Drop Lowest Score

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Overview

Blackboard allows you to drop the lowest of a series of scores automatically. For example, you may give 10 quizzes or assignments during the semester, and drop the lowest score for each student.

Note: It's NOT possible to drop the 2 lowest scores automatically.

Sample Equation
SUM { [Quiz 01], [Quiz 02], [Quiz 03] } - MIN { [Quiz 01], [Quiz 02], [Quiz 03] }

 

Drop the Lowest Score

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Create a Calculated Column

  • Under the Teach Tab, click on Grade Book
  • Create a Calculated Column
    See the Calculated Column tutorial for help on this

 
Edit the Formula

  • Click on the ActionLinks ActionLinks icon icon for the new column and select Edit Column Formula

  • Note: The calculation editor does not allow manual editing of formulas. Therefore, all values must be entered via button actions. Press Undo to undo the last action—you may have to press it several times to reach the entry you wish to change. Press Clear All to clear the entire formula and start over.
  • Under the function menu click Sum
  • Click the first column you would like added to the calculation

  • Click Enter Another Value
  • Add additional columns to the SUM as needed making sure to click the Enter Another Value in between each one

  • Click End Function to complete the SUM function

  • Press the minus button (-)
  • Click MIN

  • Follow the same process used to create the SUM function by adding all the columns that were summed up to the MIN function making sure to click the Enter Another Value in between each one

  • Click End Function to complete the MIN function

  • In the end, your formula should look similar to the one shown below

Review Settings

It is always a good idea to check any calculated formulas:

  • Click on the ActionLinks ActionLinks icon icon for your Demo Student and selecting Edit Member
  • Manually enter grades for your Demo Student
  • Press Save
  • Verify that your formula(s) calculated the demo student's score correctly

Remember: Each column calculated must be released before the students are able to see it.

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