Grade Inflation in Higher Education

1
Grade Inflation in Higher Education

• Introduction
• Problem of grade inflation
• American Academy of Arts and Science in 2004
  stated 82 of Harvard students graduate with
  honors.
• Grade inflation can decrease reputation of the
  school. (Schiming)
• Employers realize an A doesnt necessarily imply
  skill. (Schiming)
• Solution is reform of education
• (Richard Schiming, Mankato State University)

2
Concerns

• Faculty Prescriptions would impinge on academic
  freedom and First Amendment rights.
• Parents In an Academy of Arts and Science
  Report Evaluation and the Academy it was noted
  that . . . With steeper tuition there are higher
  expectations for graduate school admission.

3
THE SOLUTIONA Portfolio Approach

• Components of a Portfolio Degree
• 1. Academic transcript
• 2. Co-curricular transcript
• Peer institutions, Rutgers
• 3. Level of degree conferred
• Highest honors, high honors, honors, pass

4
Responses of Stakeholders

• Dean De-emphasizing grades to create a more
  learning centered environment.
• Department chair Less impetus for grade
  inflation since portfolios de-emphasize grades.
• Faculty Preserves academic freedom.
• Alumni Portfolio provides evidence of important
  skill sets
• Parents Pleased the grades are still an
  important part of portfolio.