Potions O.W.L - Pass vs High-Pass

[Steve]

No: HPFGUIDX 103131

--- In HPforGrownups at yahoogroups.com, "potioncat" <willsonkmom at m...>
wrote:
> > asian_lovr2:
> > 
> > I know I'm out numbered on this, but I just don't see how Harry
> > could possibly get an 'Outstanding' on his OWL. Even when we 
> > factor in -
> > 
> > - Snape's students generally achieve a 'High Pass' in their test 
> > (They are generally above average).
> > 

 
> Potioncat:
> Maybe I'm saying the same thing differently, but I thought Snape 
> said his class had a high pass rate, which means a large number of 
> his students pass the test or that very few fail.  ...edited...
> 
> And suddenly I wonder what his statement really meant.  Does he have 
> a high pass rate compared to previous Potions instructors? Or 
> compared to the expected percentage? or compared to those who take 
> OWLs who did not attend Hogwarts? or compared to the number who pass 
> other Hogwarts courses? Or compared to Muggle chemistry 
> tests....sorry who slipped that babbling potion into my tea?
> 
> Potioncat

Asain_lovr2:

I'm convinced of what Snape said, but at the sametime, I can see a
degree of uncertainty in the general interpretation of his statements.
So, before we go any further let's quote what Snape actually said as a
reference point.

---- Quote OotP - Am Ed HB - Chapt 12 - Pg 232 ---
"Before we beign today's lesson, " said Snape, sweeping over to his
desk and staring around at them all, "I think it is appropriate to
remind you that next June you will be sitting an important
examination, ... Moronic though some of this class undoubtedly are, I
expect you to scrape an 'Acceptable' in your O.W.L., or suffer my ...
dipleasure."

After this year, of course, many of you will cese studying with me,"
Snape went on. "I take only the very best into my N.E.W.T. Potions
class, which menas that some of us will certainly be saying good-bye."

"But we have another year to go before that happy moment of farewll,"
said Snape Softly, "so whther you are intending to attempt N.E.W.T. or
not, I advise all of you to concentrate our efforts /upon maintaining
the high-pass level/ I have come to expect from my O.W.L. students."
- - -  End Quote - - - 

First paragraph, Snape says that he expect EVERYONE to pass. That is,
'I expect you to scrape an 'Acceptable' in your OWL'. Implying that
for any student not to pass is extremely rare.

The third paragraph, 'concentrate ...upon maintaining the high-pass
level'. Since a HUGE majority of students ARE going to pass, then he
is implying the he expects the bulk of the student to do better than
pass, he expects a 'high-pass'. 

(Does the punctuation tell us anything? 'High pass' vs 'high-pass'?)

In otherwords, the minimum grade he expects is 'Acceptable'(pass), and
the more common or typical grade he expects is 'Exceeds Expectation'
(high pass), but only those who excel with 'Outstanding' will be
allowed into NEWTs.

The overal impression is that Snape's students are above average,
which means 'B'-level or 'Exceed Expectations' is typcial, whereas,
relative to the standard statistical cross-section or bell curve, the
bulk of the student fall at 'C'-level or 'Acceptable'.

And, as I said before, Harry seems to be a typical student when you
factor in Snape's persecution of him. That would put Harry on a par
with Ron, Dean, and Seamus. Perhaps, although not clear, he may be
ever so slightly better than they are. But, even factoring in Snape,
Harry's performance has never been at TOP level.

In my humble opinion, to give Harry an 'Outstanding' is the same as
assuming Ron, Dean, and Seamus will all get 'Outstanding' grades.
Which in turn somewhat negates those student who truly do outstanding
work like Hermione and perhaps Draco. Hermione must surely get a
better grade than Harry.

Just a thought.

Steve/asian_lovr