The use of the stanine scale to control some of the sources of error in converting letter grades to a numerical scale before they can be added or averaged is described. (Author/RK)

This study investigated the effects of the use of piles on the reliability and level of theme grades; and the effects of the number of grading categories on the reliability and level of theme grades, awarded to undergraduate English compositions. (CS)

The lack of research on grading policies for handicapped students is pointed out, and results of a survey completed by 14 high schools in New Hampshire are summarized. Results reveal a variety of grading and graduation approaches including weighting grades or courses, developing a basic level curriculum geared for students having academic…

The position paper of the Grand Island, Nebraska, schools supports the assumption that when a pupil's handicap affects his ability to learn and perform, appropriate special education should include guidelines for special grading. The paper identifies grading obstacles such as differing perceptions of various participants in the grading process.…

The paper examines several basic grading procedures, noting the advantages and disadvantages of each procedure for handicapped students. Eight alternatives to grading are mentioned; of these, four are considered: (1) contract grading, (2) pass-fail grading, (3) the mastery learning approach, and (4) written evaluations (including checklists). It…

An investigation demonstrates close agreement between peer versus instructor evaluation of student position papers. (Editor/PG)

Discusses the current concern in education for assessment of student performance, especially where written work is involved. (RB)

The use of Bayesian methodology to assign grades in classroom situations is presented. Assigning a grade is viewed from a criterion, as opposed to norm, referenced perspective. Criteria include mastery of some proportion, determined by the teacher, of the subject matter covered in a course. Different levels of mastery are deemed possible and,…

ENGLISH TEACHER ANNOTATIONS WERE STUDIED TO DETERMINE THE DIMENSIONS AND PROPERTIES OF THE ENTIRE SYSTEM FOR WRITING CORRECTIONS AND CRITICISMS ON COMPOSITIONS. FOUR SETS OF COMPOSITIONS WERE WRITTEN BY STUDENTS IN GRADES 9 THROUGH 13. TYPESCRIPTS OF THE COMPOSITIONS WERE ANNOTATED BY CLASSROOM ENGLISH TEACHERS. THEN, 32 ENGLISH TEACHERS JUDGED…

An analysis of "F" and "I" grades given at Harcum Junior College during the last five academic years reveals a long-term trend of substantial stability. The average percentage of "F" grades given was 3.7 percent (range= 2.8-5 percent). The average percentage of "I" grades given was 2.1 percent (range= 1-3…

Junior college students on academic probation are as heterogeneous as the college population itself. They range from high-ability students dismissed from 4-year institutions to those with severe visual-motor handicaps. The differences should be more carefully identified so that appropriate help can be made available. Special counseling (required…

Glasser builds his alternative, a "School Without Failure," on an analysis of what children need to achieve a successful identity and on an examination of the ways in which schools affect children to teach them failure. The author discusses the Glasser approach and describes an attempt to implement the approach in a Palo Alto elementary…