In fall 2014, Wellesley College began mandating pass/fail grading for courses taken by first year, first-semester students, although instructors continued to record letter grades. We identify the causal effect of the policy on course choice and performance, using a regression discontinuity-in-time design. Students shifted to lower-grading science,…

Presents a literature review on the effect of pass/fail grading for clinical courses on students' motivation and learning and discusses a survey of all National League for Nursing accredited graduate programs on its effect on a baccalaureate student's subsequent admission to graduate school. (JOW)

Advantages and disadvantages of five policy approaches are examined regarding graduation requirements for handicapped students: pass/fail, certificate of attendance, the individualized education program, special education diplomas, and specialized curriculum approaches. (CL)

Traces the history of grading and discusses the complex problem of evaluation and grading of student achievement. Reviews the various reference measures and notes the type of functions grades are supposed to serve. Cites seven alternatives to traditional grading. Concludes that "grades are the tail that wags the dog." (BRR)

Performance assessments in education and credentialing are becoming popular. At the same time, there do not exist any well established and validated methods for setting standards on performance assessments. This paper describes several of the new standard-setting methods that are emerging for use with performance assessments and considers their…