I am a teacher and would like to be able to quickly enter data for my students.

What I am thinking about is this:

one row has all days of school by date excluding first (second) column.

first (second) column has students names. Last, first or Last (first).

In order to enter data, I would give the date to indicate the column this data was to be entered. I want to enter the initials, just two or three or student row. In a box right below that one have an entry for the type of score ie Tests, Quizzes, etc. Then below that a entry for the value of the score.

I would like to buttons that changes the color of the value of score box for the selected student and enters the data from the other boxes above.

maye I can type a quick example.

1/1/07 1/2/07 1/3/07
Last, first
Fudd, Elmer
Fudd, Elmira
Johnson, Bob

Ok entry boxes.
Initials: EF , EFA will get the "3rd" or "4th" Row
Date: 1/2/07 will geth the "3rd" column
Type: T will give a grade type.
Value: # will give a number value of the assignment.
boxes for colors say 4 colors...when one of these is pushed it changes the color of the referenced box (Initals, Date) and inserts the data as appropriate. No problem if blank.

I can go in and create formulas for weighted scale grading at the end but would ultimately like that to be automated as well.

can someone help or point me to a good book to get this done. I really don't know what to do.

William