Explanation
of Scoring
1.
The Academic Decathlon has ten events; each event is evenly weighted at
1000 points per competitor for a 10,000-point possible total. However,
only six scores are counted for the team ranking, (top two Honor, top two
Scholastic, and top two Varsity) so the top team score possible is 60,000.
Winning scores at the State Finals are usually in the 40,000 range.
2.
Five of the objective tests have 50 items; the raw score is converted to a
1000-point basis by the computer with each item worth 20 points. The math
test has 25 items. Each item is therefore worth 40 points.
3.
The essay is scored holistically based on a rubric. Each essay is read
independently twice. If there is a divergence of more than 200 points in
the two scores, the essay is read and scored by the Chairperson. The third
score then replaces the divergent score. The two scores are averaged for
the final score.
4.
The speech and interview are performed before a panel of judges (usually
three). The judges complete the ScanTron scoring forms. These are scanned
directly into the computer that then computes an average score based on a
maximum of 1000 points.
5.
Super Quiz has both a written component and an oral component. The written
test will have 40 items worth 15 points each that will count for 60% of
the total score (40 x 15 = 600). In the oral relay, each student will
answer five questions worth 80 points each that will count for 40% (5 x 80
= 400).
The
ScanTron scoring forms used at the competition are at the following links.
You'll need Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer in order to open them.
It's a free add-in from the Adobe web site, if you don't already have it.
Essay
ScanTron form
Speech ScanTron form
Interview ScanTron form
6.
Gold, silver, and bronze medals are awarded in each event and for each
category. All ties are awarded.
7.
Team overall ranking is determined by the top two scores in each category,
i.e. the top two Honor scores, the top two Scholastic scores, and the top
two Varsity scores.
8.
In Super Quiz, the team ranking is also determined by the top two scores
in each of the three categories. NOTE: It is not necessary that the
six students whose scores count for the Super Quiz be the same six
students whose scores count for the Overall.
9. There are three trophy divisions at the State competition. Trophies
will be awarded for first, second and third place in each of the following
three divisions:
Division 1 Small
Schools: All teams composed of 1a-2a schools under ASAA classifications.
Division 2 Medium
Schools: All teams composed of 3a schools under ASAA classifications.
Division 3 Large
Schools: All teams composed of 4a schools under ASAA classifications.
The first place winner
from each division will be deemed the State Championship team in the
division. The highest scoring team overall
will be deemed the Overall State Champion.
10.
A Winners' List is released following the presentation of awards that
recognize the gold, silver, and bronze medal winners in each event and the
each teams overall standings. Each coach receives a printout of their team's scores.
11.
Special awards are common in the Academic Decathlon. At the State Finals
they include the State Director’s Award, the Highest Scoring Student on
each team and Rookie Team trophies for first, second and third place teams
competing for three or less years.
