                                 
                                 GRADE PLUS
                                  VER  7.1
                       GRADING PROGRAM FOR EDUCATORS
                            
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           THIS IS THE HELP FILE!! DIRECTIONS ON HOW TO START ARE
                           FOUND ONE SCREEN BELOW.
           
           TO RETURN TO THE GRADING PROGRAM FROM THIS HELP FILE - 
                          JUST TOUCH THE LETTER Q
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                             Also from the author:
                  
                 VOCABUCOMP - A flashcard-like vocabulary review
              program, especially good for at-home review.  ($19.95)
     Registration permits unlimited duplication for your own students' use.

             ATTENDANCE MONITOR - Monitors attendance with full report 
        features. Imports GRADE PLUS files.  Quick entry of data.  ($19.95)

                  JUST TO QUOTE - Provides a quote-for-the day
     when you start up the computer.  Positive, thoughtful quotes. ($19.95)
               
               GRADE PLUS - Full featured grading program.
         Points, percents, letter grades.  Many reports. ($29.95)

      BANKONIT - Easy to use.  Mortgages, routine compounding of interest.
        Good with prepayments to mortgages - shows how well they work, 
       stores your mortgage payment records, with prepayments. ($19.95)

     GRADE MAX - Grading program for a larger number of students. ($29.95)
                         Available September 1995.

      UNREGISTERED VERSIONS/EACH:  $4.95    REGISTERED VERSIONS: AS PRICED 
                   INCLUDE CORRECT DISK SIZES WITH REQUEST TO:   
             William E. Peace P.O. Box 627 South Dennis MA 02660-0627

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                                 CONTENTS

                       ---->   A.  QUICK START

                       1.    PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
                       2.    INSTALLATION & STARTUP
                       3.    FILES ON DISK
                       4.    USE OF PROGRAM - COMMANDS
                       5.    INSTALLATION TO WINDOWS
                       6.    COPYRIGHT

                          B.  DETAILED INFORMATION

                    7-30.    INDEX AT BEGINNING OF SECTION

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  1
                      GRADE PLUS -- PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
 
         SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: DOS 2.1 or higher, 640K, color monitor.
                         A 3.5 inch drive is required. 
                   A hard drive and a printer are optional.

 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
  2                      
             ----->        INSTALLATION/STARTUP

          FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS TO RUN THE PROGRAM FROM THE DISK
  
      1.  Copy the COMMAND.COM file from your DOS disk to the program disk.
       
       2.  Type in the letter drive letter ---  example:   A: <enter>   
  
                 3.  To run the program:  GRPLUS <enter>

         4.  If  you run from a disk drive, you may save to the program
     disk if you have 1.4 meg high density disk.  On smaller disks, you will
   run out of storage place after a few terms, so do not save to the program
            disk.  Instead, use your second drive for data saving onto
              a blank disk or install the program to your hard drive.
          
            Do not save to the program disk drive on 720K disks.  You may
            use 360K or 720K disks for data, but not for DATA AND PROGRAM
                               on the same disk.

    DO NOT REMOVE THE PROGRAM DISK WHEN OPERATING THE PROGRAM FROM A DISK.

               ----->       HARD DRIVE INSTALLATION

   A hard drive is optional but provides quicker functioning of this program.

     To install the program on the hard drive, insert the program disk
                    in drive A and type INSTALL <return>
                 Follow the instructions that you will see.


             ----->               STARTUP

        1.  To learn to use GRADE PLUS, first install to the hard drive
                      using the command  INSTALL <enter>

    2.  The program will start automatically once installation is complete.

                        To run at other times,  type
                                    C:
                                    CD GRPLUS
                                    GRPLUS        

       3.  From the menu, you should pick HELP. You will see this manual.
                 You can also run this manual help by typing
                                    C:
                                    CD GRPLUS
                                    READNOW     

            4.  You may also choose to print this manual once you
                         access either HELP or READNOW.

            5.  When finished reading the manual, run the program
       itself, go to the file area, and get one of the DEMO gradefiles.
            Use the demo file to try all of the program menu options.     

            6.  When you run from the hard drive, either save your
            grades to the hard drive directly or to a data disk that
                     you can carry to school and back home.
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
  3
                               FILES ON THE DISK

         A complete list of all files on the disk is contained in the
        file named FILES found on the program disk.  You can look at it
                 with a word processor or the DOS TYPE command.

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
  4                   
                                USE OF PROGRAM
                           
             ----->             MENU COMMANDS

                 NO MOUSE???  USE THE ALT KEY TO ACCESS MENUS!

  To choose a particular menu command, you may use the mouse or you may use
  the ALT key together with the letter that becomes highlighted when you
  press the ALT key.  You may also use the arrow keys to move through the
  menu lines, up/down/left/right keys all work once you are in the menu line
  (with the ALT key).

  FILE       <-----
        
        Get A Grade File
                Use this command to get a grade file that you had
                PREVIOUSLY CREATED.  
                
                For example, to get the grade file HBIOQ1, access the 
                file command; then pick the get a grade file command;
                then type in HBIOQ1 <enter>.

                If you have already gotten one file, this command will
                AUTOMATICALLY SAVE the first file before getting the next.

        Save Grade File
                Use this command to save the file that you are working
                on.  You may use this at any time and will be returned
                to working on the file.  If you are just trying to leave
                the program, just choose Exit Program instead.

        Save Extra Copy Of Grade File
                Use this command if you wish to save an extra copy of
                the grade file.  The file will be saved with the same
                name but with a ".GRB" extension.  Regular files are
                saved with a ".GRA" extension.  The extra files are 
                only available for loading into GRADEPLUS if they are
                first copied using DOS commands to another name; this is
                to prevent accidental loss of an only copy of your data.
                
                For example, to load "FR1Q3.GRB" you would need to go to 
                DOS, and type COPY FR1Q3.GRB XFR1Q3.GRA   Then you can
                return to GRPLUS and get the file XFR1Q3 

        Exit Program
                Use this section to leave the program entirely.  The 
                program will automatically save your grade file for 
                you before you leave.

        Create A Grade File
                Use this command to create a grade file.  You must
                then give a unique filename that you have not used before.
                You will also be prompted to set the grading method that
                will be used for the file.  

        Delete a Grade File
                Use this command to delete a file entirely from the disk
                when it is NOT the file in current memory.
                
                Be careful.  You will have no copies of the work.  You 
                should NOT GET a file first in order to delete it.  It
                is recommended wherever possible to use a 3 1/2" disk to
                store data.  Use a separate disk for each year's work.
                Save the disk for future reference and also print out all
                grades periodically and at the end of each term.

        Rename Current File
                This command will change the name under which the current
                grade file will be saved.  You can use this to save extra
                copies, or to be sure that the previous copy is not changed.

        Clone Grade File
                 Use this command to duplicate the grade file UNDER A NEW
                 NAME for use in a NEW TERM.  The clone has ALL GRADES REMOVED
                 and ONLY THE NAMES REMAIN. It saves reentering the names
                 for a new term.  The original file is unchanged. This 
                 command is ONLY to start a new term.  

  RECORD     <-----
        Record Grades
                Use this command to reach the main grade recording screen.
        
        Modifications
                Use this command to change an entry other than a grade.
                Simple grade changes are made right on the main grade 
                recording screen. Names, assignments, no grade entries, 
                scaling, dropping grades are accomplished via the
                modifications section. 

        Reverse Name/ID#
                This will reverse the use of the name and the ID # section.
                The program (including show reports) will then use ID #'s 
                instead of names.  This is easily undone by using the command
                another time.


  SETUP      <-----
        Change Instructor Name
                Use this to change the instructor name that appears on
                the screen.

        Progress Report Comments
                This command will bring you to a built-in word processor
                that will compose the progress reports.  There are two 
                reports, one for lower grades,  one for higher ones.  The
                full grades of the student also appears on the report when
                it is printed.  Hence, a title and checklist of some sort
                are used by most teachers here.

        Drive/Path for Data
                Use this command to tell the program where you will store
                the grade files, drive A:\ , B:\ or C:\GRPLUS\, or other
                options.

        Overall Grade Setup
                This section is used to set the options for your own grading.
                Whether you use weighted or unweighted grades, what numeric
                values correspond to what letter grades, and the categories
                (TEST, QUIZ, etc.) that you use are totally changeable.

        AutoSave - How Often
                 Use this command to set how often the program will automatic-
                 ally save your grades as you work.
        
        Values For Letter Grades
                 Use this section (same as overall grade setup) to specify
                 what numeric value corresponds to each letter grade (93 for
                 A-, for example).  This will also request you to define 
                 what is "FAILING" numerically.  (example: 60)

        Letter Grades to Use
                 This section is used to set the letters that you will use.
                 You can use any NON NUMERIC letter combinations that are
                 3 characters or less.  Examples A, B, A+, E, F, EXC, SAT,
                 UNS, @40, @35, @30.  You can use UP TO 15 different grades.
                 Use CAPITAL LETTERS.

        Weighted Grades
                 Use this command to set if you use weighted grades or not,
                 and what the weights will be.  Be sure that you read section
                 22 first.

        Team Set Up
                 Use this command to set up teams for students, a baseline
                 to compare their improvement to, and improvement point
                 specifications.  If you choose not to use cooperative
                 group team grading, simply skip this section entirely.

  PRINT      <-----
        All reports can be printed in bulk and can show ID #'s or names.
        Many reports can be printed for individual students or for a
        range of students by overall average.  See section 18 for details.

        Grade Reports
                 Prints all of a student's grades and averages.
        Progress Reports
                 Prints progress report comments (see Setup command) on
                 top half of page and grade report on bottom half.
        Done/Not Done List
                 Prints all assignments either completed or not completed.
        Summary Reports
                 Summary for entire class on one page, showing overall 
                 average, rank in class, and average for each grade 
                 category.
        Class Lists
                 Multiple purpose lists, alphabetical or by rank,
                 with up to 10 fill in boxes for each name.
        Teacher's Grade Book
                 Prints all grades for all students along with overall
                 average for each student.
        Year Files
                 Prints grades combined by the term for overall average
                 for the year.  
        Team Reports
                 Cooperative group team improvment reports (Slavin et al.)


  SHOW       <-----
        The following reports can be shown either with ID#'s or with names.
        Each report can be printed to the printer using your computer's
        print-screen key, and has been designed to be printed this way.
        See section 20 for details.

        Alphabetical Listing w/ Average
                 Shows the overall averages alphabetically for the class.
        Rank Listing w/ Average
                 Shows the overall averages ranked in the class.
        Variability
                 Shows a ranking of the variation in student performance.
                 An interesting ranking.  Consistent students, with poor
                 or with excellent overall averages, show at the bottom of
                 the list.  Less consistent students, who perhaps can be
                 encouraged to become more consistent, rank at the top.
        All Assignments
                 Shows class averages for each assignment.
        All Grades for 1 Assignment
                 Shows grades for each student in a class for one 
                 particular assignment.
        Compare 2 Assignments
                 Shows a correlation study between two assignments.
        No Grade Entries
                 Shows all grades in the class that have been marked
                 as "no grade" (not to count).
        Grade Distribution
                 Shows a histogram graph of grades for a particular 
                 assignment or for grades overall in the class.
        Student Trend
                 Shows a graph of the progress that a student is making
                 during the term.  Average grade is calculated and shown
                 after each assignment was recorded during the term.
                 An excellent tool to monitor student progress quickly.
                 THIS REPORT REQUIRES A VGA MONITOR.  In addition,
                 a separate screen print utility is required for printing.
                 These are available from many shareware outlets.
        Overall Grade Setup

  YEARFILES   <-----
        
        Send Averages to Year File
                 Use this section to export overall averages from a grade
                 file into a file that keeps track of all terms for the year
                 and averages grades at the end of the year.  Use at the
                 end of each term.
        Enter Exam to Year File
                 Use this section to enter mid term or final exam grades
                 to the year file.  These grades will then be used as part
                 of the calculation for the overall average for the year.
        Average or View Year File
                 Use this section to see what is in a particular year file
                 so far.

  HELP/REGISTER    <-----
        
        Help
                 Use this section to see this manual on the screen.  
                 A menu allows for search and for printing.
        Registration
                 Use this command to prints an order/registration form 
                 that can be used to register and obtain a registered 
                 copy of the program.


  EXIT       <-----

        Exit
                 Use this section to leave the program.

 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------                     
  5                   

                        INSTALLATION TO WINDOWS 3.1

                  NOTE: How to print this MANUAL is found above.

     Follow these steps to install GRADE PLUS to WINDOWS 3.1. This
       procedure will enable you to run GRADE PLUS from WINDOWS.

    1.  First get to DOS.  Place program disk in drive A and type INSTALL 
    <enter> to install the program to your hard drive FIRST.
    2.  Start WINDOWS and click once on the APPLICATIONS title line or on
    the window of your choice.
    3.  Click once on the word FILE in the top left of the screen.
    4.  Click once on the word NEW.
    5.  Click once on the bullet to the left of "PROGRAM ITEM" and then
    click on OK.
    6.  In the DESCRIPTION LINE, type  GRADE PLUS
    7.  Tab to the next line and type  GRPLUS.EXE     
    8.  Tab to the next line and type  C:\GRPLUS
    9.  Click on  CHANGE ICON and then click on OK on the reminder that
    there is no icon.
    10. If the filename is not c:\windows\progman.exe then type
    c:\windows\progman.exe
    11. Then click on the right hand arrow below the icon pictures.
    Use the arrows to pick an icon that you like for this purpose. Then
    click on OK.
    12. When returned to the properties list, click OK.
    13. You are all set and ready to go.  GRADE PLUS is Windows
    compatible, but does not use the Windows interface internally.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 6
                                COPYRIGHT

                        Contents of Manual and Programs
          Copyright 1995 by William E.  Peace.  Duplication for fee,
           in whole or in part, by any means, is forbidden without
           express written consent of the author and the publisher.
                   
                   PLEASE BE FAIR AND CONSIDER THE AUTHOR.

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

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

        Please -- it is a violation of copyright law to use this program
        without registering.  And even more-- it's just not fair to the
         author.  Think about how much benefit YOU get weekly from this
        program!  Registered users will receive the most recent program 
                          version automatically sent.

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

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

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

              Your comments and suggestions are more than welcome.

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


00OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
                       
         ----->        B.    DETAILED INFORMATION
                       
                       7.    KEY FEATURES OF GRADE PLUS
                       8.    SETTING UP DISKS
                       9.    NAMING THE CLASS FILES
                       10.   ENTERING STUDENT NAMES
                       11.   USE OF ID NUMBERS
                       12.   DELETING STUDENTS
                       13.   ENTERING GRADES
                       14.   CALCULATING GRADES
                       15.   SAVING FILES
                       16.   CLONING GRADE FILES
                       17.   PRINTED REPORT OPTIONS
                       18.   DESCRIPTIONS OF PRINTED REPORTS
                       19.   MODIFICATIONS
                             NO GRADE / NAME CHANGE / ASSIGNMENT CHANGE
                             ID# CHANGE / DROPPING GRADES 
                       20.   SHOW REPORTS SECTION
                       21.   YEAR FILES
                       22.   SET UP OPTIONS
                             WEIGHTED & UNWEIGHTED GRADES / LETTER GRADES
                             GRADE CATEGORIES / TEAM SETTINGS
                       23.   ABOUT ROUNDING 
                       24.   GIVING EXTRA CREDIT
                       25.   SCALING
                       26.   CHANGING A MAXIMUM VALUE
                       27.   MULTIPLE SUBJECTS
                       28.   PROTECTING DATA DISKS
                       29.   ERROR MESSAGES
                       30.   ~/CODE FILES
                       31.   POSTING GRADES
                       32.   FROM THE AUTHOR

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 7
                         
                         KEY FEATURES OF GRADE PLUS

        With GRADE PLUS you will be able to:

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


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 8                
                               SETTING UP DISKS 

        PREPARATION OF PROGRAM DISK: The program disk is ready to
        use. NEVER DELETE, ALTER, OR RENAME ANY FILES ON THE DISK OR YOUR
        PROGRAM MAY MALFUNCTION. DO NOT PLACE A WRITE PROTECT TAB ON THE
        PROGRAM DISK!! Simply follow the commands on the disk label. 
        If you use disk drives only, it is best to use the PROGRAM DISK 
        in DRIVE A: and the DATA disk in DRIVE B:   If  you only have
        one drive, copy the program files to a 1.44 meg disk if you have
        one.
        
        NOTE: IF YOU SEE THE "INSERT DISK WITH COMMAND.COM" MESSAGE,
        you should insert your DOS disk.  Your computer is just looking
        for the DOS disk at that time.  You can save having to see that
        message by copying your DOS COMMAND.COM file to the program disk.

        PREPARATION OF YOUR OWN DATA DISK: Simply format a blank disk for
        use as a data disk. Be sure that whenever you are saving a file
        that this Data Disk is in the Data Drive which you specify in the
        SET UP section. Use high density disks if you can.
        
------------------------------------------------------------------------------        
 9
                            
                            NAMING THE CLASS FILES

        When prompted by GRADE PLUS to enter the classname
        (filename), you may use any DOS acceptable filename (i.e. up to 8
        characters in length; acceptable characters are A-Z, a-z, 0-9,
        ()@#$%&!-_'`^~) DO NOT USE SPACES OR ANY OTHER CHARACTERS NOT
        LISTED HERE. ALSO, DO NOT USE "DEMO" IN YOUR FILE NAME. 
        
        An organized approach to filenaming should be used right from 
        the start. For example, FRIQ197 could indicate 
        FRENCH I, QUARTER 1, 1997.

        Most teachers use one grade file for each class.  However, 
        this is not the only way to use the program. Some 
        teachers use one gradefile for each grading OPTION that their 
        students can choose from.  (Each grade file can use totally different
        methods of grading, set at your option with the setup command.  
        Some teachers give their students a set of five or so options to 
        choose from.  In that case, all students choosing a particular option,
        regardless of what class they are in could be placed in the same 
        file.)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------        
 10

                            ENTERING STUDENT NAMES

        TO ENTER THE NAME OF A NEW STUDENT: Once you get the main program
        running and have chosen a classname (see Section 9) enter
        the names of students at the NAME entry area. Then, simply type
        the desired student name in one character at a time: USE ONLY
        A-Z. Because of GRADE PLUS's name recognition feature, other names
        may appear as you type in the first few characters. This is
        normal. Keep typing in the name, check it, and touch enter
        (return) when the name is correctly entered. Before touching
        enter, you may use BACKSPACE once to erase an incorrect entry and
        start all over. After you touch enter, if the program has not
        already stored this name, it will respond with NEW NAME Y/N?
        Typing N will return you to the NAME entry area and the name will
        NOT BE STORED. Typing Y at the Y/N? will cause the program to
        ACCEPT and STORE the NEW NAME. It will then rearrange all names
        (if any) and grades in its memory to make room for the new name.

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

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

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

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 11                               
                                
                                USE OF ID NUMBERS

        You may enter an alias or student identification number when 
        prompted to enter the ID # for a new student.   The ID# is a 
        storage area for a second way to identify a student.  It 
        need not be a numerical idenification.  You may choose to 
        leave it blank, to enter a number, or any alphanumerical
        second name up to 16 characters in length.

        You can reverse the program's use of the name and ID # by
        choosing the RECORD section choice REVERSE ID#/NAME.  Then, all
        screen output will use ID#'s (or aliases) instead of names.
        This change is recorded with the saving of the file, so that
        if you get ID # or NO NAMES on the record screen and want 
        names instead, try reversing ANOTHER time.

        The print program will also allow you to REVERSE ID#/NAME.  
        This will reverse ONLY FOR PRINTING and will not save the
        reversal.  Don't reverse in record and THEN in print, or 
        you will be back where you started on the printouts, using
        names only, having reversed twice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 12

                               DELETING STUDENTS

        TO DELETE A STUDENT AND ALL GRADES FOR THE STUDENT: First access
        the student's record (see section 10). In the ASSIGNMENT.GRADE
        entry area, type the letter Z <enter>. Once you DELETE a student
        this way, there is NO WAY BACK! The grades for this student will
        no longer be available for ANY reason. Perhaps you should delete
        the student only from averaging calculations (see following
        paragraph).

        TO DELETE A STUDENT FROM AVERAGING FUNCTIONS: Should you wish to
        keep a student's record but not count his or her work toward
        class averages, then use the MODIFICATIONS option from the main screen.
        (UNDER RECORD). Then choose option 3 from the Modification Menu.
        You can still access grades, add or change grades for this student, 
        but the student's grades will not be used in any averaging functions. 
        One reason to do this would be a student who leaves the 
        school part way through a course.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 13

                               ENTERING GRADES

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

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

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

        TO MAKE A GRADE NOT COUNT:  Enter a * as the grade.  See also 
        section 19 for bulk marking.

        TO "MAX THEM ALL OUT":  MAX THEM OUT means to give all students
        the maximum (perfect) grade for an assignment automatically
        rather than enter each grade individually.  To do this, you
        must enter your request WITH A PREVIOUSLY ENTERED ASSIGNMENT number 
        followed by the word "ALL".  Example:   4.ALL     5.ALL

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 14

                           CALCULATING GRADES


        GRADE PLUS continuously averages grades. You don't need
        to do anything. To see details on an individual's grades or on
        the entire class' grades, use the SHOW choice from the main screen.
        The > and < marks that appear next to some averages are explained in
        section 18.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 15                                
                                 
                                 SAVING FILES


        The SETUP section will set GRADE PLUS to autosave your
        data periodically. Additionally, the program will save your data
        before you switch files or end the program. You may also save the
        file at any time using the SAVE function or SAVE AS function.

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

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

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 16

                             CLONING A GRADE FILE

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

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 17
                           
                           PRINTED REPORT OPTIONS


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

        To print reports, choose PRINT from the main screen and choose the
        report that you want.

        Choose the preview option to see grade reports on the screen
        before they are printed; use this option also to add a comment to
        an individual student's grade report or progress report.  Choose
        the print option to print reports without screen preview.  Be
        certain that the date is correctly set via your DOS system before
        printing any reports, or reports will be incorrectly dated.

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

        If you choose ID# for printout, the report that you choose will
        have ID# used instead of student names.

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

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

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

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

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 18                                 

                           DESCRIPTION OF PRINTED REPORTS

                                  GRADE REPORTS

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

        The reports are designed to be quite self explanatory. However,
        some students sometimes ask about the letters in the left column.
        These, of course, are the letters indicating if an assignment is
        a test, quiz, homework, etc.  Sometimes students are concerned
        that the category averages do not "AVERAGE OUT" to the overall
        average.  This, of course, should NOT occur; homework and
        test, for example, are unlikely to be of equal value.  Either by
        setting different maximum values or else by using weighted
        grades, you have told the program to count one assignment more
        than another.  Naturally, it does this; but sometimes students
        need a simple explanation.

        The < mark next to a category average indicates that this particular
        average is considerably LOWER than the student's average overall.
        It indicates, then, an area where some attention is needed.
        The > mark next to a category average indicates that this particular
        average is considerably HIGHER than the student's average overall.
        It indicates an area where there is good progress.


                                 PROGRESS REPORTS

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

                                  CLASS LISTS

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

                                 SUMMARY REPORTS

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

                               DONE/NOT DONE LISTS

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

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

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

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

        Improvement points are based on an average of all students in the
        team.  A student can do less well and the team can gain improvement
        points overall.  A student is not included in averaging if they
        have a NO GRADE mark for the new assignment being compared with the
        baseline.  Also, if a team has a net change of zero, the improvement
        and net change are simply left blank, so as not to be "negative".

                               TEACHER'S GRADEBOOK

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

                                   YEAR REPORT

        This section can be used to combine quarter or semester grades to
        determine a year long grade.  Both numerical and letter printouts
        are available.  A full description of use of the year files is
        found in section 21.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 19

                                MODIFICATIONS

        To get to the MODIFICATION MENU, choose RECORD from the main
        screen, and then choose MODIFICATIONS
        
        The MODIFICATIONS section makes it possible to "change
        your mind". Easy modifications include correcting a student's
        name and ID# (OPTION 5), or changing any assignment description,
        category, or maximum value (ALL FROM OPTION 4). Running Option 4
        can be used change an accidental letter grade to a numerical one.

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

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

        MODIFICATION MENU options 6,7,8 reverse the NO GRADE status,
        returning to grades that do count.  Option 12 scales grades.  See
        section 25 on scaling.  Option 9 changes the maximum value for a
        grade (see section 26.)  The Eliminate an Assignment section (option
        10) will totally remove all grades for a particular assignment for
        all students.  Use this section CAUTIOUSLY: THERE IS NO WAY BACK.
        Use it only to DESTROY and to KEEP NO RECORD of a certain
        assignment.  DO NOT USE MODIFICATIONS TO CHANGE A GRADE: USE THE
        RECORD section from the main screen.  The Add an Assignment choice
        will "squeeze" in a new assignment and move all the other ones up 
        one assignment number.  

        Option 13 allows you to drop the lowest grade for EACH STUDENT in
        the class for a particular category (tests, for example).  Be
        sure not to run this twice! (If you do, reverse with option 6.)


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 20
                                    
                              SHOW SECTION

        The following reports are available on screen immediately, while
        entering grades.  They are designed to be printed to the printer
        using your PRINT-SCREEN key.
        
        ALPHABETICAL LIST WITH AVERAGES: This report lists all students
        in the class alphabetically, along with their percent average and
        their total grade.

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

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

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

        COMPARE VARIABILITY OF GRADES: This compares the variability of
        student performances, one with another, and ranks the students
        based on this VARIABILITY. Students with highly VARIABLE grades,
        either low or high, will be ranked high with this section.
        This is an unusual feature in a grading program, and it is most
        intriguing to examine the results of this type of calculation.
        Please note that each student must have TWO grades that do count
        before this section will process variabiltiy; otherwise it will 
        simply return you to main screen.

        DISPLAY DISTRIBUTION OF GRADES: Use this section to create a bar
        graph display of any assignment from a grade file or for the
        averages in a grade file. The display may result in an
        approximate normal distribution.

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

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

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

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


           TO PRINT A REPORT TO THE PRINTER:  Run the report and use the
              print keys on your computer terminal to print the screen.
           The screen is designed to provide an organized printed report.
                AFTER YOU PRINT A REPORT YOU SHOULD TOUCH ENTER.
                                
------------------------------------------------------------------------------                                
 21                               
                                 
                                 YEAR FILES

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

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

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

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

        EXAMPLE after one quarter:

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

        ADAMS    87.5                                             87.5 17.5
        ALLEN    88.9                                             88.9 17.8
        ...
        ZEDRON   61.7                                             61.7 12.3
        
        EXAMPLE after second quarter:

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

        ADAMS    87.5 88.9                                        88.2 35.3
        ALLEN    88.9 77.5                                        83.2 33.3
        ...
        ZEDRON   61.7 63.5                                        62.6 25.0


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

        You can also use this section to change or override 
        the year file record of a single grade of any type, exam
        or term average.


        EXAMPLE after exam grade added:

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

        ADAMS    87.5 88.9 68.5                                   84.3 42.2
        ALLEN    88.9 77.5 76.5                                   81.9 41.0
        ...
        ZEDRON   61.7 63.5 71.6                                   64.4 32.2

        AVERAGE YEAR FILE: Once a year file is fully prepared using the
        two previous sections, the year file will show the overall averages 
        for the year.  Be certain that the percents for the columns sum 
        to 100. Until they do, the FOR YEAR AVERAGE that is displayed is 
        NOT the correct final average. At all times, the TO DATE AVERAGE
        automatically reweights the percents for the columns to arrive at
        an overall average to date.  Again, until the percents sum to 100, 
        this information may not be fully useful to you.  However, it does
        give you some idea of the student's progress.  You can print the 
        year files most easily from the PRINT option on the main screen.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 22
                                SETUP OPTIONS

        If you load a file first, some setup options will apply to that
        class only.  If you have NO FILE loaded, these setup options 
        will apply to the general setup features that will appear when 
        you create a class file.   Instructor name, progress reports, 
        and drive/path apply to ALL files, and do not attach to a 
        particular file.


             ----->         NAMING GRADE CATEGORIES

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

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

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


     From the main screen, choose SETUP and then PROGRESS REPORTS. 
     You will find yourself in a simple word processor that can be used 
     to edit the 14 lines of text that appear on the screen. These lines 
     will appear on printed progress reports. This section will appear 
     at the top of a printed sheet; all of the student's grades will appear 
     at the bottom. You can use this section to write almost anything to
     appear on the reports.

     YOU WILL BE EDITING TWO REPORT TOP SECTIONS.  The first one appears on
     reports for students with LOWER grades.  The second one appears on
     reports for students with HIGHER grades.  After you edit the first
     report, you will be asked to enter the highest grade (say 70, 75, 80)
     that will use THAT particular report top section.  Higher grades will
     use the next report top.

          Besides letters, numbers and standard punctuation, use:

     The F1 key to save what is on the screen and return you to the BEGIN
     PROGRAM menu.

     The F2 key to blank out the entire word processing area and start from
     scratch.

     The F3 key to insert a line (above the cursor), if there is
     room to insert one.

     The F4 key to delete the line on which the cursor is found.
     
              OTHER KEYS ACTIVE DURING EDITING PROGRESS REPORTS

     You may use the PAGEUP, PAGEDOWN, END, HOME, INSERT, DELETE, and
     ARROW KEYS. In addition, you may use standard letters or
     characters, the SHIFT key, the BACKSPACE key, the CAPS key.

     Do not use the CONTROL CHARACTERS, THE ALT CHARACTERS or the ESC
     key or the PRINT key.

         PAGEUP    will bring you to line one of the report
         PAGEDOWN  will bring you to the last line of the report
         END       will bring you to the right column
         INSERT    will add a space in the line at the cursor
         HOME      will bring you to the left column
         DELETE    will delete the letter under the cursor
         ARROWS    will move you up or down one line or character
         BACKSPACE will move you back one space, without deleting

               ----->       LETTER GRADES TO USE

     Grade Plus is flexible in the letter grades that you can use.
     You can use up to 15 NON-NUMERIC letter grades that you define.
     Here are some possibilities, although many more are possible.

     A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, F+, F, F-
     A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, F
     A, B, C, D, E, F
     A, A-, B, B-, C, C- D, D-, U
     A, B, C, D, F
     P, F
     EXC, GD, FR, PR, F
     S, U
     S, I, U
     
     NOTE:  If you must use numeric equivalents such as 4.0, 3.5, you may 
     modify them slightly as follows:

     @40, @35, @30, @25, @20, @10  (first character must be NON NUMERIC)
     [4], [3], [2], [1], [0]
     G12, G11, G10, G9, G8, G7, G6, G5, G4, G3, G2, G1, G0

     Use non numeric characters and do NOT USE A PERIOD OR DECIMAL PLACE
     AS THIS WILL MARK THE LETTER GRADE AS A NUMERAL RATHER THAN A LETTER.
     USE CAPITAL LETTERS FOR NEATNESS IN REPORT PRINTING.

     Again, you can use most any NON-NUMERIC letter grades.  On some reports, 
     three character grades (ex:  EXC) may not have spaces between them, 
     so if possible, use two character letter grades. (ex:  EX)

     Be certain to set the values for letter grades after you change the
     letter grades.  Also, do not change letter grades after you have begun
     to use a certain set of letters for a file, otherwise, you may have
     inaccurate reports.


             ----->       VALUES FOR LETTER GRADES


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

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

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

         ----->    USING WEIGHTED GRADES / UNWEIGHTED GRADES

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

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

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

        Here is an example using unweighted grades:

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

        The unweighted average would be (90+80+7+6+5)/240 or 188/240 or
        78.3. This particular unweighted average emphasizes test grades,
        because the maximum value for tests is 100 compared to 20 for the
        lab and 10 for the other work.
          
                     ---->       TEAM SETUP
        
        Use of cooperative learning with GRADE PLUS is entirely an option.  
        You could opt to never use it and never know that it is there.  
        However, if you wish to use it, the cooperative learning team 
        report features are next to automatic.  The team set up section 
        includes specifications for these three things:

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

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


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 23                         
                                 ABOUT ROUNDING

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

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

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 24

                               GIVING EXTRA CREDIT


     The purpose of an extra credit grade is to reward a student who has
     done extra work, but NOT to penalize the student that has not. It is
     important to keep this in mind. In order to accomplish this fairly,
     extra credit grades must be entered to any grading system in one of
     two fashions, depending on whether you use WEIGHTED GRADES or
     UNWEIGHTED grades. First, make your decision on the type of grades to
     use. See section 22.

                    EXTRA CREDIT FOR UNWEIGHTED GRADES

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

                         NEW ASSIGNMENT  ?      Y

                         DESCRIPTION            EXTRA CRED

                         CATEGORY               E

                         MAX VALUE              0

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

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

                     
                     EXTRA CREDIT FOR WEIGHTED GRADES

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

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

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

                               3.69

                     CHANGE GRADE ?      Y

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

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

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

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 25
                                   SCALING

        GRADE PLUS will scale any or all assignments either UP
        or DOWN. Choose RECORD from the main menu and then choose
        MODIFICATIONS. From the MENU, choose option 11 for scaling.

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

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

        Although it is not a frequent procedure, you may scale grades 
        DOWNWARD by entering a negative factor such as -10. 


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 26                      

                    ADJUSTING MAXIMUM VALUE FOR AN ASSIGNMENT

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

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 27                          


                     MULTIPLE SUBJECTS IN GRADE PLUS

     THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT TO ELEMENTARY
     SCHOOL TEACHERS:


     TEACHERS WHO TEACH MULTIPLE SUBJECTS TO THE SAME STUDENTS can
     still use GRADE PLUS to do their grades. There would be
     two essentially different ways to go about this:

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


            ADVANTAGE:  You will have just one file for your class.
                        You can get the averages for each category in
                        several places in the program, including the
                        main program SHOW section, the PRINT section
                        summary report (easiest for the whole class).

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


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

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

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

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

     TEACHERS WHO DO NOT TEACH MULTIPLE SUBJECTS TO THE SAME STUDENTS:
     Simply use a separate class file for each of your classes, and grade
     categories as discussed in section 22.

     
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 28

              A FEW POINTERS ABOUT PROTECTING YOUR DATA DISKS

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

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

     2.  Use only highest quality disks for data storage.

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

     4.  Do not try to overfill the disks with grade data.  It is
     probably best to store only one term's grades on each disk.
     Use a new disk for the next term; disks are pretty cheap, grades
     are pretty important!

     5.  Never try to use a data disk that has under 40,000 bytes free
     space left; try to use high density disks if you can.

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

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

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

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

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 29

                                ERROR MESSAGES

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


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

     For information on other errors, consult any DOS manual or contact the
                                  the author.


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 30

        ABOUT THE ~, TDP FILES

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

        ABOUT THE CODE FILES

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 31
 
                                 POSTING GRADES

        Please be certain that you, your students, and their parents 
        really do want the entire class to be looking at everyone 
        else's grades.  In most situations, it is not really fair to 
        the student to be placing their grades in public view.  It may 
        even be illegal for you to do this. Please put yourself in the 
        youngster's shoes.  How would you feel seeing all your grades 
        up on the wall???

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 
 32


     Please -- the author worked long and hard writing and having this
      program field tested.  He is an educator like yourself, and is
        asking for you to be fair.  Your registration will be truly
            appreciated.  PLEASE USE the order/registration form 
                to register and to obtain updated versions.
                       
        And please - use my program for fair, positive use.  That means
            a lot to me, knowing that so many teachers and students
          can be helped in their work by the work that I have done.

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





