Blackboard Gradebook Setup

This guide walks you through setting up your Blackboard gradebook in a way that aligns with your syllabus and keeps grading clear for both you and your students.

Why Your Gradebook Setup Matters A well-structured gradebook reduces confusion, keeps grading aligned, and helps students clearly understand their progress.

Setting Up Your Gradebook

Follow these steps to configure your gradebook so it aligns with your syllabus from day one.

Step One Match Your Syllabus

Set up your categories to mirror your syllabus and confirm your grading schema matches your grading scale.

Step Two Use Weighted Categories

Weighted categories give you flexibility to add or adjust assignments without breaking your grading structure.

Step Three Set Category Weights

Assign percentages so all categories total 100%. Use proportional weighting within each category.

Step Four Assign Categories to Activities

Make sure each assignment is placed in the correct category or your grades will not calculate properly.

💡 Tip Consider allowing unlimited attempts so students can fix mistakes without needing to contact you.

Key Grading Guidelines

  • Align with Your Syllabus Your gradebook should match your syllabus exactly.
  • Use Percentages Show percentages so students understand where they stand.
  • Avoid General Categories Always assign a grading category to ensure proper calculations.

Resources

Video Tutorial

Watch this walkthrough to see gradebook setup in action before you get started in your own course.

Updated on March 21, 2026

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