Grade Inflation

Changes in High School Grading Standards in Mathematics, 1982-1992 - A research report that concludes no inflation occurred over the duration of the report. Includes a free download.
http://www.rand.org/pubs/monograph_reports/MR1445/index.html

Grade Inflation: The Current Fraud - Study by M. Thomas and William Bainbridge finds prevalent inflation in poor performing schools. <small>(February, 1997)</small>
http://schoolmatch.com/articles/ESRJAN97.htm

The Chronicle: Colloquy - Discusses government incentives for students. <small>(1997)</small>
http://chronicle.com/colloquy/97/inflation/inflation.htm

GradeInflation.com - Analyzes data from around the United States over time.
http://www.gradeinflation.com/

The Dangerous Myth of Grade Inflation - Covers the inaccuracy of statistics in comparison with the 1970s. Also compares rising scores to falling SATs.
http://www.alfiekohn.org/teaching/gi.htm

Harvard Education Letter - Article by Lisa Birk discusses causes and possible solutions. <small>(2000)</small>
http://www.edletter.org/past/issues/2000-jf/grades.shtml

The Chronicle: Can Untenured Faculty Members Stop Grade Inflation? - A former instructor at Harvard reveals the pressures on non-tenured professors. <small>(December 13, 2001)</small>
http://chronicle.com/jobs/2001/12/2001121301c.htm

The Guardian: Inquiry Into Exam Grade Inflation Claims - Covers the systamatic reduction of standards on the GCSE to return better results. <small>(August 31, 2001)</small>
http://education.guardian.co.uk/print/0,3858,4248272-103690,00.html

Fiscal Policy Effects on Grade Inflation - Written by Richard Barndt on fiscal and budgetary causes. <small>(July 6, 2001)</small>
http://www.newfoundations.com/Policy/Barndt.html

The Initiative to End Grade Inflation - Proposes an alternative numerical system for higher education. Covers teaching techniques, problem discussion, and plans of action.
http://www.endgradeinflation.org/

The Chronicle - Article by Harvard professor Harvey Mansfield. Discusses causes. <small>(April 6, 2001)</small>
http://chronicle.com/free/v47/i30/30b02401.htm

The Christian Science Monitor: Grade Inflation Is Not a Victimless Crime - Explains that students need an accurate synopsis of their performance. <small>(May 4, 2004)</small>
http://www.csmonitor.com/2004/0503/p09s01-coop.html

Jacksonville.com: Thousands of Students Victims of 'Grade Inflation' - Covers experiences of change in the expectations of students. <small>(June 22, 1997)</small>
http://schoolmatch.com/audit/jacksonville/articles/gradezz.htm

NPR : Harvard Grade Inflation - Student's grades at Harvard University have soared in the last 10 years. According to a report issued Tuesday by the dean of undergraduate education, nearly half of the grades issued last year were A's or A-minuses. Linda Wertheimer talks with Susan Pedersen, Dean of Undergraduate Education and a Professor of History at Harvard University, about grade inflation. [4:39 streaming audio broadcast] <small>(November 21, 2001)</small>
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1133702

The Boston Phoenix: The Great Grade-Inflation Lie - Analysis by Tom Scocca on statements made by professors that "skip logic class." <small>(April 23, 1998)</small>
http://www.bostonphoenix.com/archive/features/98/04/23/GRADE_INFLATION.html

NYTimes.com: Harvard Committee Works to Restore the Honor of the B Plus - Addresses grade inflation issues at Harvard over the years. [Requires free registration to view.] <small>(April 21, 2002)</small>
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/04/21/education/21GRAD.html

NPR Talk of the Nation : Grade Inflation - The faculty at Princeton University recently decided to limit the number of 'A' grades. Join NPR's Neal Conan and guests to discuss grade inflation and possible remedies to it. [32:49 streaming audio broadcast] <small>(May 4, 2004)</small>
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1870707

The Chronicle: Duke Professor Releases Data on Grade Inflation at 34 Colleges - Article by Jeffrey Young covering a Duke professor's analysis. <small>(January 30, 2003)</small>
http://chronicle.com/free/2003/01/2003013007n.htm

The Curse of the Easy A - A brief essay on the damage that grade inflation or making a class too easy can create.
http://www.musicedmagic.com/curriculum/the-curse-of-the-easy-a.html

NPR : Princeton Takes Steps to Fight 'Grade Inflation' - NPR's Anthony Brooks reports on how Princeton University is taking steps to reverse the trend of so-called grade inflation. [3:41 streaming audio broadcast] <small>(April 28, 2004)</small>
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1854943

MSN: Don't Worry About Grade Inflation - Article by Jordan Ellenberg argues that trends in work can be examined over several years. <small>(October 2, 2002)</small>
http://slate.com/id/2071759/