Administrators
Explore how Gradient can support your team!
REQUEST A DEMO
WHAT IS SCANTRON?
Scantron sheets were invented to ease the process of administering assessments. As standardized testing has only grown in popularity, developing a more efficient method for grading became increasingly important. The first automatic test scanner was developed in 1937 using punch cards to read and score answer sheets. Then in the 1970s, Scantron introduced optical mark recognition (OMR) technology, which allowed machines to read and interpret marks made on the sheets, making the grading process even more efficient with machines being sent to schools to allow for onsite scanning and scoring. Scantron forms quickly gained popularity for administering selection-based tests, quizzes, and surveys.
ROLE OF A PRINTABLE SCANTRON SHEET
With more Scantron machines being purchased and placed in the teacher lounges for many schools, the Scantron form became a common office supply to be purchased routinely for standardized tests. This quickly became quite an expense for tight budgets, costing anywhere from $0.13 to $0.50 per sheet.
Printable Scantron sheets are electronic versions of traditional Scantron forms that can be printed out and used for administering and grading assessments. The printable forms did allow for educators to have more immediate access to the forms and since the forms were printed on-demand there was some cost-reduction since educators would only need to print what they required. However, there was still a large cost associated with maintaining and servicing the scanning machine itself. And for educators there was the cost of the time it takes for educators to go to the machine to scan and score assessments.
CHANGING ASSESSMENT NEEDS
In recent years, assessment in education has changed to go beyond standardized assessment. Educators have a need for more flexible assessment forms, including both short 3 question exit tickets as well as longer unit summative assessments. Having the convenience and efficiency of printable Scantron forms is important, however the results need to be available immediately within class in order to maximize the feedback opportunities for student learning.
There is a growing importance for more data analysis and Teachers need to provide immediate feedback to students. They also need an easy way to access data from the assessments in order to provide instruction based on what students have learned.
EVOLVE TO SCAN USING GRADIENT
With Gradient, educators create fully customized, scannable answer forms that are printed using regular paper and scanned using any mobile device, document camera, or web camera. Since scanning takes place directly in the classroom, educators and students have access to their results immediately. And with Gradient all different types of response options are available beyond traditional multiple choice sheets. Printable sheets can including number grids, numeric and fill in the blank answers, open-response options and rubric scored responses.
Educators that use Gradient to create their formative and summative assessments gain the ability to create keys in minutes that will work with their existing curriculum, which allows them to adjust for the assessment opportunity that works for their lesson and their students.
Not your Mom's Scantron
No Additional Equipment
Customize and print forms using regular paper. Scan using any document camera, web camera, or mobile device to score instantly. 
Time-Savings
Gradient streamlines the collection and grading of assignments. Transfer grades to digital gradebooks in an instant. 
Standards-Based Grading
Include and track state or custom standards to monitor specific learning areas for students. 
Accessible Data
Instant easy-to-understand data reports to support responsive teaching. 
Shareable Assessment & Data
Educators teams create and share common assessments to support PLC data conversations. 
Data-Informed Instruction
Collect and review data for insights into student performance. Educators can work collaboratively to inform curriculum and instruction decisions. 
Streamline Integrated Systems
Deliver assessments within existing LMS systems, like Schoology and Canvas. Sync grades automatically to the LMS gradebook. Gradient eliminates the need for costly forms and equipment. Educators can easily create customizable bubble sheets using Gradient to work with their curriculum, which can be printed on regular paper. Reducing the costs associated with purchasing special Scantron forms. In addition, eliminate the time-consuming tasks and lost instructional time associated with using an expensive scanning machine, scan instantly and provide immediate feedback to students. With the data collected, educators can access comprehensive and flexible reports that highlight areas of strength and areas that require more support. This data allows for data-informed instruction and decision-making, ensuring targeted support for students.
Move beyond standard printable Scantron sheets, and use Gradient, a cost-effective solution, to bring convenience, efficiency, and flexibility to the assessment process. Save time, provide immediate feedback, and support data-informed instruction. In today’s digital world, we want to make life easier. We want to save time and be more efficient. We want to know what works, and why. With Gradient, we can do all of this!
