Using the What If? Function

The What If? feature in the SchoolsPLP Gradebook allows teachers to estimate a student’s projected course grade based on potential scores for upcoming or incomplete assignments.

This tool is helpful when discussing progress with students, planning interventions, or determining what score a student may earn depending on their future performance.

When to Use the What If? Feature

Teachers commonly use the What If? function to:

  • Estimate a student’s final course grade
  • Demonstrate how missing work affects overall performance
  • Show students what scores are needed to reach a desired grade
  • Plan academic interventions or improvement strategies

How to Use the What If? Function

Step 1: Open the Course Gradebook

  1. Log in to your SchoolsPLP account.
  2. Click on the course title.
  3. Select the Gradebook tab.


Step 2: Select the Student

  1. Locate the student list in the first column of the gradebook.
  2. Click on the student’s name whose projected grade you want to calculate.

Step 3: Open the “What If?” Tab

  1. Within the student’s gradebook view, click the What If? tab.

This will open a view where you can enter projected scores.

Step 4: Enter Projected Scores

In the Projected Score column, enter the expected or hypothetical scores for assignments.

Examples include:

    • Entering a target score for upcoming assignments
    • Entering 0% for unfinished assignments if you want to see the impact of missing work

Step 5: Recalculate the Grade

After entering projected scores:

  1. Click the yellow Recalculate button located in the center of the page.

The system will calculate and display the student’s projected course grade based on the scores entered.

Tips for Using the What If? Tool

  • Use this feature during student conferences to show how future work affects grades.
  • Enter 0% for incomplete assignments to simulate the impact of missing work.
  • Adjust projected scores to help students understand what grades they must earn to improve their final average.

Important Notes

  • The What If? calculation does not change actual grades in the gradebook.
  • It is a temporary projection tool used for planning and guidance.
  • Only confirmed scores entered in the gradebook affect the student’s official grade.

Need Additional Help?

If you need help using the What If? feature or navigating the Gradebook, click the Need Help button within SchoolsPLP to access the knowledge base or contact the support team.