Attendance: Drs., Romrell, Kellner, Rarey, Stevens, Novak, Ritz. Students: Emily Goldberg, Penny Thomas Staff: Lou Ann Cooper, Victoria Justice (recording)
Dr. Romrell reviewed grade distributions for the classes of 2004-2008. Two handouts were distributed:
Dr. Rarey asked Dr. Stevens for his interpretation of the grade % distributed for his first year course Dr. Stevens expressed that the overall "perception" of averages might not always represent the actual student. Dr. Stevens continued to state that if there was a variance in exam questions or styles between courses, this could indicate a variance in grade distributions overall.
Emily Goldberg commented that from a student's perspective grades do vary from course to course. Emily also stated that as a student becomes more exposed and experienced to the requirements of medical school, the overall & or performance should follow.
Lou Ann Cooper asked how students are identified if their grades consistently remain at a "average" status. Dr. Kellner explained that competencies "flag" students.
Dr. Rarey distributed a handout on the Harrell report and asked the committee to review the paragraph concerning curriculum policies. He asked the committee for their input as to how the current policies can be updated.
Dr. Kellner stated that the course directors require a very clear knowledge base of all curricular competencies. He also suggested that the course/clerkship directors should meet in a retreat setting to address curricular policies i.e. pass/fail, grade competencies, etc., and then make recommendations that can be reported to the Curriculum Committee.
Dr. Kellner also expressed to the committee that a review of the pass/fail grading system should take place. "Do we want to institute a pass/fail system for 1st & 2nd year students?"
Dr. Romrell stated that he supports a discriminatory grading system through out the students' medical school experience.
Emily Goldberg stated that if 1st & 2nd year students were evaluated solely by a pass/fail system it may impact a students motivation.
Dr. Stevens suggested asking Dean Chapman to attend a meeting to ask him what his opinion is.
Dr. Kellner stated that the more experience a course/clerkship director has, the more discriminating they could become.
Dr. Stevens expressed that basic science vs. clinical science has variances in course structure and could have philosophical differences.
Dr. Rarey stated that consistency should be the objective.
Dr. Rarey stated that the evaluation sub committee would begin drafting a document regarding competency and grade distributions that will form the bases of a document to present to the C.C. This will be done via email.
Course reports for required pediatrics, required medicine, and general pathology will be reviewed at the next meeting on April 13.
Meeting adjourned 1:00pm