Grading system

[teetee1023]

In my LVN program we never had homework, it was just study, study, study. But, in my RN program we have a ton of homework that doesn't get counted into your grade until you have reached a 78%. Has anyone else had a program that enforces this as a policy?

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

Yes. It's very common in nursing schools. The average of your test scores must be above X%. Other assignments like projects and papers are only factored into your grade if your test scores are adequate.

This is because your ability to answer test questions is most definitive of your understanding of the content. Homework can be done with partners, using books or online resources so it doesn't prove that you really have a grasp of the material. If you can't pass the tests with the minimum amount of knowledge required, than the extra assignments should not be used to raise your grade over the passing mark. Of course, some people are poor test takers. Unfortunately successfully becoming a nurse is based on the ability to answer test questions, so programs try to identify this weakness early on.

[KrCmommy522, BSN, RN]

Yes. It's very common in nursing schools. The average of your test scores must be above X%. Other assignments like projects and papers are only factored into your grade if your test scores are adequate.

This is because your ability to answer test questions is most definitive of your understanding of the content. Homework can be done with partners, using books or online resources so it doesn't prove that you really have a grasp of the material. If you can't pass the tests with the minimum amount of knowledge required, than the extra assignments should not be used to raise your grade over the passing mark. Of course, some people are poor test takers. Unfortunately successfully becoming a nurse is based on the ability to answer test questions, so programs try to identify this weakness early on.

As Double-Helix said, it's very common.

They did the same as my school, and Double-Helix explained it well!

[sandygfleischmann, MSN, RN]

I do have a small amount of points for class prep assignments, papers and quizzes.

Test grades are 50 % of the course and the student does have to reach a 77% minimum for test average

for all of the other grades to be counted in the final course score.