Starting December 21, 2026, DDx will show an adjusted score for every rubric-based case. Here are answers to the some most frequently asked questions.
What is the adjusted rubric score?
The adjusted score is the percentage DDx reports for a rubric-based case, and it's the score we recommend for grading. DDx calculates it from the learner’s mean rubric score (1 to 3) and calibrates it to common grading standards. Scores fall into one of three performance bands: Preliminary, Progressing, or Proficient.
What exactly is changing?
Today, a learner's mean rubric score (1 to 3) converts to a percentage where the lowest score is 33% (1/3). The adjusted score is a linear conversion that anchors the percentage to 60% as the bottom of the rubric instead. Percentages are rounded to the nearest whole number.
Band | Mean rubric score | Percentage today | Adjusted percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
Preliminary | 1.0 to 1.4 | 33% to 47% | 60% to 69% |
Progressing | 1.5 to 2.4 | 50% to 80% | 70% to 89% |
Proficient | 2.5 to 3.0 | 83% to 100% | 90% to 100% |
Why is DDx making this change?
In the current model, a learner who scores 2 on every criterion shows up as 67% which is below grading norms according to many faculty. This often discouraged learners, pulled down course averages, and forced instructors to build their own curved scores by hand. The adjusted score lets DDx results sit naturally alongside your other coursework.
Will my learners' rubric ratings change?
No. Each criterion is still scored 1, 2, or 3. Only the percentage those ratings convert to is changing.
Is the adjusted score a curve?
No. Each learner's score depends only on their own rubric ratings, never on how other learners performed. The conversion is linear, so the order of learners and the spacing between their scores stay the same.
What does this look like for a learner?
These examples assume a case with eight rubric criteria, each scored 1 to 3, for a raw total between 8 and 24.
Criterion scores | Total | Mean | Today | Adjusted | Band |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 | 8 | 1.00 | 33% | 60% | Preliminary |
1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 | 11 | 1.38 | 46% | 68% | Preliminary |
1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 | 12 | 1.50 | 50% | 70% | Progressing |
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 | 16 | 2.00 | 67% | 80% | Progressing |
1 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 | 18 | 2.25 | 75% | 85% | Progressing |
2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 | 19 | 2.38 | 79% | 88% | Progressing |
2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 | 20 | 2.50 | 83% | 90% | Proficient |
2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 | 22 | 2.75 | 92% | 95% | Proficient |
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 | 24 | 3.00 | 100% | 100% | Proficient |
Which rubrics does this apply to?
The adjusted score applies to every DDx rubric.
Instructional focus | Rubrics used |
|---|---|
Clinical Reasoning | Clinical Reasoning |
Communications | Consultation; Delivering Bad News; Informed Consent; Patient Handoff; Shared Decision Making |
Mental Health | Medication Management; Psychiatric Evaluation |
Routine Care | Referral and Follow-up; Wellness Visit |
Are any other scores changing?
No. The overall case score (accuracy) and multiple-choice scores stay the same, because they aren't based on rubric ratings. Cases without a rubric are not affected.
When does the change take effect, and will past scores change?
The adjusted score applies on a go-forward basis to rubric-based cases completed on or after December 21, 2026. Scores from cases completed before that date keep their original percentage.
How will I know which scores are adjusted?
On the Assignment Performance Across Time chart, a marker will show the date DDx began using adjusted scores. It will appear when your selected date range includes December 21, 2026 and at least one rubric-based case.
How might I convert scores in DDx into the old or new scoring model?
You can export your scores from the Performance page and convert them in Excel or Google Sheets with a single formula. You can either convert past scores to the adjusted model or convert new scores back to the previous model. Follow the step-by-step instructions in this Help Article.
Who can I contact with questions?
Email institutionalsupport@sketchy.com. Our team can help you plan your transition or walk through converting scores.