How can I import classes and students from Google Classroom?

Overview

Importing your classes from Google Classroom will automatically create accounts for your students, allow you to post CommonLit assignments directly to Google Classroom, and export scores to your Google Classroom gradebook.

In this article, we will cover:

1. How to import a class from Google Classroom
2. How to add more students to the class later
3. What to do if you receive a message that the class was already imported

How to import a class from Google Classroom

To import your classes and students from Google Classroom, follow the steps below:

1. Click My Classes (the teacher) in the menu on the left and select Manage Classes
2. Click the Create a class button
3. Choose the Import from Google Classroom option
   1. If you are not already connected to Google Classroom, you will be prompted to select the account you would like to connect to. Select the Google account associated with your Google Classroom account and accept the required permissions.
4. Select the class(es) you would like to import from Google Classroom
5. Choose the grade level(s) and subject area(s) for each class
6. Finally, click Import!

How to add more students to the class later

Classes imported from Google Classroom do not automatically update when students are added in Google Classroom. If new students join your Google Classroom class and you need to add them to your class in CommonLit, go to your Manage Classes page and click on the Sync button that appears by the number of students to the right of the class name on your Manage Classes page. Refresh the page after about a minute to see your updated roster.

What to do if you receive a message that the class was already imported

If you get an error message that one or more of your classes has already been imported from Google Classroom into CommonLit, one of three things has happened:

1. You are trying to import a class you have already imported in the past and archived. This is likely true if you have reused Google Classroom classes from the previous year or semester. Check your Archived Classes on your Manage Classes page. Note: CommonLit does not recommend reusing classes imported from Google Classroom. For more information, see the FAQ: I want to reuse my same Google Classroom class from last year, or another class, with new students in a new class. How do I sync this updated class to CommonLit?
2. You have more than one CommonLit account and you already imported the classes via another CommonLit account. Please try logging into CommonLit using alternative school-issued emails to see if you have another account you have forgotten about.
3. A co-teacher has already imported the class to their CommonLit account. If you are the primary teacher in Google, you should be able to import the class and transfer class ownership to yourself. If you cannot, please ask your co-teacher to make sure the class is not archived on their account. Additionally, confirm your account is in the same school as the class. If you are the secondary teacher in Google, please ask the primary teacher to sync the class in CommonLit to add you as a co-teacher.

If you have attempted to resolve the issue using the guidance above and are still encountering errors, please email help@commonlit.org for assistance.