2008 Woodie Awards
Grading scale causes debate
Ed Komenda
Issue date: 3/24/08 Section: News
There has been much debate concerning the possible implementation of a +/- grading system, which was an issue at the last Student Government Association meeting. What most people do not know is that the "new" scale was approved two years ago.
"The +/- system is actually a policy that we've had for two years already," said Judi Dallinger, assistant provost for undergraduate studies. "It has not been implemented because they were waiting until the new technology for reporting grades would be available."
According to SGA senator-at-large Tony Thomas, the new +/- grading system could be implemented as early as this summer. However, SGA will revisit the issue Tuesday at its weekly meeting.
The +/- grading scale was approved in Spring Semester 2005 after originally being rejected in the mid-1990s. According to Dallinger, the issue was discussed for an entire year before being passed.
"The Senate sent the topic to its Council on Admissions, Graduation and Academic Standards to research the subject and make a recommendation," said Steve Rock, Faculty Senate chairman. "CAGAS surveyed students, faculty and advisers as part of its investigation."
He added that in March 2005, CAGAS submitted its report on the advantages and disadvantages of a +/- grading system and recommended its adoption by a 6-to-5 vote.
"The students seem to be thinking that the system is new," Dallinger said. "It's not new; it just hasn't started yet."
Dallinger elaborated on the major differences between the +/- system and its current predecessor.
"As a faculty member, when I report grades, I only have the option of reporting A, B, C, D or F, and those grades would count in your grade point average as 4, 3, 2, 1 or 0 points," Dallinger said. "This new policy would allow me to use a plus or a minus or a straight grade."
She added the grade of B+ would actually count for more points than the straight grade of B. According to the official +/- scale, a B+ is worth 3.33 points compared to the rounder 3.0 points the current scale's B grade is worth. According to Rock, the +/- system allows for a more accurate assessment of student performance, narrowing the divide between grades.
"The +/- system is actually a policy that we've had for two years already," said Judi Dallinger, assistant provost for undergraduate studies. "It has not been implemented because they were waiting until the new technology for reporting grades would be available."
According to SGA senator-at-large Tony Thomas, the new +/- grading system could be implemented as early as this summer. However, SGA will revisit the issue Tuesday at its weekly meeting.
The +/- grading scale was approved in Spring Semester 2005 after originally being rejected in the mid-1990s. According to Dallinger, the issue was discussed for an entire year before being passed.
"The Senate sent the topic to its Council on Admissions, Graduation and Academic Standards to research the subject and make a recommendation," said Steve Rock, Faculty Senate chairman. "CAGAS surveyed students, faculty and advisers as part of its investigation."
He added that in March 2005, CAGAS submitted its report on the advantages and disadvantages of a +/- grading system and recommended its adoption by a 6-to-5 vote.
"The students seem to be thinking that the system is new," Dallinger said. "It's not new; it just hasn't started yet."
Dallinger elaborated on the major differences between the +/- system and its current predecessor.
"As a faculty member, when I report grades, I only have the option of reporting A, B, C, D or F, and those grades would count in your grade point average as 4, 3, 2, 1 or 0 points," Dallinger said. "This new policy would allow me to use a plus or a minus or a straight grade."
She added the grade of B+ would actually count for more points than the straight grade of B. According to the official +/- scale, a B+ is worth 3.33 points compared to the rounder 3.0 points the current scale's B grade is worth. According to Rock, the +/- system allows for a more accurate assessment of student performance, narrowing the divide between grades.
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 6
Josh
posted 3/23/08 @ 10:47 PM CST
You can't be serious? People worried about maintaining a 2.50 gpa? That is absolutely ridiculous. People who can't get a 2.5 shouldn't be allowed in college in the first place. (Continued…)
Steve
posted 3/24/08 @ 1:18 AM CST
I have to agree with Josh. Maybe it's time to raise the bar, let those people who are holding their 2.0 while being over involved in a student organization, or for that fact, 3 organizations. (Continued…)
Jimmy Peterson
posted 3/24/08 @ 9:30 AM CST
Although I see no problem with a +/- system (and I personally support it), I don't understand Dallinger's attitude on the issue. Just because a PAST group voted for the change 2 years ago does NOT negate the fact that the current SGA voted AGAINST the system. (Continued…)
Bill
posted 3/24/08 @ 10:33 AM CST
How will WIU students applying to graduate school be negatively effected when their GPAs with +/- are compared with those from institutions without the +/- system?
Bill
posted 3/25/08 @ 2:53 PM CST
You are all stupid. It is not about overall GPA many programs require all courses to recieve 2.5 or higher. this means if you recieve a C in your weaker subject you would have to retake that class until you got a B (3. (Continued…)
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