Describes two college programs for writing across the curriculum that involve faculty workshops. The workshops are primarily designed to dispel misconceptions faculty have about writing and to teach them more critical methods of writing evaluation and grading. Includes an appendix with a workshop exercise for spotting plagiarism. (HTH)

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)

Reports the results of a study that compared teacher rankings of seven business letters written by students. (RL)

A respectable reliability of scoring twelfth-grade essays can be achieved through the use of essay models in the two Alberta Essay Scales (style-content and mechanics). The scales can assist classroom teachers in the day-to-day scoring of essays by providing a constant standard. (Author/SB)

Several models of grading variability are presented. It is shown that study of the models brings out some of the implications of various grading systems. (MK)

Describes a study correlating observational test question scores and lab notebook evaluations. Results indicate that, while there is no correlation between those two factors, there are problems with evaluating notebooks objectively. (MA)

Describes a reading approach to shorthand homework in which students are graded on their in-class reading of the homework instead of being required to write the homework. Guidelines are provided for second semester shorthand students (proposed grading scale and reading rates). Advantages and results of using this method are discussed. (TA)

"The findings of this study show that the contract grading device...significantly lowering the student evaluations of the professor /and/ causing students to respond in a negative fashion to every item on the faculty evaluation instrument." (Authors)

Discusses the annoyances and minor aches accompanying the tedious work of marking students' schoolwork and the application of the computer to providing students with good feedback. Notes that using the computer to mark students' papers is more enjoyable and less time consuming, provides the teacher with an easily accessible record of each…

Explores possible reasons for grade inflation by examining two sets of business graduates (N=300) from McKendree College. Results indicate that grade inflation apparently continued throughout the 1980s and early 1990s. However, if other statistically significant variables, such as age and ACT scores, were considered, then grade inflation seemed…

Rather than challenging grades alone, educators should question the whole assessment enterprise. The three rationales for grading (sorting, motivation, and feedback) are problematic, since they stress a demand (obligation), as opposed to a support, model. Ideas for adopting supportive assessment and avoiding grading abuses are provided. (19…

Describes development of a rubric for assessing class discussion. Discusses procedures, student roles, and assessment in a "scored discussion." Notes that students find the process to be both demanding and informing. (RS)

Suggests that in evaluating student papers audiotapes have several advantages over written comments: audiotapes make for a holistic instead of myopic evaluating approach, and make it easier to make positive comments. Explains system for transferring responsibility for grammatical errors from the teacher to the student. (TB)

Describes the contents, requirements, and pedagogy of a course in information resources management at the College of Business at Eastern Michigan University. Highlights include types of required assignments; how assignments are graded; assessment techniques; class structure; and student attitudes regarding the course. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the problems music teachers have with assessment because they teach a wide variety of students. Addresses the reasons why music teachers should assess their students. Includes ten tips for teachers on how to assess students in the music classroom. Provides information on using an electronic grade book. (CMK)