Can Grade Points Be Changed in School, College, or University?

Grade points, a system used to quantify academic performance, are a significant factor in students' academic careers. However, the question of whether these grade points can be changed often arises among both students and educators. Here, we explore the nuances of grade point manipulation in educational institutions.

Official Rules and Practices

Technically, official policies generally prohibit professors or teachers from altering grade points. The rationale behind this is to ensure the integrity and fairness of the grading system. According to official rules, grade points are assigned based on a precise rubric and do not include any subjective adjustments or manipulations.

Despite these strictures, there is a widespread belief and anecdotal evidence suggesting that grade point manipulation does occur, albeit in an unofficial capacity. Many college instructors have admitted to adjusting grades, particularly during curve grading, where a class grade distribution is adjusted to fit a predetermined bell curve.

The Practice of Curving Grades

Curving grades is considered a controversial practice because it involves manipulating grade points based on the performance distribution within a class. This means that instead of assigning grades based on the predefined rubric, the instructor adjusts the final scores to fit a specific distribution curve. For example, a student who initially earned a B might receive an A based on the overall class performance.

Such practices can be beneficial for both students and professors. Gradually, curving grades became a common practice among college professors, driven by the need to accommodate a wide range of student performances. However, it can sometimes lead to disputes and conflicts within academic institutions.

The Consequences and Controversies

The manipulation of grade points through curving can have serious consequences. In some cases, the methods used to curve grades are transparent and recognized by the academic community, while in others, they can be perceived as unfair and manipulative. For instance, a professor who adjusts grades without clear and justifiable reasons might face administrative scrutiny and disciplinary action.

An example of such a dispute occurred in a Physics class at a certain university. One professor was known for stretching every possible rule, from attendance policies to rules about buying drinks for students, to the limits of his influence in grade curves. However, in one instance, his actions pushed too far, drawing the attention of the department chair. This led to a significant conflict between the professor and the administration, eventually resulting in the professor's termination and the appointment of a new interim department chair.

Administrative Resistance and Ethical Considerations

While curving grades can be a useful practice, it often faces resistance from the administration. This resistance is rooted in concerns over academic integrity and fairness. The administrative bodies within educational institutions are tasked with ensuring that grading practices are consistent and transparent. Thus, they are often uncomfortable with any form of grade point manipulation that deviates from established standards.

For example, as a college instructor, I encountered instances where I had to correct mistakes in grading due to misunderstandings or simple calculation errors. However, this process was met with significant administrative resistance. The administration often preferred a strictly-defined and fair grading system over any form of subjective adjustment.

Conclusion

While official policies prohibit grade point manipulation, the reality of academic grading often involves a gray area where unofficial adjustments can and do occur. Curving grades can be beneficial but must be done discreetly to avoid controversy and administrative interference. Universities and colleges must strive to maintain academic integrity while providing flexibility to accommodate diverse student performances.

References

[1] Governing - College Professor Grade Curves

[2] - Curving Grades