Conceptualizing grade inflation. (October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tyner, Adam; Gershenson, Seth
• Is Part Of: Economics of education review. Volume 78(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-10
• Subjects: Grade inflation -- Achievement gaps -- Grading standards; I2; Education -- Economic aspects -- Periodicals; 370
• DOI: 10.1016/j.econedurev.2020.102037
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0272-7757

Abstract

Abstract: Evidence of grade inflation in U.S. high schools is often misinterpreted due to confusion about how grade inflation is, or should be, defined. This note reduces the confusion by introducing a typology of grade inflation and discussing the implications of each type. We then provide empirical examples of each type of grade inflation using transcript and test-score data from Algebra I classes in North Carolina over a recent ten-year period. Year-specific (static) grade inflation has been, and remains, higher in schools serving relatively disadvantaged student populations; however, differential changes over the past ten years (what we term dynamic grade inflation) have significantly narrowed the socioeconomic gap in static grade inflation.