How does grade scaling work?

I've been hearing a lot about grade scaling, but I'm still not entirely sure how it works. Can anyone help me understand the process? How do teachers and colleges determine the scaled grades?

Grade scaling, also known as grade curving or just simply scaling, is a process used by educators to adjust the distribution of scores in a way that is considered fair and representative of the overall performance of a class. This method is intended to account for any abnormalities in the difficulty of exams, assignments, or discrepancies in grading standards. Here's a general overview of how grade scaling works:

1. Raw scores: First, students receive raw scores on their assignments, exams, or other graded work. These scores may represent points earned or the percentage of correct answers.

2. Distribution analysis: The teacher analyzes the distribution of raw scores to determine if there are any irregularities, such as a high number of low or high scores, or if the majority of scores fall within a narrow range.

3. Scaling method selection: There are various methods of scaling, and each has its own rationale and approach. Some common methods include linear scaling, normalization, and standard deviation scaling. The teacher chooses a method that best addresses the distribution issues and aligns with the course's grading policy or institutional guidelines.

4. Recalculating scores: Using the chosen scaling method, the teacher recalculates student scores to create a new distribution that is more representative of student performance. This may involve adjusting the weight of individual assignments, altering the grading scale, or applying a mathematical formula to the raw scores.

5. Final grades: After scaling the scores, the teacher assigns final letter grades based on the adjusted distribution. The objective is to ensure that the grading accurately reflects students' mastery of the course material relative to their peers.

It's important to note that not all teachers or educational institutions use grade scaling; its application varies widely based on individual philosophies and institutional standards. Additionally, while some colleges may use a standardized process for calculating GPA (e.g., converting letter grades to a 4.0 scale), they typically do not scale individual course grades themselves. Instead, they rely on the grading practices of individual high schools or instructors.