Multilevel ordinal models for examination grades

In multilevel situations graded category responses are often converted to points scores and linear models for continuous normal responses fitted. This is particularly prevalent in educational research. Generalized multilevel ordinal models for response categories are developed and contrasted in some respects with these normal models. Attention is given to the analysis of a large database of the General Certificate of Education Advanced Level examinations in England and Wales. Ordinal models appear to have advantages in facilitating the study of institutional differences in more detail. Of particular importance is the flexibility offered by logit models with nonproportionally changing odds. Examples are given of the richer contrasts of institutional and subgroup differences that may be evaluated. Appropriate widely available software for this approach is also discussed.