How to Add Grades to a Grade Scale in openSIS

How to Add Grades to a Grade Scale in openSIS

Overview

After creating a Report Card Grade Scale, the next step is to add the individual grades that will be used to evaluate student performance.
Grades define the relationship between a student's score, letter grade, and GPA value. These grades are used throughout openSIS when calculating GPAs, generating report cards, producing transcripts, and determining academic honors.

For example, a typical grading scale may include:

  • A+
  • A
  • B+
  • B
  • C+
  • C
  • D
  • F

Each grade can have its own minimum percentage requirement, grade point value, honors weighting, and GPA calculation settings.


Before You Begin

Before adding grades, ensure that:

  • A Report Card Grade Scale has already been created.
  • Your institution's grading policy has been finalized.
  • GPA values have been approved by academic leadership.
  • Honors or Advanced Placement weighting requirements are known.

Having these details ready will help maintain consistency across academic records.


Understanding Grade Fields

When adding a grade, openSIS provides several fields that define how the grade behaves within the system.

Title

The Title represents the grade students will receive.

Examples:

  • A+
  • A
  • B+
  • B
  • C
  • Pass
  • Fail

The title appears on report cards, transcripts, and academic reports.


Breakoff

The Breakoff value represents the minimum percentage required to earn the grade.

Example:

GradeBreakoff
A+95
A90
B+85
B80

A student scoring 95% or higher would receive an A+.

Breakoff values should always be entered from highest to lowest grade.


Standard GP Value

The Standard GP Value determines how much the grade contributes toward GPA calculations.

Example:

GradeGP Value
A+4.00
A3.75
B+3.50
B3.00

These values are used when calculating cumulative GPA.


Honors / AP GP Value

If your institution offers weighted courses, you can assign a separate GPA value for Honors or Advanced Placement coursework.

Example:

GradeStandard GPHonors GP
A+4.005.00
A3.754.75

Weighted GPA values reward students who successfully complete more rigorous coursework.


Ignore for GPA Calculation

Some grades may appear on report cards but should not affect GPA calculations.

Common examples include:

  • Pass
  • Fail
  • Audit
  • Incomplete
  • Withdrawn

Selecting this option excludes the grade from GPA calculations while still displaying it in academic records.


How to Add a Grade

Step 1: Navigate to Report Card Grade Scale

Go to:

Settings → Grades → Report Card Grade Scale

The list of available grade scales will be displayed.


Step 2: Select a Grade Scale

Open the grade scale where you want to add grades.

The grade management section will become available.


Step 3: Click Add

Select the Add button.

A new grade entry form will appear.


Step 4: Enter Grade Information

Complete the required fields:

  • Title
  • Breakoff
  • Standard GP Value
  • Honors/AP GP Value (if applicable)
  • Ignore for GPA Calculation (if required)

Review the values carefully before saving.


Step 5: Save

Click Save.

The grade is added to the selected grade scale.

Repeat the process until all grades required by your institution have been configured.


Example Grade Scale

A typical grade scale may look like:

GradeBreakoffStandard GP
A+954.00
A903.75
B+853.50
B803.00
C+752.50
C702.00
D601.00
F00.00

Your institution may use different grading policies.


Best Practices

  • Enter grades from highest to lowest.
  • Verify breakoff percentages before saving.
  • Review GPA values carefully.
  • Use weighted GPA values only when appropriate.
  • Exclude non-academic grades from GPA calculations when necessary.
  • Test the grade scale before using it in active grading periods.

Properly configured grades help ensure accurate report cards, transcripts, honor roll calculations, and GPA reporting.


Common Questions

Can I have multiple grades with the same GPA value?

Yes. Institutions may assign identical GPA values to multiple grades if required by their grading policy.

Can I change GPA values later?

Yes. Grade entries can be edited after creation. However, changes may affect future GPA calculations.

Do I need Honors GP Values?

Only if your institution uses weighted GPA calculations for advanced coursework.

What happens if I mark a grade to be ignored for GPA calculation?

The grade will still appear on academic records but will not contribute to GPA calculations.

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