A Spreadsheet Template for Forced Grading System

Abstract

Forced Grading Systems are popular and accepted for evaluating students, particularly in business schools. Under such systems students' numerical test scores are converted to letter grades (A, B, etc.) and awarded in mandated percentages. In common practice, schools mandate that 10% to 15% of students in a class receive As, 25% to 35% Bs, and 40% to 50% Cs. However, instructors must identify what numerical cutoffs satisfy mandated grade distributions, and that tedious effort might entail several solutions. This study introduces an Excel-based template with which instructors can establish numerical cutoffs that distribute students' grades in accord with mandated standards. Results indicate that the spreadsheet template is an efficient tool to evaluate students following the Forced Grading System