The standard error of measurement (SEM) is a measure of the inconsistency in the scores of a particular group of test-takers. It is largest for test-takers with scores ranging in the 50 percent correct bracket; with nearly perfect scores, it is smaller. On tests used to make pass/fail decisions, the test-takers' scores tend to cluster in the range…

Part I of this report presents a survey of grading practices used by higher education institutions in New York. After reviewing current bulletins or catalogues of all the institutions, questionnaires were mailed to 226 requesting information on prior grading practices and on any recent changes in these practices. Results, based on an 80% response,…

Dissatisfaction with traditional grading practices has been increasing steadily during the past few years. Although alternative methods have been used by many institutions, there will be no commonly accepted system until some agreement has been reached on the goals of graduate level instruction and grading. There is no evidence to indicate that…

The Santa Cruz campus of the University of California has been using pass-fail grading coupled with written evaluations of the student's performance since it opened in 1965. The only exceptions to the pass-fail system are in nonintroductory undergraduate courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics in which students may select the letter…

The facts and opinions regarding pass/no pass grading at Berkeley discussed in this report are based on three sources of information. These sources include a survey of faculty conducted in the spring quarter 1970, a survey of undergraduate students in the winter quarter 1971, and the records routinely generated in the Registrar's Office for the…

A single-administration classification reliability index is described that estimates the probability of consistently classifying examinees to mastery or nonmastery states as if those examinees had been tested with two alternate forms. The procedure is applicable to any test used for classification purposes, subdividing that test into two…

In this study, items were drawn from a full-length test of 30 items in order to construct shorter tests for the purpose of making accurate pass/fail classifications with regard to a specific criterion point on the latent ability metric. A three-item parameter Item Response Theory (IRT) framework was used. The criterion point on the latent ability…

True, failures do not guarantee a poor future for students, but only Pollyanna can exclude all but virtues. (Author)

Reviews various types of grading and nongrading suggestions. (DS)

Grades represent only one type of achievement; our need is for a continuing andcomprehensive assessment ofstudent growth and development. (Author/IR)

More schools are applying a diversity of new grading innovations, with complete elimination of the failure concept as the emerging pattern. (Editor/IR)

The data indicates that the pass fail grading system investigated is well received and well perceived by all students, those electing the system as well as those opting for the traditional grading procedure. It is therefore concluded that this option should remain. (Author)