Is this legal?

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Hello all. I have a question. I'm currently enrolled in a nursing program that all unit exams are worth 65%,quizzes 10%, homework is 5% and final is 20% of your grade. In this program if your unit exam average does not equal exactly 75% you do not get your 10% for quizzes. This makes it impossible to pass this level even if one were to make a 100% on their final exam. My question is this. Is it legal to not give you a grade that you have worked for and earned? This just does not seem right.

Specializes in Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.

Getting 100% on the final doesn't necessarily mean you mastered the material, just crammed for the test. If you're really mastering the material, then all of your work should merit a passing grade and you should have no problem completing the program.

Just study your course material and leaving the "calculating" up to your school administration.

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
I'm thinking of filing a complaint, but only if this practice is not legal.

You will have to look up your contractual agreement with your school. If it's one of the shady for profit outfits out there and you signed the contract then you agreed to the terms. I never sign anything without my attorney looking it over - but that's just me.

Hppy

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Specializes in ICU.

This is not unheard of. They're setting a minimum passing score based on exams. I cannot even think of how this would be a "legal" issue, how schools grade is not regulated. If it's clearly stated it's definitely fair game. There can be all kinds of rules like passing HESI exams with minimum scores. And the BON is definitely not going to get involved, they're worried about people who have a license or are in a position to sit for boards.

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Honestly, if you don't know the material enough to pass the tests you shouldn't be able to pass the level. It's more than just passing a class. It's preparing you for nclex and for when you're the one keeping a person alive. Since tests are the biggest part of your grade, if you can't pass them, you shouldn't pass at all.

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Specializes in Pediatric Critical Care.

To clarify: you mean you have to get at least 75% on the unit exams to get your quiz points, right? Like if you were to get 80% instead of 75% on the exams, that would be ok?

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In my program, if the exam average isn't 80%, then it's an automatic failure of the course. The labs, clinical days, and quizzes do not mean anything without that 80%. I sometimes dream of programs that accept maybe 70% exam average or something, but then I wake up, remember that I'm in nursing school, and I hit the books. Study hard and get that 75% average or higher. You can do it, and you will be glad you did when you ace the NCLEX!!!!! :)

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For us, a 75% is passing. There are 4 test in every class. One is 20% and the other 3 are 25% including the final. Then there is 5% that comes from I-clicker quizzes. In order to get the 5%, you must have a 75 or above on the other material. Even though a 75 is passing, you have to meet with the instructor for remediation for anything less than a 76.

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Specializes in med/surg.

I know where I went you had to have at least 80% to graduate, but they didn't have many quizzes that counted, nor homework, it wasn't divided up like that. I would imagine every program is a little different. I went to a Community College and got my Associates. I think to keep programs and nursing schools open, the state takes a look at the percentage of those attending that pass boards. Right, I don't know , legal I would have to say yes.

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Specializes in Flight Nursing, Emergency, Forensics, SANE, Trauma.

Our program had tier grading. First tier you had to get so much on your tests and quizzes, once you sustained a certain grade on that material, you moved to second tier where the tests and quizzes equated to a lower percentage and your homework and projects counted towards your final grade.

It prevented people who skate by on participation and group projects alone and forced students to be able to hold their own knowledge wise.

It sucked during school but it was effective and now I'm thankful for it.

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This type of system is definitely standard practice. At my school tests/final are worth 80% of our grade. In order to pass the class we need at least a 76% exam average. If that 76% exam average is achieved, then the remaining points (from quizzes and projects) are added into our grade.

Your school is just making sure that your test scores are high enough to pass the class. I don't see anything wrong with their grading system.

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
It's just a question. And I meant per BON laws.

The BON is not a legislative body and as such does not make or enforce laws. It makes and enforces policy to protect public safety.

Hppy

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.
The BON is not a legislative body and as such does not make or enforce laws. It makes and enforces policy to protect public safety.

Hppy

Additionally: It is very concerning that your first thought is (apparently) taking legal recourse. Schools set policies that enrolled students are bound under. I think you fail to understand the term 'legal'.

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