An Examination of Differences in High School Graduation Standards

Abstract

This study describes the method by which Newfoundland identifies discrepancies among high school graduation marks and the consequences for students of adjustments made to reduce these differences. Analysis is based on results of the 1980 high school graduating classes, where a system of joint evaluation allows a comparison to be made between school marks and provincial examinations. The analysis focuses on: (a) the size and distribution of differences; (b) whether they are related to size of school; (c) how much of the phenomenon can be attributed to random error; and (d) whether the discrepancies are primarily a function of schools or individual teachers. A second aspect of the paper considers: (a) the assumptions necessary to perform the analyses herein; (b) the assumptions necessary to link mark discrepancies to teacher generosity; and (c) the fairness of using measures such as these to adjust student grades.