CLASS  2.05
                             Gary Wren
                               @1989

This is a brief introduction to CLASS, which can be obtained by
downloading CLASS.ARC or CLASS205.ARC, or by writing directly to
me (see below).

CLASS is a combination database and spreadsheet for teachers.     
I've been using versions of this program for my own classes, some 
of which have over two hundred students, and, frankly, it's 
indispensable. 

At heart, CLASS is a computerized class roster, providing a record
of students and their grades.  But the version you have will do
that and much more, including the following:    

          -- alphabetize, store, and print a list of all students
             in the class, personal comments, and their grades
          -- store and display up to 30 grades for each student, 
              including the GPA/AVG and the final grade
          -- rank students according to their scores on any 
               assignment
          -- calculate current or final averages for each student
          -- act as a "grade calculator" for unrecorded grades
          -- determine the letter grade that corresponds to each 
               student's score
          -- calculate the frequency, mean, variance, and standard
               deviation for each grade or assignment
          -- display a table and graph of the distribution of each 
               grade
          -- let you record letter grades quickly using the                
               number keypad
          -- allow you to set and change the ranges and weights 
               for each grade
          -- let you set a "curve" and calculate grades accordingly
          -- let you experiment with different curves and immediately 
               see the results in graph form
          -- transform all grades and files recorded as scores
              into equivalent letter grades 
          -- automatically set or adjust the ranges for each grade
              to fit a normal curve
          -- automatically check for typos when recording grades
          -- print roster with single, double or variable spacing  
          -- print names only, parts of a record, or names and a 
             grade, in single or double columns
          -- do all of the above for either number or letter 
               grades

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                           Running the Program

To run CLASS, just double click on CLASS.PRG from the desktop.
You must be in medium (color) or high (b/w) resolution, though.

The quick but cursory way to learn how to use CLASS is just to
load one of the two sample files provided and play around with
it.  LETTER.CLA is a class roster in which grades are recorded
as letters (A,B-).  NUMBER is one in which grades are recorded as 
scores.  Just follow the prompts.  I've tried to make CLASS 
as "idiot-proof" as possible, so don't worry about making a
mistake.  If you'd like a detailed set of instructions, see below.

When you're ready, select "create" from the "file" menu and start
a CLASS roster for your own class. 

TIP: Many functions ask for a student's NAME or NUMBER.  You need
enter only as much of the student's name as necessary to dis-
dinquish him or her from others.  For example, if "Rostow, Walt" is
the only student whose name begins with "R", just enter an "R"
to find him.  If there's also a "Robinson" in the class, you need
only enter "Ros."  (For more time-saving tips, get the manual!)

I would recommend that, after entering the students' names and
the names of the assignments, you make a printout of the roster.
Use it to record, by hand, the grades for each assignment, and
then transfer the grades to the computer.  The alphabetical
listing of the hand record will then be exactly the same as the
listing on the computer, and you won't have to skip around
looking up each student.  In addition, you'll then have a separ-
ate record of the grades.   At the end of the term, or any time
during the term, you can use CLASS to calculate the averages of
the grades entered.  This method saves time in the long run. 

If you don't care to create a roster but would like to have
CLASS calculate final grades, select "GPA & grades" from the
menu labeled "calculate" and then select "type" from the dia-
logue box.  

Whether using the roster or typing in grades directly, you'll
need to supply the total number of grades for each student and
the weight of each grade.  The weight of a grade is its percent-
age contribution to the final average, i.e., "how much the
assignment is worth," in common parlance.  The program allows you 
to change these at any time.

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                      Ritualistic Disclaimer

While I've tested this program as thoroughly as possible, I cannot 
accept responsibility for any damages or losses resulting from its 
use. 

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                      Important Announcement

I've spent hundreds of hours working on this program, and I'm
still developing new features for it.  I'm offering it as
SHAREWARE, i.e. pay for it if and only if you use it.  In return 
for a modest $15, you'll receive a disk with a 20-page, detailed
guide to CLASS, including many tips and shortcuts, the latest
upgrade, a free foreign language learning game, a typewriter 
program and a phone number to call for help.  Sounds fair,
doesn't it?

The address is:

                            Gary Wren
                            1725 Shattuck #303
                            Berkeley, CA  94709

Comments and suggestions are welcome and may be left for me on
GEnie c/o G. WREN.

Please feel free to give this program to your colleagues.