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Lesson 12.1. Norm-referenced Vs. Criterion-referenced Grading

Prepared by: Genesesly R. Tahoy
Reference: Assessment of Learning 1 of Dr. Rosita Navarro, Dr. Rosita Santos, and Dr. Brenda Corpuz, 2017 pp 112-116

Introduction
Assessment starts from testing. This can be either in paper and pencil objective
test or some performance based testing procedure. After that is to come up to a decision
to grade the performance of the student. This is all about Grading. There are many
grading systems that evolved in different schools and universities. Some use letters to
express grades. While others use numerical grades such as 1.0, 1.25 and so on. This is
also true since there is no such standard gradation system. However, whatever grading
system is adopted by the school, it appears clear that there must be a need to convert a
raw score values into corresponding standard grading system. For this reason, this lesson
is intentionally written to bring you to another chapter of learning about norm-referenced
and criterion referenced grading systems. Okay, let’s now begin.

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this lesson, you are expected to:
 Compare and contrast norm-referenced and criterion-
referenced grading systems.
 Generate a general impression about norm-referenced and
criterion-referenced grading systems.

Let’s get started

Looking at the two illustrative examples of grading systems, I’d
like you to take some time and describe them. The video of your
professor may help you complete these tasks.

Illustrative A. Illustrative B.
A teacher may establish a grading policy In a class of 100 students using below, no
whereby the top 15 percent of students one might get a grade of excellent if no
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will receive a mark of excellent or one scores 98 above or 85 above

outstanding, which in class of 100 depending on the criterion used.
enrolled students will be 15 persons.

1.0 (Excellent) = To 15% of Class 1.0 (Excellent) = 98-100 0r 85-100

1.50 (Good) = Next 15 % of Class 1.5.(Good) = 88-97 or 80-84
2.0 (Average, Fair) = Next 45% of Class 2.0 (Fair) = 75-87 or 70-79
3.0 (Poor, Pass) = Next 15% of Class 3.0 (Poor/Pass) = 65-74 or 60-69
5.0 (Failure) = Bottom 10% of Class 5.0 (Failure = below 65 or below 60

1. Describe Illustrative A and Illustrative B using own words and observations. (150-
200 words)
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Let’s think about it.

1. Which attribute/s of the two grading systems is/are comparable?
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2. Explain how the two grading systems (Illustrative A & B) are similar and different
with respect to their comparable attributes.
Let’s explore.
Alright the two grading system you have described and
analysed are norm-referenced and criterion-referenced grading.
In this section, you are encouraged to study the following
backgrounders lifted from Assessment of Learning 1 of Dr. Rosita
Navarro, Dr. Rosita Santos, and Dr. Brenda Corpuz (2017) pp.
112-116. (We are enjoying for now the “Fair Use” of the
Intellectual Property of the above authors.)
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Let’s do it.
After studying the backgrounders of norm-referenced and
criterion-referenced grading systems, answer the following.
For more guidance, please watch the video of your
professor for this lesson.
1. The following final grades are obtained in a class of
Grade VI pupils:

80,81,82,83,84,82,80,81,79,77,88,83,89,90,91,90,78,79,82,91,92,90
a. Using norm-referenced grading with a seven point scale, determine the scores
that would get a failing mark. What is your general impression on this?

88, 85, 88, 87, 85, 88, 83, 82, 80, 79, 77, 76, 77, 78, 83, 89, 91, 90, 83, 88, 86, 83,
80
b. Using a norm-referenced grading with an 8-point grading scale, determine the
scores that would get a failing mark. Compare this with the previous grading
system above.

2. Using the data in Problem b, set a passing criterion of 78 and set equal intervals
for all other grades above the passing criterion. How does your result compare
with those of norm-referenced grading? In which system do you feel comfortable?

Closure.
Congratulations! You can now describe, compare and contrast
norm-referenced and criterion referenced grading systems. I know now
that you are starting to love a grading system that you are more
comfortable with. But remember, there is no such wrong or correct
grading system. What they differ is just only the purpose. Alright, proceed
now to Lesson 12.2 that is DepEd Grading System. Good luck.