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Conceptualizing Grade Inflation

Author

Listed:
  • Tyner, Adam

    (Thomas B. Fordham Institute)

  • Gershenson, Seth

    (American University)

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 clarifies the implications of recent research on grade inflation in two ways. First, we situate the evidence by defining three distinct types of grade inflation. Second, we extend past research using data from North Carolina by documenting the different types of grade inflation experienced by high school students in the state over a recent ten-year period. Static grade inflation has been, and remains, higher in schools serving relatively disadvantaged student populations; however, differential growth in grade inflation in schools serving relatively advantaged student populations over the past 10 years has significantly narrowed this SES-based gap in grade inflation.

Suggested Citation

  • Tyner, Adam & Gershenson, Seth, 2020. "Conceptualizing Grade Inflation," IZA Discussion Papers 13291, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp13291
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Xavier Jaravel, 2019. "The Unequal Gains from Product Innovations: Evidence from the U.S. Retail Sector," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 134(2), pages 715-783.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    grading standards; achievement gaps; grade inflation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I26 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Returns to Education
    • Q54 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Climate; Natural Disasters and their Management; Global Warming

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