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The Shock That Stayed: The COVID Pandemic and Its Impact on Assessment

Author

Listed:
  • Zoe Bogan
  • Juntao Chi
  • Olivia Cutka
  • Gabe Codada
  • Janani Eswaran
  • Nathan Fang
  • Ralph David Fernando
  • Nick Foxworthy
  • Avalin Hess
  • Ranit Kar
  • Jennifer Karakash
  • Warren Kim
  • Violet Lamptey
  • Adam Longstreth
  • Sydney Machado
  • Riley Odier
  • Thomas Pigott
  • David Rasmussen
  • Sophia Richason
  • Faith Shands
  • David Tashjian
  • Ariana Wagner
  • Jianhan Yin
  • William Bianco

Abstract

Objective This study aims to explain a sharp increase in average course grades at a large midwestern state university during the COVID pandemic. Methodology The study employed multivariate analysis of average course grades with course–faculty matching and other controls. Results The shock disproportionately affected grades in courses with low pre‐COVID average grades. These courses also retained a larger share of the increase in grades. Conclusion The shock appears to have contributed to grade compression at the high end, with significantly fewer low grades in some STEM gatekeeper classes. However, after 4 years, the overall effect is largely consistent with previous secular trends.

Suggested Citation

  • Zoe Bogan & Juntao Chi & Olivia Cutka & Gabe Codada & Janani Eswaran & Nathan Fang & Ralph David Fernando & Nick Foxworthy & Avalin Hess & Ranit Kar & Jennifer Karakash & Warren Kim & Violet Lamptey &, 2026. "The Shock That Stayed: The COVID Pandemic and Its Impact on Assessment," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 107(5), September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:socsci:v:107:y:2026:i:5:n:e70180
    DOI: 10.1111/ssqu.70180
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