A Case Analysis

1. A Case Analysis Grade Distribution for four pre-calc. classes at Panther Creek High School 2012

2. Curves of Grade Distribution of four Pre-Calc Classes at Panther Creek High School 2012 OverOObObe These curves represent the distribution of final course grades for four Pre-calc. classes at PCHS this year, with approx. 25-30 students in each class • We asked for the data because we heard: • That assessment grades in some classes were being curved by teachers throughout the semester and in one class they were not. • In one class some students for who it was mathematically impossible to get an “A” at the end of the semester still got one. (That is a teacher pushed some B’s up to A’s). • Some observations: • The curve for Class 3 is peculiar as for some reason the number B’s are out of the expected bell curve pattern, but the number of A’s for that class is 2-9 times greater than the other classes. Almost suggesting some B’s were shifted to A’s. Otherwise Class 3’s curve would peak on the B grade similar to Classes 1 & 2, with only Class 4 peaking at a grade of D. • The curve of Class 4 peaks at a D grade, two grades lower than Classes 1, 2 & 3. • Question: • Is what what we heard true?

3. Comparison of Number Letter Grades Per Class four Pre-Calc. Classes at Panther Creek High School 2012 • Observations: • Almost twice as many students got A&B's in Class #1 versus Class #4.  • 2/3 thirds of Class #1 received A&B's and only 1/3 of Class #4 received A&B's • Class #4 received almost twice as many D&F's as the other classes.  • There were more "D's" given in Class #4 than all the other classes combined.  • Reasonable Assumptions: • The students for each class were randomly selected during the class scheduling process. • The significant difference between the classes was limited to the teacher and their practices. • Questions: • Why are there such a differences between the classes? – quality of instruction, assessments, grade curving etc. • Was your student or will you student be affected by this situation? – A difference in two letter grades on a transcript is huge. • If this is happening in classes were the assessments are as objective as math, what is happening in the more subjective classes?

4. Sources • Data provided by PCHS administration • Charts and associated text developed by Brett Cox • Would like to thank PCHS administration for graciously providing this information as it provides insight for rational conversations for all of us to co-operatively understand and contribute to our public educational system.