always Print - always prints without asking or showing preview first. Sort/Order Another option that can be set is for Sort Order. The setting for Sort Order determines how the information in the report is sorted. The Assignment and the Group Assignment reports are the only two reports that allow you to set how they are sorted. Since the reports differ, the options available differ as well. Sort Order for Assignment tab; see Sort Order for Group Assignment, on the following page. Click on the Sort Order drop-down list in the Report Options dialog box, and click on your preference:

Title - sorts list by title. This is the default.

Modification Date - sorts list by modification date, oldest to newest.

Total Points - Sorts list by total points, lowest to highest. k o o b e d a r G 56 Gradebook

Assigned - Sorts with unassigned first, followed by assigned. Sort Order for Group Assignment; see previous paragraph for Assignment tab Click on the Sort/Order drop-down list in the Report Options dialog box, and click on your preference:

Student Name - Sorts alphabetically by student last name. This is the default. Points Earned - Sorts by points earned, lowest to highest.

% of Points Possible - Sorts by percent of points possible, lowest to highest. Questions to Display for the Assignment Results Report. Click on the Questions to Display drop-down list in the Report Options dialog box, and click on your preference:

Missed Questions - Shows missed questions. This is the default.

All Questions - Shows all questions. Show Correct Answers for the Assignment Results Report. Click on the Show correct answers check box to show correct answers for questions. Autoprint for the Assignment Results Report. When Auto print after student score is checked, the report prints automatically when the student scores the assignment using AccelScan. This is the default setting. Batch Print for the Assignment Results Report. If Autoprint after student score is checked, you can click on the check box next to Batch print report to batch print the report. This will delay printing of all Assignment Results Reports until the scanning window is closed, and then print them as a batch. Page Break after Student for the Student Record Report. When Page break after student is checked, the report prints a separate page for each student. This is the default setting. G r a d e b o o k 57 Gradebook Setting Assignment Creation Preferences You have many options available when you create your assignments in AccelTest. These options range from what item types appear in the opening screen (Favorite Item Types) when you create your assignment, to the instructions, number of points and number of answer lines provided for an essay assignment. The instructions in steps 1-3 apply to every setting. Detailed descriptions for each setting, from Favorite Item Types to Essay, follow step 3. 1. Click on the Preferences drop-down menu and go to Assignment Creation. Find the setting in the drop-down menu that you want to change and click on it. Make your changes and then click [OK]. Favorite Item Types:

When you create your New Assignment in the Assignment tab, notice that there are four item types on the New Assignment dialog box. (See Creating Questions for a New Assignment on page 64.) To change any of the items in the New Assignment dialog box, use steps 1-3 above and select what four types of items appear using the Favorite Item Types setting. Note: Items you remove can be found by clicking [More Item Types] in the New Assignment window. In the Assignment Creation Options dialog box, click on an item you want to remove under Favorite item types, and click [Remove]. Then click on the item type you want to add under Item types to choose from, and click

[Add]. Your choice appears under Favorite Item types. Repeat to change other item types. 2. 3.

k o o b e d a r G 58 Gradebook

Default Fonts:

Use the drop-down lists and buttons to select:

the font, font size, and Bold, Italic, and Underline styles These apply to Body, Section Name, and Instruction in your assignments. These font settings effect both the displayed assignment and printed assignment.

Variations Variations allows you to set the number of variations in your printed student assignments. AccelTest has the ability to shuffle the items

(questions) within the group, to make variations. If you have six items, and shuffle items is checked, the items appear in a different order on each variation. If you want to disable shuffle, click on the check mark in the box next to Shuffle. The default is on. You can set the number of assignment variations to print by selecting a number in the Number of Variations drop-down list. The default is 1. The assignment variation is identified by a letter after the Assignment ID number. The students need to include the letter after the ID number on their scan card.

Multiple Choice:

Enter or edit the instructions for your multiple choice questions in the Instructions box. You can also change the Default Points value for each assignment item. The default Distractors setting is A to D, which gives 4 choices (correct answer plus 3 distractors) per multiple choice item. You can select as few as one distractor (A) and as many as 9 (A-I). Click on the Layout drop-down list to select 1, 2 or 3 columns. G r a d e b o o k 59 Gradebook

True/False:

Enter or edit instructions for the true/false items in the Instruction box. You can also change the Default Points value for the assignment items.

Yes/No:

Enter or edit instructions for the yes/no items in the Instruction box. You can also change the Default Points value for the assignment items.

Matching:

Enter or edit the instructions for your matching questions in the Instructions box. You can also change the Default Points value for the assignment items. The default Distractors setting is A to D, which gives 4 choices (correct answer plus 3 distractors) per matching item. You can select as few as one distractor (A) and as many as 9 (A-I). Click on the Layout drop-down list to select Side by Side, or 1, 2 or 3 columns. The Items Per Group drop-down list, allows selection of 1 to 20 items. k o o b e d a r G 60

Ranking:

Enter/edit the instructions for your ranking questions in the Instructions box. You can also change the Default Points value for the assignment items. The default Distractors setting is A to D, which gives 4 choices (correct answer plus 3 distractors) per Ranking item. You can select as few as one distractor (A) and as many as 9 (A-I). Click on the Layout drop-down list to select Side by Side, or 1, 2 or 3 columns. The Items Per Group drop-down list, allows selection of 1 to 20 items.

Modified True/False:

Enter or edit instructions for the modified true/

false items in the Instruction box. You can also change the Default Points value for the assignment items. You can set the number of blank lines per answer.

Numeric Response:

Enter or edit instructions for the numeric response items in the Instruction box. You can also change the Default Points value for the assignment items. You can set the number of blank lines per answer. Gradebook G r a d e b o o k 61 Gradebook

Fill in the Blank:

Enter or edit instructions for the fill in the blank items in the Instruction box. You can also change the Default Points value for the assignment items. You can set the number of blank lines per answer.

Short Answer:

Enter or edit instructions for the short answer items in the Instruction box. You can also change the Default Points value for the assignment items. You can set the number of blank lines per answer. k o o b e d a r G

Essay Enter or edit instructions for the essay items in the Instruction box. You can also change the Default Points value for the assignment items. You can set the number of blank lines per answer. Window The Window drop-down menu provides a convenient way to switch between the Getting Started screen, the Assignment tab and the Gradebook. Click on the Window drop-down menu and then click on the program screen or function you want. 62 Using Assignments Gradebook Using Quick Assignment in AccelTest The Quick Assignment feature lets you quickly create multiple choice assignments (tests, homework, etc.) in AccelTest.

You will first enter title, subject, total points and number of items.

You can then enter your question and answer content. 1. To use Quick Assignment, start AccelTest and click on the Assignment tab in the Getting Started screen. Replace with 4 tabs panel In the Assignment tab screen click on the [Quick Assignment] button. In the Quick Assignment screen, type your assignment title in the Title box. In the Subject drop-down list, select your subject. Enter a number for the total assignment points in the Total Points box. In the Multiple Choice Items box, type the number of items (questions) you want. In the Your Assignment Will Have section, you will see the number of items, points per item and total points for your assignment. Click [OK]. 2. A progress bar appears to indicate AccelTest is creating your assignment. G r a d e b o o k 63 Gradebook 3. The Assignment Editor Wizard (Assistant in Mac) opens. Enter your content for assignment questions and answers using the Wizard/Assistant. See How to Use the Assignment Editor on page 74. 4. After you have entered your assignment content, run a spelling check. See Spelling Check on page 80. You should also validate your assignment. See Validate Assignment on page 81. From the File drop-down menu, click Save. If you want a printed copy of your assignment, click on the File drop-down menu and click Print. 5. 6. Creating Questions for a New Assignment You can use AccelTest to create an assignment comprised of different types of items (questions). The assignment can be a combination of assisted and free response items. Assisted Response items or questions require that the students mark their answers on a scan card, so the scores can be totaled using AccelScan. Examples of Assisted Response items (questions) are listed in the table below. assisted Response Items (Questions) Multiple Choice Matching Ranking True/False Yes/No Abbreviation MC M R TF YN Free Response items or questions require students to write a number, or a word, or perhaps a sentence or paragraph to answer a question. Examples of Free Response items (questions) are listed in the following table. k o o b e d a r G 64 Gradebook Free Response Items (Questions) Abbreviation Essay Fill in the Blank Modified True/False Short Answer Numeric Response E F MTF SA NR When you create your assignment, you specify the item type and number, as well as the points per question. AccelTest displays a running total of the points for each assignment as you go through the list and select the types of items you want. 1. 2. In the Assignment dialog box, click on

[New Assignment]. Replace with 4 tabs panel Start AccelTest and click on the Assignment tab button in the Getting?? Started screen. 3. In the New Assignment dialog box, type your title in the Title box. At Subject, click on the drop down list and click on your subject. Under Item Types, find the types of items you want to use. Click [More Item Types] for additional types. Note: You can specify your own favorite Item Types that appear in this screen. See Setting Assignment Creation Preferences on page 58. 4. In the expanded New Assignment dialog box, fill in the boxes that are applicable for your new assignment. For example, if you will have Matching (or Ranking) Item Types, enter the number of items in the box under Number of items. G r a d e b o o k 65 Gradebook The maximum number of item choices for Matching or Ranking is 9 per group. If the number of items needed is greater than 9, divide the number by 9 to determine the number of groups, rounded up to the nearest whole number. For example, for 15 items, when you divide by 9, you will get 1.66. This means you need 1 group + 1, rounded up to 2 groups. Under Number of Items, enter numbers for Multiple Choice, Matching, Numeric Response, etc., if applicable. Then, enter numbers for points under Points Per Item, where applicable. Note the total Number of Items and the point Total change as you fill in the boxes. 5. When you have entered all of the applicable information, click on [OK]. 6. The Assignment Editor Wizard/Assistant will open. See How to Use the Assignment Editor on page 74. Creating New Score Key for Existing Assignment You can utilize existing assignments and create a score key for them. For this example, assume that you are using 25 multiple choice questions at the end of Chapter 3 in a History textbook.

If you are going to enter your answers at the computer complete steps 1 and 2, then skip to steps 6 through 7. If you are going to create a scan card by hand, read the information in the Hint below, then complete steps 1 and 3 through 7. Hint: If you want to create a score key scan card when you are away from your computer, write it up by hand and use AccelScan to scan your answers in to AccelTest when you return. You can use any number of questions from 1 to 25 for the short scan cards, and 1 to 50 for the long scan cards. k o o b e d a r G 66 Gradebook On an AccelTest scan card, write the name of your Assignment on the Name line. Next, on the same AccelTest card, mark the ANSWERS to the questions by filling in the bubbles with the correct answers. For example, the answer to question 1 is B and 2 is A and so forth. Fill in the appropriate bubbles for all of your questions. Follow steps 1 and 3 through 7 to use the hand entered card. 1. Start AccelTest. In the Getting Started screen, click on Assignment tab. In the Assignment screen, click on [New Score Key]. In the New Score Key Assignment dialog box, enter your assignment title in the Title box. In the Subject drop-down list, select your subject. In the Assisted Response and Free Response sections, fill in the boxes applicable for Number of Items and Point Value. Click [OK]. 2. The CHAPTER 3, 25 QUESTIONS screen appears, showing a blank scan card. a. Indicate the ANSWERS to the questions. At item 1 click on the A, B, C, etc. bubble to indicate the answer that is correct. b. When you click on the bubble to select your answer, the point value for the item appears on the right side. You can set point values for individual items here, by clicking in the value and typing the value you want this question to have. c. When you have selected the answer by clicking on the appropriate bubble, (and, if necessary, adjusted the point value), go on to the next item

(question). Go directly to step 6 when all of the assisted response questions answers have been entered. G r a d e b o o k 67 Reports 3. 3. If you did fill out the bubbles on a scan card, click on the [Scan Form] button at the top. Then, go to step 4. The Scan Answer Key screen appears. 4. Insert the AccelTest scan card you have filled in, with the arrow pointing toward the AccelScan. 5. In a moment, the answers that you filled in on your card (or typed on your computer) will show up on the screen. s t r o p e R 68 Reports If you see errors on the form, correct them. Simply click on the question number needing correction and then click on the incorrect answer, to unselect it. The bubble will become white again. Next click on the bubble for the correct answer to select it

(darken the circle). When the card is correct, click [Done]. 6. When you are asked to save changes, click [Yes]. You now have an answer key for grading this assignment. AccelTest will automatically assign a 3-digit number to your assignment when it is assigned in the Gradebook. To prepare AccelTest for students to score their scan cards, see Preparing AccelTest for Students to Score Scan Cards on page 16. Note: Only assisted response items are entered on the scan card. Free response items must be graded by the teacher and the scores entered through the gradebook. Combinations of assisted response and free response assignments allow assisted response item scanning by the students or teacher. The scanned, assisted response portion of the assignment gets entered in the Gradebook. AccelTest scores free response items at 100 percent correct, until the teacher grades and adjusts scores. For instructions on editing a score key, see Teacher Instructions for Editing a Score Key on page 70. m i t s y o u

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69 Reports Teacher Instructions for Editing a Score Key Before editing a score key you must make certain it is not assigned to any students. Check the Assigned column;

Yes indicates it is assigned to one or more students. If No is in the Assigned column, it is not assigned and can be edited. If you want to edit an assignment (and the score key for an assignment) you created in the Assignment tab, go to the Assignment tab and edit the assignment. See How to Use the Assignment Editor on page 74. When you save your changes, any changes you made that changed score key answers will be reflected in the score key. If you have a score key for an existing assignment that was not created in the Assignment tab, you can edit the score key. The assignment Type will be Score Key in the Assignment tab. The Score Key is the only part of a Score Key assignment in the Assignment tab. To edit a Score Key assignment, click on the assignment and click [Edit]. AccelTest opens your score key. s t r o p e R 70 Reports When your score key appears you can start editing. If you want to add an item, click on [Add Items]. In the Add Items dialog box, find Assisted Response if you are adding assisted response items. Type in the item numbers in Items to Add box. Then type in the point value in the Point Value box. If you are adding free response items, under Free Response, type in the Items to Add and Point Value there as well. Click on [OK] when finished. To delete an item, click on the item you want to delete, and then click on [Delete Items]. m i t s y o u

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71 Reports To correct an incorrect answer for an item, simply click on the item number needing correction and then click on the incorrect answer to unselect it. The bubble will become white again. Next click on the bubble for the correct answer to select it. To set points, click on [Set Points]. For Assisted Response items, type the point value in the Point Value box. For Free Response items, type the point value in the Point Value box. Click on [OK] when finished. If you want to edit the title or subject, simply click on the [Properties]

button. In the Save Assignment dialog box, type new Title information, and from the Subject drop-down list, select your subject. Click [OK] when done. Creating New Points Only Assignment s t r o p e R Points Only information can be recorded in this assignment. An example would be oral participation in the class. Only teachers do scoring in the Points Only assignments. Students do not do any scoring of scan cards for this type of assignment. For detailed instructions on creating a Points Only assignment, see steps 1 through 5 on page 73. 72 Reports 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. To create a Points Only Assignment, from the Assignment tab click on

[New Points Only]. In the New Points Only dialog box, type your assignment title in the Title box. Select your subject in the Subject drop-down menu, and then enter the points in the Points box. Click [OK]. Your Points Only Assignment will need to be added to the Gradebook. Go to the Gradebook and add this points only assignment. You can enter student scores in the Gradebook. m i t s y o u

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73 Reports How to Use the Assignment Editor The Assignment Editor allows you to input the content of your assignment items (questions). To start entering or editing your item content, click on the first item you want to edit and click [Edit]. Note: Once you have created your assignments, you can use the Assignment Editor to edit and update them, with class and subject content changes. Assignments already given to students cannot be edited, but you can edit a copy. Assignment Editor Buttons You can use the buttons at the top of the Assignment Editor to navigate within your assignment, edit content, and adjust your assignments appearance. Assignment Editor Buttons Add Item - Click at the location where you want to add an item and then click on the [Add Item] button. In the Add Item dialog box, select the type of Assisted Response or Free Response item to add. Click [OK]. Remember that adding items will change your total points for the assignment. The added items have a default point value of 1, which you can adjust at the same time you edit your item to insert content. Note: Added items may not appear where entered. Items of similar type are kept together. If you add a True/

False item in the midst of a number of Multiple Choice items, it will appear after the last Multiple Choice item. s t r o p e R 74 Preferences Edit Item - Use the Edit Item button to modify, add and delete information in your assignment. Simply click at the location where you want to make your change. In the area where you click, lines of your assignment content will be highlighted in yellow. You can highlight the type of assignment and instructions, or any individual, numbered item. Enter & Edit Text: When you click on Edit Item, you will go to an edit screen to enter or edit text that is highlighted. Your new text replaces the highlighted text when you type. This is what the edit screen looks like. Moving: To move the highlight forward in the edit screen, use your keyboard <tab> key. Use <Shift> + <Tab>

keys to move back. You can also move by clicking on a word or field. Cancelling Changes: If you make a mistake editing an item, and want to go back to your original, click [Done] and then [Dont Save]. Saving changes & Moving between Items: To save your changes, and move to the next block of text in your assignment, click on the [Next] button. Clicking on [Previous] also saves your changes, and lets you move back to a previous block of text. At the last item you edit, click [Done] and then [Save]. Graphics: To import a graphic in your assignment, click on the [Import Graphic]

button. For more information see Importing Graphics Files in an Assignment Item on page 78. Text format: Change the font, size and select boldface, italic and underline. To Import Graphics click here. Text Content: To make a change to the highlighted text, simply type in your new text. Item choices

& Columns: Go here to change the number of choices for each item, or select 1, 2, or 3 columns for the item. Shuffle Item Choices: If you do not want to shuffle an items choices, select None. Other options vary with number of answer choices. P r e f e r e n c e s 75 Preferences Correct Answer at A: Notice as you type in your assignment items, that by default, you always type your correct answer at A. This makes assignment data entry easy.

AccelTest can shuffle your item answers so that the correct answer will not always be A on the assignment the students receive.

The Shuffle drop-down menu allows you to select, for each individual item, None (no shuffle), a-b shuffle, and a-c shuffle (with default 4 answer choices). All (shuffle all) is the default setting.

If you have selected more item answers (click on the Choices drop down menu), your shuffle options increase correspondingly up to 9, and decrease if you selected less than 4. Setting Type correct answer here Position: You can change an items correct answer position from the default A to B, for example. If you want to change the position of your correct answer to B, for example, click on the answer field for B and type in your correct answer; then, enter a Distracter (incorrect answer) in A. Next, click on the Answer field, below your answer choices, and replace A with B. Changing Item Point Value: To change an items point value, click on the Points field, and enter the new point value. The total points for the Assignment will reflect this items point change. Saving Changes: Click on the [Done]

button and then [Save] to save changes. Note: By default, student copy variations will show different positions (letters) for the corrent answer with All selected in the Shuffle drop down menu. To give this assignment to your students, seeAdd Assignments to Gradebook and Assign to Students on page 21. s e c n e r e f e r P 76 Delete Item - If you want to delete an item, click on the item. The selected item will be highlighted. Click on the Delete Item button. This will delete the item, and reduce the item count by one. The Points Possible will decrease by the deleted items point value. Properties - Click on the Properties button. The Title/Subject tab allows you to enter/edit your title and subject. Type title information in the Title box. Use the Subject drop-down menu to select the subject. The Fonts tab allows you to change the appearance and display settings. Use the drop down lists to select the font, as well as font size and Bold, Italic, and Underline styles for Body, Section Name, and Instruction. Size Style Preferences P r e f e r e n c e s 77 Preferences The Variations tab allows you to set the number of variations in your printed student assignments.

Variations allows you to set the number of variations in your printed student assignments. AccelTest has the ability to shuffle the items

(questions) within the group, to make variations. If you have six items, and Shuffle Items is checked, the items appear in a different order on each variation.

If you want to disable shuffle, click on the check mark in the box next to Shuffle Items. The default is on or enabled.

You can set the number of assignment variations your students receive by clicking, then selecting a number in the Number of Variations drop-down list. The default is 1.

The assignment variation is identified by a letter after the Assignment ID. The students need to include the letter after the ID number on their scan card. The Options tab lets you decide whether to display the points for each item on the assignment. The default is to show item points. Click on the check box to remove the check mark and hide individual item points. Importing Graphics Files in an Assignment Item AccelTest uses QuickTime to handle the graphics files you import. Common graphic files supported are: tif, gif, pict, png, psd, jpg and bmp. 1. To import a graphic in your assignment, start AccelTest, click the Assignment tab, and click on the name of your assignment; then, click [Edit]. 2. When the Assignment Editor Wizard or Assistant starts, find the item where you want to place your graphic, s e c n e r e f e r P 78 and double-click on the item. Preferences 3. When the Item opens, click on the location where you want to place your graphic. Then, click the [Import Graphic]

button. 4. Navigate to the drive and folder where your graphics file is located. Double-click on the folder. (In Windows computers, you may need to click on the Files of type drop-down menu and select the type of graphic file you are importing.) P r e f e r e n c e s 79 Preferences Click on the file name. Click [Open]. The image will be imported. Use the scroll bar to go to the bottom of the image if needed. Click on the red square in the corner of the image and drag to resize the image. To delete the image, click on it and press the

<Delete> key. If you click and drag the red square at the bottom or side, you will stretch/shrink the image vertically or horizontally, respectively. Click [Done] when finished. If you decide not to use a graphic, click on

[Edit] and then [Replace Graphic] to select a new image. When you have finished adjusting your graphic, click [Done] and then [Save] to save your changes. Note: To limit the size of your assignment files, limit the use of imported graphics, and/or import only smaller graphics files. Spelling Check To check the spelling in your assignments, in the Assignment tab, click on the assignment name and click [Edit] to open the Assignment Editor. Click on the Assignments drop-down menu and go to Spelling and then click Check. (In Windows press

<Ctrl + l> and for Macintosh press <Command + l> to start spelling check.) s e c n e r e f e r P 80 Preferences Click on the [Options] button in the Spell Check dialog box or Options in the Assignments drop-down menu to open the Spell Check Options dialog box. To enable an option, click on the check box next to it. The options include:

Suggest word phonetically Suggest split words Ignore words in all caps Ignore words with mixed digits Click [OK] after you change options. In the Spell Check dialog box, when you see a word in the Not in Dictionary box, you can choose to Ignore (Ignore All), Change (Change All), or Add (to dictionary). Click [Close]. Validate Assignment When you complete work on an assignment, or when you import an assignment, you should check it with AccelTests Validate feature. Validate checks for Missing Fonts, Blank Answer Field, and Blank Points Field. To validate an assignment, in the Assignment tab, click on the assignment and click [Edit] to open the Assignment Editor. In the Assignments drop-down menu, click on Validate. When the validation is completed you should see a message stating no problems were found. P r e f e r e n c e s 81 Preferences Click [OK] when the message appears. If any problems are found, you will see a message stating that there were problems found and a list, by item, of the problems. Click close and correct the problems listed. Printing a Single Copy of an Assignment You may want to check how your assignment looks when it is printed. To print a copy of an assignment, from the Assignment tab, click on the assignment Title. Then, click on the File drop-down menu and click on Print. s e c n e r e f e r P 82 Preferences Importing and Exporting AccelTest Assignments Importing Assignments Follow these steps to import your AccelTest assignments that were created on another computer using AccelTest. (To export assignment information, see Exporting Assignments on page 84.) 1. From the Assignment tab, in the Assignments drop-down menu, click on Import. 2. In the dialog box that appears, select the location of your assignment data you are going to import. Then, click [Open]. Windows computers: Click on the Look in drop-down menu and choose the drive (such as a floppy disk drive, your hard drive, or a network drive) where the folder and the file is located. Locate the folder and double-click on it. Click on the import file (the import file extension will be .ata), and then click [Open]. Macintosh computers: First, click the [Shortcuts] button. Then, double-click on the drive in the list (such as your hard drive, a floppy disk drive, or a network drive) where the folder and file is located. Scroll to the folder and double-click to open it. Click on the import file (the import file extension will be .ata) and then click

[Open]. First: Choose the drive and then the folder where your import file is located. Second: Click on the file. Third: Click [Open]. 3. The file will open for editing. Save and close the file if you do not want to edit it at this time. Click on the File drop-down menu and click Save. If you have an existing assignment with the same title, a window will open; click [OK] and type a new title. Click [OK] to save. Click [Done] to close the assignment. P r e f e r e n c e s 83 Preferences Exporting Assignments Follow these steps to export your AccelTest assignments. You can use the export file as a backup, or you can use it to import your assignment into AccelTest at another computer. (To import assignment information, see Importing Assignments on page 83.) 1. From the Assignment tab, click on the assignment you want to export, then in the Assignments drop-down menu, click on Export. 2. In the dialog box that appears, select a location for your exported assignment data. Then, click [Save]. Windows computers: Click on the Save in drop-down menu and choose the drive where youd like to save the file (such as a floppy disk drive, your hard drive, or a network drive). If you want to save the file inside of a folder on that drive, double-click on the name of the folder to open it. If needed, create a new folder. By default, the export file extension will be .ata. To choose a different name, click in the File Name blank and type a new name; be sure to end the name with .ata. When youre ready to save the file, click the [Save]

button. Macintosh computers: First, click the [Shortcuts] button. Then, double-click on the drive in the list where you want to save the data (such as your hard drive, a floppy disk drive, or a network drive). If you want to save the file inside of a folder, double-click on the folder name to open it. If needed, create a new folder. Then, click in the Name blank and type the name you want to use for the file. Be sure to end the name with

.ata. When you are ready to save the file, click the [Save] button. First: Choose the drive. Double click the folder where you want to save the export file. Second: Type a name for the file. Third: Click [Save]. s e c n e r e f e r P 84 Preferences Deleting Assignments You can delete assignments you will not use again. If the assignment has been added to the Gradebook, you must remove it from the Gradebook before you can delete it from the Assignment tab. See Removing/Clearing Assignments in the Gradebook on page 24. To delete the assignment, go to the Assignment tab. Click on the assignment you want to delete. Click Delete in the Assignments drop-down menu. You will be asked if you are sure you want to delete the assignment. Click [Yes] to delete. P r e f e r e n c e s 85 Preferences Using Sessions A session may be an in-class lesson, homework exercize or a quiz or test. Sessions are either teacher-

paced or student-paced. The Sessions function consists of:

Review Panel The Review Panel is used for teacher-paced sessions. The user can review how students responded to each item in a session.

Responder Panel The Responder panel uses three different display modes.

The user can select a Detailed Session Mode. It is used for student paced sessions when items are not being projected; similar to review session.

There is a Session Toolbar Mode used for projecting external content (such as PowerPoint) or individual items from an assignment.

Finally, there is a Student Paced Session Mode which shows user which assignment/question each student is on. Review Panel (Teacher-Paced) To use the Review Panel... Responder Panel To use the Responder Panel... Session Toolbar Mode Panel The Session Toolbar Mode Panel.... s e c n e r e f e r P 86 Preferences Pacing Sessions Sessions are either teacher paced or student paced.

Teacher paced sessions.... Student paced sessions....

P r e f e r e n c e s 87 Using Libraries The Libraries capability allows you to manage your installed libraries and install content. There are two kinds of content you can install:

Import existing Print Engine book files Install book files from Renaissance Learning Importing Print Engine Book Files There are.... Installing Renaissance Learning Book Files To install book files from Renaissance Learning....

88 Appendix: AccelTests Grade Calculations Determining Grades By default, grades are determined in AccelTest from the total points earned. The points earned are divided by the points possible on each assignment to determine a grade. Term, Semester and Final Grades Term grades are derived from the assignments. Semester grades are computed by averaging term grades. Final grades for the year are computed using semester or trimester grades if there is no final exam. (If there are no semesters in the school year, only term grades are used.) For example:

1st Term 2nd Term 3rd Term 4th Term 1st Semester 2nd Semester Final 81%

75%

82%

86%

(81% + 75%) 2 = 78%

(82% + 86%) 2 = 84%

(78% + 84%) 2 = 81%

Grade computation includes final exam grades as specified in your Exams preference settings. (See Setting Exams Preference on page 13.) For example, if final exams are 30% of the term grade, and a student earned 75% on the exam:

Term Grade Final Exam Grade (including exam) 79.2%

81% x 70 = 56.7 75% x 30 = 22.5 If final exams are 20% of the semester grade, and a student earned 72% on the exam:

Semester Grade Final exam Grade (including Exam) 76.8%

78% x 80 = 62.4 72% x 20 = 14.4 You may choose different categories, weights, and grading options for each term in the school year. This gives you the flexibility to change how you compute grades during the course of the school year. 89 Grade Calculations Points Possible AccelTest uses points earned divided by points possible to calculate grades. The students points earned is divided by the points possible. This percentage determines a letter grade, based upon the current letter grade percents. Category Weights You can set AccelTest to have certain categories of assignments contribute a fixed amount to each students grade. To do this, you should use category weights to compute grades. The percent correct within each category will be computed. Then grades are determined by a weighted average of the percent correct within each category. If you want to use category weights, see Calculate Grades Using section in the Categories dialog box on page 12. Extra Credit You can use extra credit assignments to allow your students to improve their grades. There are two ways to do this, when you give the assignment to your students from the Gradebook.

You can select the Extra Credit category, and use this category for all of your extra credit work. This is the preferred way to handle extra credit, if using category weights to compute grades. You can designate an assignment in any category (homework, test, or quiz, for example) as an extra credit assignment. You may prefer to do this, especially if you are using points possible to compute grades. See Add Assignments to Gradebook and Assign to Students on page 21. Step 2 describes how to select the extra credit category, as well as how to make a Homework, Test or Quiz assignment extra credit. Homework Chapter 19/10 Quiz Chapter 18/10 Homework Questions 7/10 Homework Chapter 2 10/10 Homework Chapter 3 9/10 Extra Credit Homework 5/0 Test Chapters 1-4 9/10 Total 57/60 = 95%

Using Points Possible: Assignments designated as Extra Credit contribute to each students points earned, but not to the total points possible. When you give assignments for Extra Credit, it is possible for students to earn enough points so they will achieve a term or semester grade above 100%. AccelTest limits the grade to 100%, however. 90 Introduction and Contents Using Category Weights: When you check Assignment is extra credit, the assignment effects grades differently when you use category weights, regardless of whether the assignment category is Homework, Test, or Quiz. (To select Assignment is extra credit, see Enter Gradebook Details in step 2 under Add Assignments to Gradebook and Assign to Students on page 21.) Regardless of category, Extra Credit Assignments improve the percent correct within that category. If you click on Assignment is extra credit for an assignment in the Homework category, this would increase the percent correct in that category for students earning points on that assignment. Assignments in the Extra Credit category are treated like assignments in any other category. The percent correct on these Extra Credit assignments is multiplied by the category weight. But the Extra Credit category weight is not included when category weights are totaled. So, you can assign points possible on Extra Credit assignments, if you use category weights to calculate grades. Weights selected for the Extra Credit category determine how much the extra credit assignments will contribute to term grades, in relation to other categories. If you choose a weight of 10 for Extra Credit, and the total of the weights of your other categories is 100, any student with a perfect score on every assignment would earn a grade of 110% for the term. However, AccelTest sets a top limit of 100%. The following detailed example shows calculations for grades when using Category Weights with Extra Credit assignments:

Chapter 1 Test Tests Chapter 2 Test Chapter 3 Test 82/100 80/100 78/100 240/300 = 80%

30/40 20/30 40/50 90/120 = 75%

8/10 7/10 15/20 = 75%

7/10 3/10 10/20 = 50%

Total Homework Chapter 1 Homework Chapter 2 Homework Chapter 3 Homework Total Field Trip Total Library Museum Extra Credit Report #1 Report #2 Total 80% correct x 50 weight = 40.0%

Tests 75% correct x 30 weight = 22.5%

Homework 75% correct x 20 weight = 15.0%

Field Trips Extra Credit 50% correct x 10 weight = 5.0%

x 100 weight = 82.5%

Total I

C o n t e n t s n t r o d u c t i o n 91 n o i t c u d o r t n s t n e t n o C

I Introduction and Contents Without Extra Credit assignments, this student would have a grade of 77.5% for the term. Note that the Extra Credit category is not included when the category weights are totaled, making the assignments truly extra credit. Note: If Drop Worst Score is checked, then an Extra Credit assignment that happens to be the lowest score will not contribute to the grade. 92 A AccelTest Password, 5 Add Item, 74 Add new students to section, 34 Answer Key report, 46 Assign to Students, 23 Assignment 3-digit number, 69 Assignment Analysis report, 46 Assignment Bank, 15 using, 63 Assignment Bank report, 47 Assignment Category, 15 Assignment Creation, 3 setting preferences, 58 Assignment Creation Options, 58 Default Fonts, 59 Essay, 62 Fill in the Blank, 62 Matching, 60 Modified True/False, 61 Multiple Choice, 59 Numeric Response, 61 Ranking, 61 Short Answer, 62 True/False, 60 Yes/No, 60 Assignment Editor how to use, 74 Assignment Item importing graphics, 78 Assignment Properties, 41 Assignment Results Report, 47 Assignment Scoring, 4 Assignment tab, 20 Assignments add to gradebook, 21 exporting, 84 importing, 83 printing for students, 82 removing or clearing, 24 Assisted Response Items, 15, 64 C Calendar, 10 Capacity Limit student, 36 Category preference, 9, 51 Category Weights, 90 Change Password, 52 Check Spelling, 80 Classroom Responder Students using, 17 Clearing Assignments, 24 D E Database importing students, 36 Delete Item, 77 Delete Section, 41 Delete Student, 35 Delete Student from Section, 35 Deleting Students, 40 Determining Grades, 89 Dictionary, 81 Due Date, 22 Edit Item, 75 Edit Section, 40 Edit Student, 35 Editing Scores at the Keyboard, 28 Entering Scores at the Keyboard, 27 Errors correcting answer key, 69 Exams Preference setting, 13 Existing Assignments, 66 Export Results, 42 Exporting student and grade data as text, 39 Exporting Assignments, 84 Extra Credit, 90 F File CSV formatted, 36 FMD formatted, 36 RBD formatted, 36 Final Grade, 13 Free Response Index I n d e x 93 Index grading worksheet, 30 Free Response Grading Worksheet report, 47 Free Response Item, 15, 64 Free Response Items scoring, 30 G I L M x e d n I 94 Give Assignments, 21 Gradebook, 20 using, 21 Gradebook Details, 22 Gradebook Functionality, 4 Gradebook report, 48 Grading Scale Options, 4 Grading Scale preference, 9 Grading Scales setting, 12 Graphics Files importing, 78 Group Assignment report, 48 Import Students, 36 Importing Graphics Files, 78 Individual Students give assignments, 23 Item Item (question) Types, 15 Item Point Value changing, 76 Item Points show and hide, 78 Item Types matching or ranking, 65 Location student FMD file, 37 More Information email, 5 cancelling or saving changes, 75 delete, 77 N O P Q R S New Assignment creating, 64 New Section, 39 New Students, 34 giving assignments to, 24 Number of Items new assignment, 66 Options tab, 78 Overdue Assignments report, 48 Password changing, 52 Points Only Assignment, 73 Points Per Item, 66 Points Possible, 90 Preferences, 50 Print Student Assignment, 82 Print/Preview, 56 Program Information report, 49 Properties assignment, 77 Quick Assignment, 63 QuickTime, 78 Registration, 8 Remove Assignment, 41 Report Descriptions, 43 Report Details, 45 Report Filters, 45 Reports, 43 Save Assignment dialog box, 72 Scan Answer Key, 68 School Year setting up, 10 School Year Information entering, 9 Score, 16 Score Items dialog box, 28 Score Key, 16 editing by teacher, 70 Section, 9, 39 Section drop-down, 45 Select Assignment Variation dialog box, 27 Semester Grade, 13 Serial Number, 8 Show Entire School Year, 42 Show Scores as Percentages, 42 Show Scores as Points, 42 Show Term, 42 Shuffle drop-down menu, 76 enable and disable, 78 Sort Order assignment bank, 56 group assignment, 57 Starting AccelTest, 7 Student delete, 35 edit information, 35 Index Term Grade, 13 Text enter and edit, 75 To-do list for teachers, 9 U V W Unlock AccelTest, 16 Using AccelScan assisted response and free response items, 30 student instructions, 19 teacher instructions, 32 Validate, 81 Validation Error Message, 82 Variation answer key, 46 Variations, 59, 78 View Assignment Points per Item, 25, 27 Window, 62 Student Assignments teacher scoring, 30 Student Data importing, 36 Student Grade report, 49 Student Identification Number, 4 Student Record report, 49 Students give assignments to, 21 Subject add, 11 Subject drop-down, 45 Subjects, 15 Subjects List editing, 11 Subjects preference, 9 System requirements, 6 T Technical Support email, 5 I n d e x 95 Index x e d n I 96