Grading

General. There will be five tests. The lowest test is dropped. The final exam will be given during the last day of class. The relative point values of tests, lab, and the final exam are as follows:

Curving. The way that tests are curved is as follows: Each student’s test is curved by dividing its score by the class average on that test and then multiplying that quotient by an arbitrary number (usually 80). Each student’s lowest curved test grade is then dropped. The final exam is curved in the same manner but not dropped.

Determining Grades. Once the tests and final exam are curved, a weighted average is computed of each student’s best four tests, lab grade, and final exam grade. That number is recorded in the form of a dot on a numbered line drawn on graph paper. When the dots for all students are recorded, groups of dots are noticed. A letter grade is then assigned to each group. If a dot falls midway between two groups, all aspects of that student’s performance—incuding attendance and promptness—are taken into consideration to determine his/her fairest grade.

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