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…

This report presents the findings of a study based upon the three successive semesters that a credit-no credit option was introduced in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Missouri, Kansas City. The purpose of the option was: (1) to encourage students to attempt courses they otherwise might not attempt; and (2) to reduce some of…

Using 68 students in professional education coursework, the study determined whether accomplishment of performance objectives determined by satisfactory performance on unit tests during instruction was related to the student's performance on an end-of-course retention test. Evidence supported the assignment of grade credit based on objective…

Presents an eight-point plan, with illustrations, for assigning student grades. (JM)

Reports an investigation to assess praiseworthy grading versus traditional grading. With praiseworthy grading, finds improvement in the quality of student writing, and argues that teachers give balanced and focused commentary on the strengths and weaknesses in students' writing. (JAD)

Two methods of practical assessment, differing in degree of objectivity, were compared using a sample of bricklaying teachers. The results indicated that use of a substantially objective marking scale was more reliable, provided lower marks, and required substantially more time to complete. (JOW)

Research examines the difference in academic achievement between Yiddish-speaking and French-speaking students. Results indicate that teachers base expectations on intellectual ability and previous performance rather than on ethnicity. (RB)

Examined the status of machine transcription (MT) in postsecondary institutions during the 1985 school year. Described the program setting and organization of MT instruction, the instructional methods, material and equipment used, and a scheme for evaluation and grading. (JOW)

Describes a method of assigning letter grades based on five preliminary grading routines programed in a microcomputer spreadsheet program, in which the teacher chooses the final grade distribution either from the suggested routines or by making an appropriate adjustment to them. (MBR)