Determining Grades
created for
ETR 430
by Lisa M. Mehlig
COE/NIU
I’ve measured, so now what?
Scales
Criterion-referenced
 Consistent band-width distribution
on a percentage scale

 Standard Scale
 Adjusted Scale
Curves


Norm-referenced
Based on a distribution of scores
 Normal Curve
 Visual Inspection Method (Sculpted Curve/Gap Method)
What to record in grade book?
Letter grades
Percentage correct
Raw scores
Pass/fail
Checklist
Descriptions
What is the purpose of
grades?
Keep students informed
Keep parents informed
Administrative purposes

Class rank, graduation, honors, athletic
eligibility, transcripts
Guidance purposes

Vocational choices, college choices, identify
potential personal problems
Determining Report Card
Grades
Select what to include in the
final grade


Tests, papers, projects, assignments,
homework, participation, effort,
improvement
Consider overall learning goals
Select weights for each assessment
Combine weighted scores to determine
a single grade
Methods of Determining
Report Card Grades
Eyeball Method



Lacks objectivity
Address the whole over
each part
Recognizes need for
teacher professional
judgment in giving grades
Methods of Determining
Report Card Grades
Total Points Method




Based on recorded raw data
Add total points for all relevant assessments to get
total
Points can be assigned to determine weight of
assessment
Compare total points to a predetermined scale
Methods of Determining
Report Card Grades
Percent Correct Method


Demonstrates a level of objectivity
Convert each score or grade to the same scale
(percentage)
Weighted Method
Based on criteria (objectives
or assessments)
 Calculate a percentage for each
criteria
 Multiply the percentage by the
pre-determined weight
 Sum the products of each for overall grade

Sample Calculation of Weighted
Grades from Grading Activity
STEP 1: Determine which assessments
fit into which weighted criteria

Writing
 Persuasive Essay and Revision
 Research, Research Paper Draft 1 and Revision


Book Report
Novel
 Novel Questions
 Novel Vocab.
 Novel Quiz
Sample Calculation of Weighted
Grades from Grading Activity
STEP 1: Sum Total Points and
Student’s Points for each weighted criteria
Writing
Total
Points
Student X
50
30
15
20
35
150
42
26
11
15
29
123
Book Report
Total
Points
Student X
20
20
40
15
17
32
Novel
Total
Points
Student X
20
15
20
15
35
105
16
15
20
14
33
98
Sample Calculation of Weighted
Grades from Grading Activity
STEP 2: Calculate a percentage for each
weighted criteria
For each criteria, divide Student’s Points by Total Points

Writing
Total
Points
Student X
50
30
15
20
35
150
42
26
11
15
29
123
For the Writing criteria:
123/150 = .82
Do this for all criteria
Book Report = 32/40 = .80
Novel = 98/105 = .933
Sample Calculation of Weighted
Grades from Grading Activity
STEP 3: Multiply percentage for each
weighted criteria times the weighting
percentage
Mr. White’s Weights
for Each Criteria
Writing – 45%
Writing = .82 X .45 = .369
Book Reports = .80 X .15 = .120
Book Report – 15%
Novel – 40%
Criteria Percentage
From Previous
Calculation
Novel = .933 X .40 = .373
Sample Calculation of Weighted
Grades from Grading Activity
Sum all the products to determine
overall grade
Writing = .82 X .45 = .369
Book Reports = .80 X .15 = .120
Novel = .933 X .40 = .373
.862

may multiply by 100% if easier to interpret
.862 x 100% = 88.2%

compare against scale
Using a Standard Scale, Student X earns a B.