Advocates the replacement of traditional college grading systems by achievement profiles. Individual profiles could be compared with model profiles to indicate preparedness for specific occupations or further study. Argues that this would give greater flexibility of curriculum and more valid evaluation. (EB)

Describes an evaluation technique for grading student computer programs which can reduce program grading time, as well as increase the teacher's objectivity. Elements of this technique include grading on six criteria (timeliness, problem definition, input/output design, logic design, source program, test validity). Examples are included. (CT)

The rationale of giving grades is considered, and possible adaptations of the traditional grading methods for handicapped secondary students are discussed. A chart lists procedures for 12 types of grading modifications, including shortened tests, peer tutoring, course projects, and class interaction. (CL)

Discusses the use of a microprocessor to record, retrieve, edit, and utilize grade formulas for students at the University of Virginia. (MER)

Five English language scripts which had been part of an external examination were copied in five contrasting styles of handwriting, and distributed as a marking exercise to groups of practicing teachers. Findings suggest that in some cases how the essay is written is almost as critical as the essay content. (Author/KC)

A reader of the College Board English Composition Test gives his impressions of the concerns and writing skills of high school students. (IRT)

Encourages writing teachers to use a grading system that employs checkmarks rather than letter grades to indicate whether a student paper has met the criteria established for the course. (DD)

Report cards should give parents descriptions of the progress of their children in at least these seven areas: play, social/emotional growth, arts and crafts, music, oral language, academic skills, and following directions. (Author/IRT)

Schools are plagued with significant deficiencies in measurement and assessment methods. The practice of dropping grades to control unacceptable student behavior is wrong and probably illegal. Also, tests are often severely flawed or misused. Administrators must recognize sound assessment, reward it, and deny advancement to those violating its…

During a "planning" period in the teachers' lounge of a large American high school, conversation turned to uniform, numerical grading systems versus locally determined letter grades. Then various teachers attempted to apply numerical grades to a colleague's coffee-making skills, and a visiting superintendent missed out on a grade-A cup of coffee.…

Test misgrading is treated as a stochastic process. The expected number of misgradings, inter-occurrence time of misgradings, and waiting time for the "n"th misgrading are discussed based on a simple Poisson model and a hierarchical Beta-Poisson model. Examples of model construction are given. (SLD)

Discusses how attempts to be reasonable may cause teachers to create exceptions (for disadvantaged students) to the grading norm. Maintains that making exceptions may ultimately do students more harm than good. Discusses how the harm can be avoided. (SR)