How to Edit a Grade Scale in openSIS

How to Edit a Grade Scale in openSIS

Overview

As grading policies evolve, schools may need to update existing grade scales. Changes may be required to align with revised academic policies, GPA calculations, transcript requirements, or institutional grading standards.

openSIS allows administrators to edit existing grade scales and their associated grades whenever updates are needed.

Before making changes, it is important to understand how modifications may impact grading, GPA calculations, report cards, transcripts, and academic reports.


When Should a Grade Scale Be Edited?

Schools may edit a grade scale when:

  • A grading policy changes.
  • GPA values need adjustment.
  • Honors or AP weighting is revised.
  • Grade titles require correction.
  • Breakoff percentages need updating.
  • Additional grades must be added.
  • Existing grades need modification.

Always review institutional policies before making grading changes.


Important Considerations Before Editing

Grade scales are used throughout the academic system.

Changes may affect:

  • Student GPAs
  • Report Cards
  • Transcripts
  • Honor Roll Calculations
  • Academic Reports
  • Class Ranking
  • Graduation Tracking

For this reason, administrators should evaluate the impact of changes before saving updates.


How to Edit a Grade Scale

Step 1: Navigate to Report Card Grade Scale

Go to:

Settings → Grades → Report Card Grade Scale

The page displays all grade scales available within the school.


Step 2: Locate the Grade Scale

Find the grade scale you wish to update.

Examples:

  • Standard Grade Scale
  • Honors Grade Scale
  • Elementary Grade Scale
  • Pass/Fail Scale

Step 3: Click Edit

Select the Edit icon next to the desired grade scale.

The grade scale configuration screen will open.


Step 4: Update Grade Scale Information

Modify the required information.

Examples include:

  • Grade Scale Title
  • Grade Titles
  • Breakoff Values
  • Standard GP Values
  • Honors/AP GP Values
  • GPA Exclusion Settings

Make the necessary adjustments based on your institution's grading policy.


Step 5: Review Changes Carefully

Before saving:

  • Verify grade percentages.
  • Confirm GPA values.
  • Check weighted GPA settings.
  • Review GPA exclusion options.
  • Ensure grading policies remain consistent.

This helps prevent errors in future academic calculations.


Step 6: Save

Click Save.

The updated grade scale becomes available immediately.


Examples of Common Updates

Updating a Grade Scale Name

Before:

Standard Scale

After:

High School Standard Scale

This can help administrators better identify grading structures.


Updating GPA Values

Before:

GradeGP Value
A4.00
B3.00

After:

GradeGP Value
A4.50
B3.50

Changes should only be made after reviewing institutional GPA policies.


Updating Breakoff Values

Before:

GradeBreakoff
A90
B80

After:

GradeBreakoff
A93
B85

Updated breakoff values may affect future grade assignments.


Best Practices

Review Academic Policies First

Always confirm grading requirements before making changes.

Avoid Frequent Changes

Frequent modifications can create inconsistencies in reporting and GPA calculations.

Test Before a New Academic Year

Whenever possible, implement grading changes before grading periods begin.

Notify Relevant Staff

Teachers, counselors, and administrators should understand any grading policy updates.

Document Changes

Maintain a record of grading policy revisions for future reference.


Common Questions

Can I edit a grade scale after it has been created?

Yes. openSIS allows grade scales to be modified whenever changes are required.

Will editing a grade scale affect existing student records?

The impact depends on how the institution uses the grading structure and when the changes are made. Administrators should review grading implications before saving updates.

Can I add new grades while editing?

Yes. Additional grades can be added to an existing grade scale.

Can I modify Honors GPA values?

Yes. Honors and AP GPA values can be updated as part of the grade scale configuration.


Potential Impact of Grade Scale Changes

Changes to grade scales may influence:

  • GPA calculations
  • Honor Roll eligibility
  • Transcript reporting
  • Academic standing
  • Student performance reporting

Because of this, changes should be reviewed carefully before implementation.

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