University of Virginia School of
Medicine
Curriculum Committee
Minutes 02.14.02
Pediatric Pathology Conference Room, 4:00 PM
Present (underlined) were: Reid Adams, Robert Bloodgood,
Victoria Camerini, Anita Clayton, Al Connors, Gene
Corbett, Donald Innes (Chair), Howard
Kutchai,Nelle Linz, Jerry Short, Bill Wilson,
Debra Reed (secretary)
- Clerkship Review. Revisions to the Clerkship response letter
have been completed. The response will be sent to the Clerkship
Directors, Chairs and Deans.
- Grading Task Force Report. Bob Bloodgood and Al Connors,
Co-Chairs presented the Grading Task Force report. Task Force members
included: Anita H. Clayton, John D. Gazewood, Robert J. Kadner, Howard
C. Kutchai, Richard D. Pearson, Michael F. Rein, and Jerry G.
Short.
Comments:
They researched the grading systems of the top 50 medical schools in
the country and did literature searches in formulating their proposal.
While data on the results of various grading systems was not extensive,
it was difficult to find any negative impact of the Pass/Fail system. A
study of Residency programs and what they value in their selection
process listed first and second year grades at either 11 or 12 on their
lists of 12 items. The Pass/Fail grading system should result in a
reduction in student stress levels.
In response to this extensive research, the Task Force proposed a trial
of pass/fail grading for the first year students starting with the
class of 2007 (entering in the fall of 2003). Letter grades would
continue to be used for years 2 and 3.
If the effects of this grading change result in any deleterious effects
after a period of observation, the option remains to reinstate letter
grades. The Office of Medical Education take the lead in collecting the
data for this study. The Medical School Admissions office is supportive
of this change.
-Don Innes
-dmr
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