WHY ALVERNO DOESN’T USE LETTER GRADES

• Students focus on their learning. They see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, rather than as obstacles to their success.

• The impact of systemic drivers of inequality like race, gender, socioeconomic status and disability is reduced, leveling the playing field for all students. Regardless of what level they start at, students are assessed for their own individual rate of growth.

Students are encouraged to take more risks.

When they’re focused on performance and their strengths rather than grades, students are more willing to experiment with new ideas, leading to deeper learning and more creative thinking.

Student learning is more accurately represented. A single letter grade reflects a student’s ability to hit a one-size-fits-all benchmark, whereas our assessment-based model measures each student’s mastery of a subject and ability to apply knowledge and skill in real-world settings.

A better way to measure student growth.

We give students so much more than a single letter grade. We give them entire paragraphs of feedback, much like the performance reviews they’ll receive in the real world. This assessment lets students know what they’re doing well and where they can grow, fostering a desire for continuous improvement.

Our students get to know their strengths and opportunities for growth, and they push themselves to reach their highest potential.

Other well-respected institutions like Reed University, Brown University, Sarah Lawrence University, and Stanford and Yale Law Schools have since dropped standard letter grades. Alverno was one of the first, but we won’t be the last.

The Results

We believe in the power of the 8 Abilities to transform lives, but don’t take our word for it. A survey of more than 300 of our graduates found the 8 Abilities positively impacted both their learning and career experiences. Look for what they had to say throughout this book.

Nearly all found Alverno’s 8 Abilities curriculum provided an immersive educational experience.

70% VERY IMMERSIVE

24% MODERATELY IMMERSIVE

The 303 respondents graduated from Alverno College with their first degree between 1976 and 2019 and completed the survey in Spring 2023. Check out alverno.edu/8-Abilities for more results.

Since 1973, Alverno’s abilities-based curriculum has been described as innovative and revolutionary. We’ve been doing it longer than anyone. We believe the real benefit of knowledge is knowing how to apply it. At Alverno, we challenge students to “know it and show it.”

Our cutting-edge curriculum requires students to demonstrate excellence in their chosen fields while practicing and perfecting the skills most in demand by employers.

• Problem solving and analysis –for critical thinking

• Communication – in small teams and large groups using a variety of communication methods

• Global perspective and valuing in decision making – for a broad world view and ethical foundation

• Social interaction – students learn how to work effectively in teams and motivate their peers