Distribution of

Grades of Guidelines
for Effective Grading
 What distribution of grades?
Relative (have ranked the students)—distribution is a big
issue
• normal curve defensible only when have large,
unselected group
• when “grading on the curve,” school staff should set
fair ranges of grades for different groups and courses
• when “grading on the curve,” any pass-fail decision
should be based on an absolute standard (i.e., failed the
minimum essentials)
 Absolute (have assessed absolute
levels of knowledge)—not an issue
• system seldom uses letter grades
alone
• often includes checklists of what
has been mastered
• distribution of grades
is not predetermined
Guidelines for Effective
Grading
• Describe grading procedures to students
at beginning of instruction.
• Clarify that course grade will be based on
achievement only.
• Explain how other factors (effort, work
habits, etc.) will be reported.
• Relate grading procedures to intended
learning outcomes.
• Obtain valid evidence (tests, etc.) for
assigning grades.
• Try to prevent cheating.
• Return and review all test results as
soon as possible.
• Properly weight the various types of
achievements included in the grade.
• Do not lower an achievement grade for
tardiness, weak effort, or misbehavior.
• Be fair. Avoid bias. When in doubt,
review the evidence. If still in doubt,
give the higher grade.
 Conducting
Parent-Teacher
Conferences
Guidelines for a good conference
1. Make plans
• Review your goals
• Organize the information to present
• Make list of points to cover and
questions to ask
• If bring portfolios, select and review
carefully
2. Start positive—and maintain a
positive focus
• Presents student’s strong points first.
• Be helpful and have example of work
to show strengths and needs.
• Compare early vs. later work to show
improvement.
3. Present student’s strong
points first
• Helpful to have example of work to
show strengths and needs
• Compare early vs. later work to
show improvement
4. Encourage parents to
participate and share
information
•Be willing to listen
•Be willing to answer
questions
5. Plan actions cooperatively
• What steps you can each take
• Summarize at the end
6. End with positive comment
• Should not be a vague generality
• Should be true
7. Use good human relations skills
DO
• Be friendly and informal
• Be positive in approach
• Be willing to explain in
understandable terms
• Be willing to listen
• Be willing to accept parents’ feelings
• Be careful about giving advice
DON’T
• Argue, get angry
• Ask embarrassing questions
• Talk about other students,
parents, teachers
• Reject parents’ suggestions