Thanks much for the clarification. I was indeed using the term with imprecision. I agree I do not know any that use the classic curving of grades, the first method you describe. I know tons that use the second, where the top grade is either literally adjusted to be like a 100 and the other grades adjusted accordingly, or they just say that 63-70 was an A, 54-62 a B, etc. I see no meaningful difference whether they use a factor to normalize the grades to a 100 point scale or not, although I concede there can be minor differences. Certainly setting a minimum number that demonstrates excellent understanding, another for good understanding, etc. a priori is different. Personally I have seen less of the last, but certainly do see it reasonably often. I personally favor it, btw. I agree that there should be some standard that should be met regardless of the quality of that particular class.