This week, a few of my co-workers and myself had a grade book study session. We're in the process of dissecting the grade book options within Sakai so we have a deep understanding and can quickly troubleshoot issues. What surprised me, not being an educator, is the sheer number of grading options and the variety with which instructors want to evaluate and score various types of assessments. I falsely assumed that the way the instructors graded assignments at the university I attended was "standard."

Some institutions use a point system and later convert these to single letter grades. Others use letter grades all along, however, to calculate final grades there must be some underlying point value to allow for mathematical calculations. Some instructors want to drop one or two of the lowest scores while others offer extra credit. Now add to this whole mix the need to weight scores by individual assignment or by category; sometimes both at the same time. Each grading method requires different logic and evaluation from a computing standpoint. Once grades are calculated, each institution also has their own final grade assignment criteria. Grading is probably the most complex and involved function of any LMS.

Not only is there significant variation between institutions but now imagine translating between different countries. A website created by World Education Services gives some insight into the variety. Using their translator, you can view how grading scales around the world compare to the US. For example, in the UK you can score as low as 65/100 and still receive an "A." I hope these differences are taken into consideration when comparing the US educational system to those of other countries.

UNITED KINGDOM

Grading Scale

Scale U.S. Grade Equiv.

70-100 A

65-69 A-

60-64 B+

50-59 B

45-49 C+

40-44 C

0-39 F

For those institutions with novel or unusual grading practices, how have you met the challenge in tracking scores and completing final grade calculations?