Opinion ID: 1775214
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Testing Methods and Grading

Text: At the outset of the program a basic decision was made against the usual assumption of the absence of testing and grading underlying most other continuing legal education programs. It was thought that to maintain consistency with the philosophy of close replication of a conventional law school experience that some form of testing and academic incentives was necessary. The basic method of law school examination was retained primarily for its intrinsic value as a substantial learning experience, both in the preparation for exams and in the analysis required in taking them. The examination methods actually used in the program varied widely as can be observed by reference to the complete set of exams given to date contained in the appendix. All exams appear to be appropriate to the course material in each course and in aggregate constitute a fair cross section of conventional law school examination methods. The grading method used in the program represents an attempt to preserve a system of incentives within a group of students as to which it was thought to be inappropriate to use conventional grading methods. From all observable indications, the system has operated to create the desired level of competition within the group. The standard grade awarded in each course is simply complete, which signifies that the student has regularly attended classes and has made a good faith effort in taking the exam. If it is determined that a good faith effort has not been made a grade of incomplete is established and an additional examination is scheduled. The system of incentives is predicated upon the ranking of the best ten examinations in each course in the order of accomplishment. The ten best students receive the numerical ranking as a grade in lieu of the standard complete. Only students who successfully complete the exams on the first taking participate in the ranking.