Types of Grading Schemes
The table below lists and describes different current approach to grading and provides the historical background for each type of grading scheme.
Types of Grading Schemes: Definitions and Historical Background
| Type of Grading | Definition | Historical Background |
|---|---|---|
| Percentage grading | Using a percentage scale (percent of 100), usually based on percent correct on exams and/or percent of points earned on assignments |
|
| Letter grading and variations | Using a series of letters (often A, B, C, D, F) or letters with plusses and minuses as an ordered category scale - can be done in a norm-referenced (standards-based) manner |
|
| Norm-referenced grading | Comparing students to each other; using class standing as the basis for assigning grades (usually letter grades) |
|
| Mastery grading | Grading students as “masters” or “passers” when their attainment reaches a prespecified level, usually allowing different amounts of time for different students to reach mastery |
|
| Pass/Fail | Using a scale with two levels (pass and fail), sometimes in connection with mastery grading |
|
| Standards (or Absolute-Standards) grading | Originally, comparing student performance to a preestablished standard (level) of performance; currently, standards grading sometimes means grading with reference to a list of state or district content standards according to preestablished performance levels |
|
| Narrative grading | Writing comments about students’ achievement, either in addition to or instead of using numbers or letters |
|
Excerpted From:
© 2009, Merrill, an imprint of Pearson Education Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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