Among the academic community, there is a perception that there is an upward shift in grade point average over an extended period of time without a corresponding increase in achievement. This trend has become an alarming topic among educators, industry and the general public. Some attribute increases in GPA to improvements in student quality while…

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University implemented a pass-fail grading system two years ago. The procedure in use appears to be working smoothly and suffers little abuse. Aside from physical education, courses taught under this system primarily are taken by seniors. The number of courses elected for pass-fail grading is small: 3.3…

Reactions to a marking system proposed by Scott are offered and inconsistencies identified. It is suggested that Scott's system does not minimize any of the difficulties usually apparent in absolute systems and presents some new problems. (LBH)

Students' assessments of one type of learning product, the term paper, were examined. The basic question underlying the project was whether students enrolled in college courses would be less adequate at assigning grades and ranks to their classmates' papers than would the instructors. A case is made for classmate evaluation. (LBH)

Grades generated by self-evaluation of performance were often more generous than those generated by instructor evaluation. (JD)

Seven major kinds of "bad" or "dishonest" marking systems much used by English teachers ar" briefly described. English teachers are urged to be more aware of recent publications which evaluate various marking systems. (BN)

In the early 1960's, Westminster College adopted a new grading system, with the traditional grade levels of A, B, C, D, and F converted to DN (Distinction), HP (High Pass), P (Pass), and NC (No Credit). NC replaced both D and F of the old system, and grade point averages were abolished, in an effort to encourage students to register in more…

The following advantages are regularly cited for traditional grading: it is in common use and allows relatively standardized information about students; it enforces academic discipline; it serves numerous administrative purposes; it prepares students for the competitions of life; it motivates students; and it is a fairly reliable index of academic…

The benefits and weaknesses of mastery grading and grading on a curve are examined. (DE)

Solutions for student unrest must be found by united effort of students, faculty, administrators, and parents. (Editor)

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)

Findings appear to bear out the contention that students tend to support a more widespred use of pass-fail grading. (Editor/PG)