1. Grading Scale: The following grading scale is used:
Honors = 90% to 100%
Pass = 70% to 89%
Fail = below 70%
2. Distribution of Scores: The goal is to have exam results fall along a bell-shaped distribution without the need to adjust raw examination values.
- The average raw score for an exam should approximate 75%.
- Assuming a normal distribution of scores, the majority of students should earn scores falling within 1 standard deviation (SD) in either direction of the mean with relatively fewer students earning scores falling beyond 1 SD in either direction of the mean. Thus, the following distribution of grades is expected on an exam:
- 16% of the class with scores in the Honors range (i.e., greater than 1 SD above the mean)
- 34% of the class with scores Passing (i.e., within 1 SD above the mean)
- 34% of the class with scores Passing (i.e., within 1 SD below the mean)
- 16% of the class with scores in the Fail range (i.e., greater than 1 SD below the mean)