Home schooling in CA

Alex · 03-11-2008, 08:58 PM

Proper "curving" of grades relies on the assumption that grades will be distributed among a group of students in a pattern that roughly matches a normal bell curve distribution.

It is not a grade given based on how many points you achieved on a test but rather a grade given based on how you performed in relation to the other students.

So, for example, the average score achieved might be given a C, with all scores out from that score (in either direction) given Cs until 50% of the class has a C. Then the next 20% of students on the high end get a B while the next 20% of students on the low end get a D. Then the top 5% get an A while the bottom 5% get an F.

Under the strictest form of this system is it is impossible for every student to get an A. Even if every student scored 100% they'd all get a C. But theoretically it also means that even if every student scores less than 50% some would still get As.

Now, abstolutely strict curves really never happen but this was the basis on which GPAs were originally given comparative value for ranking students. Since all students were always graded on a curve and all went through the same curriculum there was consistency allowing for more realistic class ranking (as opposed to how you go about comparing an A in auto shop for Student A to an A- in AP Calculus for Student B).

Anyway, what most of my teachers in high school did was not a curve. They adjusted the scale. They said "ok, whatever the highest score in the class is, we'll call that 100% and an A. Then anything within 10% of that score will get an A as well. Anything between 80% and 89% gets a B, and so one.

MouseWife · 03-11-2008, 09:49 PM

Okay, I explained it to him the way like your teachers did it.

It was finals for them, and, I think they moved the date up on them, probably not enough studying, most likely not as I didn't see my son studying.

The test had 50 questions. The teacher told them that only 4 students passed, my son had a 35 or 36. None had over 40, all were between 35-39. So, after a day of thinking I guess the teacher decided to grade on a 'curve' he said.

Not that I am happy about it, I want him to be challenged and pushed. But...if he gets an 'A' then his final grade in this class is an 'A'. Keeps him in his Compact for Success. I am proud of his score and I am proud that he is one of the only four who passed.

Thanks, Alex. I will let him know the teachers are not using an official 'curve'. Ha, I'll let him read your post.

03-11-2008, 08:58 PM	#1
Alex . Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 13,354	Proper "curving" of grades relies on the assumption that grades will be distributed among a group of students in a pattern that roughly matches a normal bell curve distribution. It is not a grade given based on how many points you achieved on a test but rather a grade given based on how you performed in relation to the other students. So, for example, the average score achieved might be given a C, with all scores out from that score (in either direction) given Cs until 50% of the class has a C. Then the next 20% of students on the high end get a B while the next 20% of students on the low end get a D. Then the top 5% get an A while the bottom 5% get an F. Under the strictest form of this system is it is impossible for every student to get an A. Even if every student scored 100% they'd all get a C. But theoretically it also means that even if every student scores less than 50% some would still get As. Now, abstolutely strict curves really never happen but this was the basis on which GPAs were originally given comparative value for ranking students. Since all students were always graded on a curve and all went through the same curriculum there was consistency allowing for more realistic class ranking (as opposed to how you go about comparing an A in auto shop for Student A to an A- in AP Calculus for Student B). Anyway, what most of my teachers in high school did was not a curve. They adjusted the scale. They said "ok, whatever the highest score in the class is, we'll call that 100% and an A. Then anything within 10% of that score will get an A as well. Anything between 80% and 89% gets a B, and so one.
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03-11-2008, 09:49 PM	#2
MouseWife Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Da' Beach Posts: 2,957	Okay, I explained it to him the way like your teachers did it. It was finals for them, and, I think they moved the date up on them, probably not enough studying, most likely not as I didn't see my son studying. The test had 50 questions. The teacher told them that only 4 students passed, my son had a 35 or 36. None had over 40, all were between 35-39. So, after a day of thinking I guess the teacher decided to grade on a 'curve' he said. Not that I am happy about it, I want him to be challenged and pushed. But...if he gets an 'A' then his final grade in this class is an 'A'. Keeps him in his Compact for Success. I am proud of his score and I am proud that he is one of the only four who passed. Thanks, Alex. I will let him know the teachers are not using an official 'curve'. Ha, I'll let him read your post. __________________ Summa' time....when the livins' easy.........
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