Frequently-Asked Questions:

Q: Why can't I see my classes?

You may not have the right filter enabled. From any particular page in Aspen where you should be able to access your classes, click on the Filter tool (shaped like a funnel, to the right of the search bar), and select "This Year's Classes" or "All Records." See this video for an example.

Q: I teach a split class. How can I separate the course codes in Markbook, so that each course can have its own categories and assignments?

Reach out to your school's head of Guidance - they have the ability to split your combined classes so that they will be separate in Markbook.

Q: Why can't I see my assignments in the Scores side tab so that I can enter my marks?

You may need to adjust your Scores page view. Under the Options menu, you'll see a Grade Columns drop-down menu. Ensure this is set to "All".

Q: Why can't I have an assignment with multiple categories?

In Aspen, assignments are configured so that each assignment can only fall into one category. The platform was designed under the assumption that a category would be something like "test" or "project" - distinctions that would not overlap on any given assignment.

In order to correctly calculate our overall marks, we have repurposed the categories to represent Ontario achievement chart categories (K/T/C/A). Unfortunately, that makes it more difficult to create an assignment that has components in more than one category. There is a workaround in creating multiple assignments at once - you can find instructions on how to do this, here: Walkthrough / Video

Q: Can I apply a comment to multiple students?

We currently do not have this feature available to us. We do have the ability to copy and paste comments from one comment box to another (or directly from a word document), or, you can quickly insert comments from your comment bank (if a comment bank is already established).

Q: If I make changes to my comments/learning skills/marks on a student's report card, do I need to re-post grades to the office?

Yes. Every time you make a change, you need to click "Post Grades" in order for the change to be reflected on the official report card at the office.

Q: Will I be able to see report card marks/comments from a previous reporting term?

Aspen
Secondary: We currently are not able to generate a report at this time. You may be able to ask the office to generate a report for you.

Elementary: While in the Markbook top tab, click on the Reports menu. Select Report Cards - Elementary Provincial. Be sure to click the magnifying glass beside Term and choose Winter for Term 1.

Trillium
All teachers can still see this information as view-only access in Trillium.

Q: Can I execute a "hard return" to start a new paragraph on a comment?

It will show as a new paragraph in your comment box, however, once your comment transfers to the report card, it will become one paragraph instead of distinctive paragraphs.

Q: Can I view my report cards once I'm finished entering my grades/comments?

Secondary: We currently are not able to generate this report at this time. You may be able to ask the office to generate a report for you.

Elementary: While in the Markbook top tab, click on the Reports menu. Select Report Cards - Elementary Provincial. Be sure you are in the appropriate Term (click the magnifying glass beside Term and choose Winter for Term 1 and Spring for Term 2.

Have a question that's not already answered on this site?

Here's a form to submit questions about Aspen. The response will be posted above (your name will not be included in the question), as well as emailed to you directly.