The problem with most gradebook programs is that they don't offer a way to graph the data. I used Excel this year and was happy with it. I liked the flexibility of being able to apply different formulas, hide different data sets, have different worksheets for different pieces of information about kids, and more---including the ability to have the program draw graphs for me. I admit, however, that I used the graphs to look at general classroom trends rather than keeping tabs on individual kids.
But some new options for Excel have me thinking that there could be some very exciting new ways for teachers to think about grades.
First up are Microcharts. This is not a Microsoft product, but is compatible with Excel. The idea here is that you can create a chart within a single cell in your spreadsheet. Here are some examples of the kinds of microcharts that can be made:

The only drawback (for me) for Microcharts is the price. I might try the free download for a month and see if it really is the answer to classroom needs before I pony up for the full meal deal. Even then, the cost is a bit steep. (Wonder if I could get an educator's discount?)
There are other ways, however, to achieve the same look. Pointy Haired Dilbert recently posted on how to create Bullet Graphs in Excel. One result is shown below. You'll have to imagine student names in the lefthand column and various scores in the middle with the graph on the right; but I think you'll get the idea.


If anyone has seen a gradebook program with microcharting features already built in, please do chime in in the comments.
P.S. If I were an administrator or someone in charge of programs, I would definitely look into building a dashboard to integrate the massive amounts of information that regularly flood in. As a principal, what a great way to keep your pulse on what's happening with student learning across a school. The sample below is another business one---but it's not hard to imagine the applications for education.
Update 5/2012: Please visit my page on Excel for Educators for the most recent versions of gradebooks and reporting tools.
5 comments:
I am with you in the desire for something better. Every grade book program I have tried has simply been a digital record book. I've always thought it could have been much better and providing decent, easy-to-use data analysis. I'm still looking.
Are there tutorials on how to set up an Excel gradebook?
I haven't seen any specific tutorials; however, you're welcome to download miine and play with it to your heart's content.
Goddess,
I can't afford Microcharts, but I do share your affection geeky gradebooks.
Conditional formatting is a super data-analysis tool. (e.g. if score is less than 2, make cell pattern blue.)
A quick glance at the blue highlights and you'll know which skills (and/or students) need reteaching.
I also love how easy it is to print student progress reports from Excel. (Hide all student rows except one.)
Your post gave me the idea to include a bar graph on each student progress report. Just mocked up a sample & it works great!
Below-proficient scores are highlighted in blue and the bar graph shows standards progress at a glance.
Thanks for the post.
-- Andrew
@ms-teacher Search for excel template. If you want assignments & averages, try this tutorial. http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/excel/HA100690701033.aspx
I like the idea of using conditional formatting---much less labor intensive than other options. Glad you got inspired, too!
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