A common practice in some certification fields (e.g., information technology) is to draw items from an item pool randomly and apply a common passing score, regardless of the items administered. Because these tests are commonly used, it is important to determine how accurate the pass/fail decisions are for such tests and whether fairly small,…

Stochastic models are developed in this article to examine the rate of test misgrading in educational and psychological measurement. The estimation of inadvertent grading errors can serve as a basis for quality control in measurement. Limitations of traditional Poisson models have been reviewed to highlight the need to introduce new models using…

To obtain information on current high school grading policies, additional questions were included on the College Board's High School Profile in 1997. Results of the survey provide insight into the following grading policies across high schools: a large majority of schools (91 percent) use the traditional grading system A-F, or numeric grades; 92.2…

Discusses the results of a study which indicate that teachers' grading practices affect enrollment in science subjects. The study suggests that the elimination of disparities between grading in the sciences (especially physics and chemistry) and in other subjects will often yield substantial gains in science enrollment. (JR)

This short article describes innovations in the counseling practicum at Ball State University. Such innovations include the setting up of a laboratory (wherein students spend at least four hours per week engaging in activities such as tape critiquing, encounter, and discussion), supervision of prepracticum by practicum students, and the use of a…

The spuriousness of basing grades on test scores fitted to a normal curve is discussed. A grading system which attempts more truly to reflect reality is presented. (JP)

Suggestions for the classroom teacher, whose didactic role makes him peculiarly vulnerable to student disaffections. (Author)

The purposes of this study were: to determine if the pass-fail option was primarily exercised in courses outside the academic majors of university students; and to examine the reasons for electing and the influence of pass-fail on learning, motivation, anxiety, and grade aspiration. (Authors)

The office of admissions of a large, private university recognized the need of students seeking admission, who wanted to be reassured that their secondary education would be compatible with admissions requirements. Article is a general statement on how the university intended to meet secondary school demands. (Author/RK)

Students utilizing their pass-fail options took more total hours and in addition, earned a higher quarterly gradepoint average than eligible students enrolled exclusively in A-F hours. (Authors)

Describes an experiment in which the achievement of a high school class graded on a pass-no pass system was found to be equal to that of a close receiving traditional letter grades. (SP)

Describes a new 4-part grading program being used by a Pennsylvania school district, which provides parents with valuable information about their chilren's school progress. (Author)

Describes a computerized system for grading examinations for large class sections. The system, developed and tested over a period of three years, consists of three main program components: (1) SUPERGRADER III grades and analyzes each examination, (2) PARTY reorganizes punched card input to SUPERGRADER III if necessary, and (3) SUPERSCORER III…