A Crude Approach for Correcting for Grading Bias in Higher Education
 
D. Larry Crumbley

One of the strongest variables for causing invalid SET data results is a hard grader. Research clearly shows that a harder grader will receive lower SET scores. See Higher Grades = Higher Evaluations

A crude adjustment can be made to SET scores to places professors on a more level playing field. Assume two professors with the following SET scores and GPA data:

Professor                                 A                                                           B

SET score                              2.90                                                       3.80

GPA given                             2.70                                                       3.60

Adjustment                            4.00-2.70=1.30                                      4.00-3.60=.40

Comparable SET score        2.90+1.30=4.20                                      3.80+.40=4.20 
 

Here both professors have similar SET scores of 4.20. In today's climate, however, professor A would be fired.

Note that this crude approach does not adjust for instructors who are hard and cover more material. Large classes, early morning and late evening classes, and other variables may cause a unlevel teaching field. Instructors with academic standards need to furnish their administrators with this information or demand that these adjustments be made for tenure, promotion, and merit pay decisions. Otherwise, grade inflation and course work deflation will continue in higher education. 

Taking time and energy to reflect on and improve one's work are essential to the understanding process itself.
 
R. Simmons (1994)

 Society for a Return to Academic Standards

 Broccoli and Cotton Candy

 


Last Updated: 13 November 1998