Ardsley’s Online Gradebook Makes the Grade

Five months after implementation, Ardsley's digital grade tracking system receives enthusiastic feedback from the school community.

The Ardsley School District's opening of the online gradebook, launched on November 21, 2024, has improved how AMS and AHS students and families monitor academic progress. The system, accessible through the eSchoolData Portal, provides real-time grade visibility for students in grades 5-12 and their parents/caregivers, marking a significant step toward educational transparency.

At the outset, the district outlined specific objectives: to boost student independence, improve self-awareness, encourage self-advocacy and promote transparency throughout the educational community. Now, students can easily keep track of their completed assignments and tests, which gives them a better understanding of their academic progress over the year.

"Sorting through the assignments on Google Classroom used to be a hassle, especially figuring out which quarter we were in," shares ninth-grader Nadia Ozdoba. "Open gradebook efficiently sorts my assignments by quarter and categories, so getting an idea of my average grade for the quarter is simple."

To help maintain focus during school hours, the online gradebook remains closed from 7:00am to 3:00pm on school days but remains accessible at all other times.

Parents have embraced the new system's capabilities. "As a parent of a middle schooler, I appreciate the transparency and accessibility the open gradebook provides," notes Sonia Balaram, parent of an AMS student. "It's valuable for both parents and students to have real-time access to grades. I also see this as a chance to teach kids important life skills like self-advocacy, communication, and reflection."

District administrators emphasize that the online gradebook should encourage students to monitor not just their grades but also their growth in knowledge and skills essential for future success.

Ninth-grader Helene Dillon highlights the practical benefits: "I believe that the open grade book was a great addition because it helps me monitor my schoolwork and keep on top of subjects I may struggle with. Previously, it was difficult to know my grade on a day-to-day basis, therefore making it challenging to know where I am struggling."

The goal is for the online gradebook to encourage meaningful discussions about learning and student progress. While encouraging families to monitor academic progress together, the district advises maintaining a healthy balance when checking grades, keeping in mind that excessive focus on daily grade fluctuations could negatively impact student well-being.

Parents agree that the open gradebook is a resource but has other benefits as well. "At the end of the day, an open gradebook is a tool," Balaram added. "Its real value is empowering students to take ownership of their learning, advocate for themselves, and build communication skills that will serve them far beyond the classroom. While it's tempting as parents to step in on their behalf, this is an essential opportunity for us to guide them in learning how to advocate for themselves—a skill that will be invaluable for life."

To promote effective communication, the district established clear protocols for grade inquiries:

• Students must consult with teachers before parents reach out about grades.
• Parents are encouraged to review grades with their children periodically.
• Teachers will engage with parents only after students have sought direct clarification.

Superintendent Matt Block expressed confidence in the system's impact: "This innovative tool puts students in the driver's seat of their own education. When used mindfully, it fosters self-advocacy, nurtures meaningful conversations and drives academic success."

The Ardsley School District continues to evaluate the system's effectiveness and welcomes community feedback to ensure the online gradebook remains a valuable resource for students, parents and educators.