I use grades to express both relative strength and objective performance. Here's how I do it: 1. The individual grade a student receives on each component of a

I use grades to express both relative strength and objective performance. Here's how I do it: 1. The individual grade a student receives on each component of a course is a reflection of their mastery. These grades are not force-ranked or subject to a curve. Therefore, the student may draw conclusions from each grade about opportunities to improve. 2. The overall grade a student receives for the course is force-ranked. I strive for a distribution of no more than 25% A's, and no more than 50% B's. This grade is therefore a reflection of a student's relative class standing, and not necessarily their actual mastery. Thoughts?