For those who have to grade papers...

A Guide to Grading Exams
by Daniel J. Solove

Associate Professor of Law, The George Washington University Law School

Posted at ConcurringOpinions.Com
December 14, 2006

Grading begins with the stack of exams, shown in Figure 1 below.

(fig 1)

The next step is to use the most precise grading method possible. There never is 100% accuracy in grading essay exams, as subjective elements can never be eradicated from the process. Numerous methods have been proposed throughout history, but there is one method that has clearly been proven superior to the others. See Figure 2 below.

(fig 2)

The key to this method is a good toss. Without a good toss, it is difficult to get a good spread for the grading curve. It is also important to get the toss correct on the first try. Exams can get crumpled if tossed too much. They begin to look as though the professor actually read them, and this is definitely to be avoided. Additional tosses are also inefficient and expend needless time and energy. Note the toss in Figure 3 below. This is an example of a toss of considerable skill -- obviously the result of years of practice.

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http://www.rvc.cc.il.us/faclink/pruckman/humor/grading.htm

More news on the Dark Crystal Sequal...

Kira

"The Jim Henson Company remains committed to producing Power of the Dark Crystal. The film has not been 'cancelled' or 'put on hiatus' or any of the other rumored status changes that have been floating around. This film is an ambitious undertaking for us and it continues to move forward as we work to secure the financing and distribution that a project of this scope requires; and yes, these are factors that will most likely have an impact the production timeline. We are grateful to the fans who support Power of the Dark Crystal and we are excited to make this new chapter in the Dark Crystal story a reality."

- From a letter received by SFX Magazine, written by Lisa Henson, the co-CEO of The Henson Company and producer of the film.