Why grading can feel unfair—and what to do about it.
This book investigates how two supposedly equal judges can assign very different marks to the same student work. It looks at real exam data from New York and shows how teachers’ marks, examiners’ adjustments, and even the type of subject influence scores.
With clear examples, it explains the challenges of rating papers, the impact of using standardized scales, and when such scales help or hinder consistency. It also compares how small and large schools perform under marking systems and discusses what this means for fairness and accuracy in promotion decisions.
- How variation among judges changes the meaning of a grade.
- Where standardized scales improve or worsen reliability across subjects like drawing, handwriting, and composition.
- How different school sizes and resources relate to grading outcomes.
- Practical considerations for evaluating and improving marking practices.
Ideal for teachers, school leaders, and readers curious about the reliability of grades in education.