Compulsory province-wide grade 12 examinations, administered in Alberta since 1906, were dropped in 1973; teachers were given the responsibility of assigning final grades. To assess the quality of education since then, a 1976 survey examined: (1) current grade 12 evaluation policies and practices; (2) whether or not grading has changed in the past five years; and (3) public opinion concerning changes in educational quality and recommendations for improvement. The superintendents responding to the survey cited the lack of consistency in applying policy within school systems and throughout the province as a major obstacle in maintaining public credibility. School systems have generally adopted the "Lethbridge policy" or some version of it which incorporates Alberta Education's"fair and just" concepts. Grades since the 1970's have shown a slight increase to 1973, a steady increase to 1975, and a slight drop in 1976 and 1977. Most of the 4,500 survey repondents think changes have occurred in the past five years, but those within the educational community take a more optimistic view than the general public. Most Albertans think that there has been an increase in curriculum flexibility, professional freedom and responsibility, but a reduction in student effort, level of achievement and comparability of grading practices. It was recommended that the new system be retained for a minimum of three years, subject to further review. (CP)