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Lawmakers hear hours-long testimony on KU School of Medicine grading bill as members question costs and evidence
Summary
House Bill 24-88 would require the University of Kansas School of Medicine to adopt a tiered grading system (at least four levels) and prohibit simple pass/fail grading. University officials and medical-school leaders testified strongly against the bill, citing competency-based assessment, high match rates and large implementation costs in the fiscal note; advocates for tiered grades argued residency directors need more information on top performers.
The Committee on Education heard extended, at-times heated testimony on House Bill 24-88, which would require the University of Kansas School of Medicine to use a tiered grading system with at least four designations (for example A–F) and would prohibit a simple pass/fail grading system at the school.
An unnamed proponent argued that tiered grades create incentives for students to master clinically relevant topics and give residency directors information to identify top candidates. The proponent cited commentary in the New England Journal of Medicine and warned that pass/fail systems can push students into a "shadow economy" of research and external activities to stand out.
University officials and faculty testified in opposition. Dr. Steven Stites, executive vice chancellor for the University of Kansas Medical Center,…
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