Frequently Asked Questions - General

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Unfortunately for all individuals concerned (parent, guardian, child), this has not been an exact science and is constantly up for discussion between parent / guardian and the child - each individual trying to get the best of the situation.

AlphaGrade provides a simple and easy to use web based tool that will allow parents to set expected Goal Grades. In addition the parent will set the Weekly Allowance, Incentive for exceeding Goal Grade and Penalty for failing to achieve the set Goal Grade.

The children will enter their weekly grades actually achieved and based on which AlphaGrade will calculate the allowance earned for that week.

This will take the guess work out of the process and will establish a historical trail that can be viewed to analyze for failure or success.

In addition parents can use the Wish List and Sponsors feature to further motivate the child.

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AlphaGrade provides a facility where children can document their progress and justify their needs. The children can use the charts and graphs provided by AlphaGrade to assess areas of strengths and weakness. They can examine historical data to determine what worked for them and what did not - in the process making positive changes.

In cases where they are not in position to achieve the set goal, they can discuss this with their parent / guardian and have them set realistic expectations - all in a non-confrontational environment.

Once the child figures out how to use the AlphaGrade tools, they will notice an improvement in grades and less disagreement with the parent / guardian.

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Parent / Guardian
The parent / guardian should verify the grades (as entered by the child) and make any changes to the grades and comments as they find fit. This should take less than 5 minutes a week.

In addition, the parent / guardian or child may login at any time to use AlphaGrade features to further improve motivation factors for the child.

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This weightage factor can be changed at anytime by the parent.

To change this setting:
 - Login using your username / password
 - Click on the 'Edit / View Summary'
 - Click on 'Profile'
 - Click on 'Edit' in the section where the weightage is shown

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The child is expected to change this grade to the actual grade. In case the child forgets to make this change, the weeks AlphaGrade s calculated taking into account this average grade.

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If the parent is vigilant right from the beginning and penalizes incorrect grades (Example: lower the grade by 1 level), the child will automatically learn the concept of self-assessment and be more accurate in their assessment of grades.

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This information will provide a thought process which will lead them to develop their own beneficial strategy and in the process improve their situation and plan allowance earning.

The 'Statement of Allowance Earned' also shows the cumulative Balance that is due to them at the end of the week. This visual display of savings, should encourage them to save more and spend less.

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They will make every effort to earn the Incentive Allowance (while avoiding a Penalty) and if the parent rewards them for this achievement, they will quickly learn the relationship between hard work and compensation.

In addition, parents / guardians can give small loans to children and expect them to repay it from future allowance. This will teach the children fiscal planning and the ability to quickly read and understand a financial type statement, the 'Statement of Allowance Earned'.

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Comparing weekly grades and comments of each Academic subject / Home Related task, will give the parent / guardian an exact idea of the progress being made.

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Parents / guardians have to approve the items in the Wish List. This eliminates the possibility of the child getting their hands on stuff they should not have.

The child can specify the item, it's price and a date by which they would like to have it.

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The Sponsor has a couple options available to them:
Recurring Goal Maintenance Reward
As a Sponsor, they can set a target for the child based on current and expected performance. This will allow the child to claim the reward every time the set Goal is achieved or exceeded. This reward works well to boost and maintain motivation.

• There can be a cap on the maximum weekly reward
• There can be a cut-off date after which the sponsorship expires
• Additional conditions can be set

One-time Goal Achievement Reward
Sponsors can offer a One-time Reward for achieving a goals that is over and above the normal expectations. This type of reward works well in situations where test results or term end reports are sent out.

• This is a one-time reward and can have higher goals
• The reward can be set to be achieved within a specified time frame
• Additional conditions can be set

Pay AlphaGrade Subscription
Sponsors can pay for the child's AlphaGrade subscription. The payment can be made in monthly, quarterly, bi-annual or annual installments. Accounts can also be setup for automatic recurring payments. This type of reward works well where the sponsor would like to have a long term relationship with the child.

• This can be a One-time or recurring reward
• The reward can be set to be automatically renewed

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These individuals can sponsor the child and build a bond with them that was presently lacking on account of lack of communication or distance. A Sponsorship makes sure that the child is answerable to the individual while at the same time motivated to achieve the set goals - it's a win-win situation.

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