The impact of grade ceilings on student grades and course evaluations: evidence from a policy change
Document Type
Article
Journal/Book Title/Conference
Economics of Education Review
Volume
56
Publisher
Elsevier Ltd
Publication Date
2-1-2017
First Page
133
Last Page
140
Abstract
This paper analyzes the effects of a grade ceiling policy on grade distributions and course evaluations. Results show that the effects vary based upon the level of the grade ceiling. A ceiling set at 2.8 decreased overall grade point average (GPA) by reducing the number of As and Bs and increasing the number of lower grades given. This low ceiling also increased the number of withdrawals and significantly lowered course evaluations. A ceiling set at 3.2 decreased overall GPA by reducing the number of As and increasing the number of Bs given, but the effects on course evaluations were smaller in magnitude and insignificant.
Recommended Citation
Gorry, Devon Haskell, "The impact of grade ceilings on student grades and course evaluations: evidence from a policy change" (2017). Economics and Finance Faculty Publications. Paper 920.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/econ_facpubs/920
