Describes grading systems used in student publications production classes at several Texas high schools; includes a copy of the contract used in one contract grading system. (GT)

Data about a modified contract grading system in an introductory American politics course at the University of Wyoming are discussed. Three grade options are described from which students choose one and complete its requirements. (ND)

Lack of knowledge and interest in grading translates into a serious information breakdown in education. Reforming classroom assessment and grading practices will require educators' commitment to professional development, classroom-relevant training programs, help from professional organizations and testing experts, a coordinated vision,…

Competitive grading stresses judging over learning. Assigning competitive grades adversely affects teachers by turning them into students' opponents, justifying inadequate teaching methods, trivializing course content, encouraging evaluation methods that misdirect and inhibit student learning, and rewarding teachers for punishing students. High…

Rejects grading student journals. Describes various approaches to journal writing evaluation the author used with her students and approaches used by her professors when she returned to school. Questions the educational process of grading student journals. Discusses how to create real dialog. (RS)

Explored issues related to student evaluation in higher education through responses of 40 faculty members to a scenario involving the evaluation of a graduate student whose thesis did not meet the teacher's expectations. Findings illuminate the clash between instructors' concerns for their students and the need to evaluate them according to…

Investigates the effects of consistency of candidates' performance across questions within an examination paper based on examiners' judgments of A level grade-worthiness for biology and sociology examinations. Finds that inconsistent performance produced lower judgments in biology, while very consistent performance was preferred in sociology.…

Examined are reforms taking place in the grading system of High School District 214 in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. School administrator effectiveness is the key to a successful and appropriate grading system. (SI)

Reports on two studies conducted to determine whether the length of assignments or the nature of grading practices (relative or absolute) influenced the amount of homework teacher education students were motivated to complete. Revealed that the quantity of work produced was greater for short assignments than long ones. (DMM)

Although portfolio assessment offers exciting alternative to traditional testing methods, ensuring accurate representation and measurement of student performance is challenging task. As Vermont's experience shows, reliability of teacher evaluation is very low, and setting acceptable standards is difficult. Before adopting portfolio approach,…

Describes a program developed at Christian County High School in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, that utilizes three different levels of instruction with two different curriculums under each level to meet the differing needs of students. (SR)

Three studies investigating the existence of sex bias in the grading of undergraduate students, by examining interrater reliability for blind and non-blind grading, are reported. Negative evidence found in the results and the confusing picture presented by previous research indicate little firm evidence of sex bias in grading. (Author/MSE)

Examines how instructors may motivate students to improve their writing skills. Compares goal- and punishment-based grading systems for students. Tests two exemplary systems to determine their effect on students' performance and perception. Finds that, although both systems improved students' writing, they were perceived differently and the…

Discusses the practice of using a portfolio reporting system in a learning disabilities resource room. Gives several rationales for the superiority of portfolios. Provides specific examples of student work. Provides a detailed description of how to implement portfolio reporting in the classroom, including planning, selection of materials, and…

Examines the use the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI), and provides evidence that the OPI can be used comfortably for such purposes as assigning oral skill grades, especially if examiners are trained to differentiate within levels and if scores are calibrated using a graduated scale. (GLR)