diff --git a/common/lib/xmodule/xmodule/capa_base.py b/common/lib/xmodule/xmodule/capa_base.py
index c23071aff3..c2d7c402d5 100644
--- a/common/lib/xmodule/xmodule/capa_base.py
+++ b/common/lib/xmodule/xmodule/capa_base.py
@@ -1048,7 +1048,7 @@ class CapaMixin(CapaFields):
 
         return answers
 
-    def publish_grade(self):
+    def publish_grade(self, only_if_higher=None):
         """
         Publishes the student's current grade to the system as an event
         """
@@ -1059,6 +1059,7 @@ class CapaMixin(CapaFields):
             {
                 'value': score['score'],
                 'max_value': score['total'],
+                'only_if_higher': only_if_higher,
             }
         )
 
@@ -1370,13 +1371,16 @@ class CapaMixin(CapaFields):
 
         return input_metadata
 
-    def rescore_problem(self):
+    def rescore_problem(self, only_if_higher):
         """
         Checks whether the existing answers to a problem are correct.
 
         This is called when the correct answer to a problem has been changed,
         and the grade should be re-evaluated.
 
+        If only_if_higher is True, the answer and grade are updated
+        only if the resulting score is higher than before.
+
         Returns a dict with one key:
             {'success' : 'correct' | 'incorrect' | AJAX alert msg string }
 
@@ -1428,7 +1432,7 @@ class CapaMixin(CapaFields):
         # need to increment here, or mark done.  Just save.
         self.set_state_from_lcp()
 
-        self.publish_grade()
+        self.publish_grade(only_if_higher)
 
         new_score = self.lcp.get_score()
         event_info['new_score'] = new_score['score']
diff --git a/common/lib/xmodule/xmodule/tests/test_capa_module.py b/common/lib/xmodule/xmodule/tests/test_capa_module.py
index 5444e5298f..e4ca3f3c7a 100644
--- a/common/lib/xmodule/xmodule/tests/test_capa_module.py
+++ b/common/lib/xmodule/xmodule/tests/test_capa_module.py
@@ -487,15 +487,14 @@ class CapaModuleTest(unittest.TestCase):
         # Simulate that all answers are marked correct, no matter
         # what the input is, by patching CorrectMap.is_correct()
         # Also simulate rendering the HTML
-        # TODO: pep8 thinks the following line has invalid syntax
-        with patch('capa.correctmap.CorrectMap.is_correct') as mock_is_correct, \
-                patch('xmodule.capa_module.CapaModule.get_problem_html') as mock_html:
-            mock_is_correct.return_value = True
-            mock_html.return_value = "Test HTML"
+        with patch('capa.correctmap.CorrectMap.is_correct') as mock_is_correct:
+            with patch('xmodule.capa_module.CapaModule.get_problem_html') as mock_html:
+                mock_is_correct.return_value = True
+                mock_html.return_value = "Test HTML"
 
-            # Check the problem
-            get_request_dict = {CapaFactory.input_key(): '3.14'}
-            result = module.submit_problem(get_request_dict)
+                # Check the problem
+                get_request_dict = {CapaFactory.input_key(): '3.14'}
+                result = module.submit_problem(get_request_dict)
 
         # Expect that the problem is marked correct
         self.assertEqual(result['success'], 'correct')
@@ -861,7 +860,7 @@ class CapaModuleTest(unittest.TestCase):
         # what the input is, by patching LoncapaResponse.evaluate_answers()
         with patch('capa.responsetypes.LoncapaResponse.evaluate_answers') as mock_evaluate_answers:
             mock_evaluate_answers.return_value = CorrectMap(CapaFactory.answer_key(), 'correct')
-            result = module.rescore_problem()
+            result = module.rescore_problem(only_if_higher=False)
 
         # Expect that the problem is marked correct
         self.assertEqual(result['success'], 'correct')
@@ -881,7 +880,7 @@ class CapaModuleTest(unittest.TestCase):
         # what the input is, by patching LoncapaResponse.evaluate_answers()
         with patch('capa.responsetypes.LoncapaResponse.evaluate_answers') as mock_evaluate_answers:
             mock_evaluate_answers.return_value = CorrectMap(CapaFactory.answer_key(), 'incorrect')
-            result = module.rescore_problem()
+            result = module.rescore_problem(only_if_higher=False)
 
         # Expect that the problem is marked incorrect
         self.assertEqual(result['success'], 'incorrect')
@@ -895,7 +894,7 @@ class CapaModuleTest(unittest.TestCase):
 
         # Try to rescore the problem, and get exception
         with self.assertRaises(xmodule.exceptions.NotFoundError):
-            module.rescore_problem()
+            module.rescore_problem(only_if_higher=False)
 
     def test_rescore_problem_not_supported(self):
         module = CapaFactory.create(done=True)
@@ -904,7 +903,7 @@ class CapaModuleTest(unittest.TestCase):
         with patch('capa.capa_problem.LoncapaProblem.supports_rescoring') as mock_supports_rescoring:
             mock_supports_rescoring.return_value = False
             with self.assertRaises(NotImplementedError):
-                module.rescore_problem()
+                module.rescore_problem(only_if_higher=False)
 
     def _rescore_problem_error_helper(self, exception_class):
         """Helper to allow testing all errors that rescoring might return."""
@@ -914,7 +913,7 @@ class CapaModuleTest(unittest.TestCase):
         # Simulate answering a problem that raises the exception
         with patch('capa.capa_problem.LoncapaProblem.rescore_existing_answers') as mock_rescore:
             mock_rescore.side_effect = exception_class(u'test error \u03a9')
-            result = module.rescore_problem()
+            result = module.rescore_problem(only_if_higher=False)
 
         # Expect an AJAX alert message in 'success'
         expected_msg = u'Error: test error \u03a9'
@@ -1656,7 +1655,7 @@ class CapaModuleTest(unittest.TestCase):
         module.submit_problem(get_request_dict)
         # On rescore, state/student_answers should use unmasked names
         with patch.object(module.runtime, 'track_function') as mock_track_function:
-            module.rescore_problem()
+            module.rescore_problem(only_if_higher=False)
             mock_call = mock_track_function.mock_calls[0]
             event_info = mock_call[1][1]
             self.assertEquals(mock_call[1][0], 'problem_rescore')
diff --git a/common/test/acceptance/pages/lms/instructor_dashboard.py b/common/test/acceptance/pages/lms/instructor_dashboard.py
index 61966156b4..419723b06a 100644
--- a/common/test/acceptance/pages/lms/instructor_dashboard.py
+++ b/common/test/acceptance/pages/lms/instructor_dashboard.py
@@ -48,12 +48,14 @@ class InstructorDashboardPage(CoursePage):
         data_download_section.wait_for_page()
         return data_download_section
 
-    def select_student_admin(self):
+    def select_student_admin(self, admin_class):
         """
-        Selects the student admin tab and returns the MembershipSection
+        Selects the student admin tab and returns the requested
+        admin section.
+        admin_class should be a subclass of StudentAdminPage.
         """
         self.q(css='[data-section="student_admin"]').first.click()
-        student_admin_section = StudentAdminPage(self.browser)
+        student_admin_section = admin_class(self.browser)
         student_admin_section.wait_for_page()
         return student_admin_section
 
@@ -1025,8 +1027,18 @@ class StudentAdminPage(PageObject):
     Student admin section of the Instructor dashboard.
     """
     url = None
-    EE_CONTAINER = ".entrance-exam-grade-container"
-    CS_CONTAINER = ".course-specific-container"
+    CONTAINER = None
+
+    PROBLEM_INPUT_NAME = None
+    STUDENT_EMAIL_INPUT_NAME = None
+
+    RESET_ATTEMPTS_BUTTON_NAME = None
+    RESCORE_BUTTON_NAME = None
+    RESCORE_IF_HIGHER_BUTTON_NAME = None
+    DELETE_STATE_BUTTON_NAME = None
+
+    BACKGROUND_TASKS_BUTTON_NAME = None
+    TASK_HISTORY_TABLE_NAME = None
 
     def is_browser_on_page(self):
         """
@@ -1034,167 +1046,185 @@ class StudentAdminPage(PageObject):
         """
         return self.q(css='[data-section=student_admin].active-section').present
 
+    def _input_with_name(self, input_name):
+        """
+        Returns the input box with the given name
+        for this object's container.
+        """
+        return self.q(css='{} input[name={}]'.format(self.CONTAINER, input_name))
+
     @property
-    def student_email_input(self):
+    def problem_location_input(self):
+        """
+        Returns input box for problem location
+        """
+        return self._input_with_name(self.PROBLEM_INPUT_NAME)
+
+    def set_problem_location(self, problem_location):
+        """
+        Returns input box for problem location
+        """
+        input_box = self.problem_location_input.first.results[0]
+        input_box.send_keys(unicode(problem_location))
+
+    @property
+    def student_email_or_username_input(self):
         """
         Returns email address/username input box.
         """
-        return self.q(css='{} input[name=entrance-exam-student-select-grade]'.format(self.EE_CONTAINER))
+        return self._input_with_name(self.STUDENT_EMAIL_INPUT_NAME)
 
-    @property
-    def rescore_problem_input(self):
+    def set_student_email_or_username(self, email_or_username):
         """
-        Returns input box for rescore/reset all on a problem
+        Sets given email or username as value of
+        student email/username input box.
         """
-        return self.q(css='{} input[name=problem-select-all]'.format(self.CS_CONTAINER))
+        input_box = self.student_email_or_username_input.first.results[0]
+        input_box.send_keys(email_or_username)
 
     @property
     def reset_attempts_button(self):
         """
         Returns reset student attempts button.
         """
-        return self.q(css='{} input[name=reset-entrance-exam-attempts]'.format(self.EE_CONTAINER))
+        return self._input_with_name(self.RESET_ATTEMPTS_BUTTON_NAME)
 
     @property
-    def rescore_submission_button(self):
+    def rescore_button(self):
         """
-        Returns rescore student submission button.
+        Returns rescore button.
         """
-        return self.q(css='{} input[name=rescore-entrance-exam]'.format(self.EE_CONTAINER))
+        return self._input_with_name(self.RESCORE_BUTTON_NAME)
 
     @property
-    def rescore_all_submissions_button(self):
+    def rescore_if_higher_button(self):
         """
-        Returns rescore student submission button.
+        Returns rescore if higher button.
         """
-        return self.q(css='{} input[name=rescore-problem-all]'.format(self.CS_CONTAINER))
+        return self._input_with_name(self.RESCORE_IF_HIGHER_BUTTON_NAME)
 
     @property
-    def show_background_tasks_button(self):
+    def delete_state_button(self):
         """
-        Return Show Background Tasks button.
+        Returns delete state button.
         """
-        return self.q(css='{} input[name=task-history-all]'.format(self.CS_CONTAINER))
+        return self._input_with_name(self.DELETE_STATE_BUTTON_NAME)
+
+    @property
+    def task_history_button(self):
+        """
+        Return Background Tasks History button.
+        """
+        return self._input_with_name(self.BACKGROUND_TASKS_BUTTON_NAME)
+
+    def wait_for_task_history_table(self):
+        """
+        Waits until the task history table is visible.
+        """
+        def check_func():
+            """
+            Promise Check Function
+            """
+            query = self.q(css="{} .{}".format(self.CONTAINER, self.TASK_HISTORY_TABLE_NAME))
+            return query.visible, query
+
+        return Promise(check_func, "Waiting for student admin task history table to be visible.").fulfill()
+
+    def wait_for_task_completion(self, expected_task_string):
+        """
+        Waits until the task history table is visible.
+        """
+        def check_func():
+            """
+            Promise Check Function
+            """
+            self.task_history_button.click()
+            table = self.wait_for_task_history_table()
+            return len(table) > 0 and expected_task_string in table.results[0].text
+
+        return EmptyPromise(check_func, "Waiting for student admin task to complete.").fulfill()
+
+
+class StudentSpecificAdmin(StudentAdminPage):
+    """
+    Student specific section of the Student Admin page.
+    """
+    CONTAINER = ".student-grade-container"
+
+    PROBLEM_INPUT_NAME = "problem-select-single"
+    STUDENT_EMAIL_INPUT_NAME = "student-select-grade"
+
+    RESET_ATTEMPTS_BUTTON_NAME = "reset-attempts-single"
+    RESCORE_BUTTON_NAME = "rescore-problem-single"
+    RESCORE_IF_HIGHER_BUTTON_NAME = "rescore-problem-if-higher-single"
+    DELETE_STATE_BUTTON_NAME = "delete-state-single"
+
+    BACKGROUND_TASKS_BUTTON_NAME = "task-history-single"
+    TASK_HISTORY_TABLE_NAME = "task-history-single-table"
+
+
+class CourseSpecificAdmin(StudentAdminPage):
+    """
+    Course specific section of the Student Admin page.
+    """
+    CONTAINER = ".course-specific-container"
+
+    PROBLEM_INPUT_NAME = "problem-select-all"
+    STUDENT_EMAIL_INPUT_NAME = None
+
+    RESET_ATTEMPTS_BUTTON_NAME = "reset-attempts-all"
+    RESCORE_BUTTON_NAME = "rescore-problem-all"
+    RESCORE_IF_HIGHER_BUTTON_NAME = "rescore-problem-all-if-higher"
+    DELETE_STATE_BUTTON_NAME = None
+
+    BACKGROUND_TASKS_BUTTON_NAME = "task-history-all"
+    TASK_HISTORY_TABLE_NAME = "task-history-all-table"
+
+
+class EntranceExamAdmin(StudentAdminPage):
+    """
+    Entrance exam section of the Student Admin page.
+    """
+    CONTAINER = ".entrance-exam-grade-container"
+
+    STUDENT_EMAIL_INPUT_NAME = "entrance-exam-student-select-grade"
+    PROBLEM_INPUT_NAME = None
+
+    RESET_ATTEMPTS_BUTTON_NAME = "reset-entrance-exam-attempts"
+    RESCORE_BUTTON_NAME = "rescore-entrance-exam"
+    RESCORE_IF_HIGHER_BUTTON_NAME = "rescore-entrance-exam-if-higher"
+    DELETE_STATE_BUTTON_NAME = "delete-entrance-exam-state"
+
+    BACKGROUND_TASKS_BUTTON_NAME = "entrance-exam-task-history"
+    TASK_HISTORY_TABLE_NAME = "entrance-exam-task-history-table"
 
     @property
     def skip_entrance_exam_button(self):
         """
         Return Let Student Skip Entrance Exam button.
         """
-        return self.q(css='{} input[name=skip-entrance-exam]'.format(self.EE_CONTAINER))
-
-    @property
-    def delete_student_state_button(self):
-        """
-        Returns delete student state button.
-        """
-        return self.q(css='{} input[name=delete-entrance-exam-state]'.format(self.EE_CONTAINER))
-
-    @property
-    def background_task_history_button(self):
-        """
-        Returns show background task history for student button.
-        """
-        return self.q(css='{} input[name=entrance-exam-task-history]'.format(self.EE_CONTAINER))
+        return self.q(css='{} input[name=skip-entrance-exam]'.format(self.CONTAINER))
 
     @property
     def top_notification(self):
         """
         Returns show background task history for student button.
         """
-        return self.q(css='{} .request-response-error'.format(self.EE_CONTAINER)).first
+        return self.q(css='{} .request-response-error'.format(self.CONTAINER)).first
 
-    def is_student_email_input_visible(self):
+    def are_all_buttons_visible(self):
         """
-        Returns True if student email address/username input box is present.
+        Returns whether all buttons related to entrance exams
+        are visible.
         """
-        return self.student_email_input.is_present()
-
-    def is_reset_attempts_button_visible(self):
-        """
-        Returns True if reset student attempts button is present.
-        """
-        return self.reset_attempts_button.is_present()
-
-    def is_rescore_submission_button_visible(self):
-        """
-        Returns True if rescore student submission button is present.
-        """
-        return self.rescore_submission_button.is_present()
-
-    def is_delete_student_state_button_visible(self):
-        """
-        Returns True if delete student state for entrance exam button is present.
-        """
-        return self.delete_student_state_button.is_present()
-
-    def is_background_task_history_button_visible(self):
-        """
-        Returns True if show background task history for student button is present.
-        """
-        return self.background_task_history_button.is_present()
-
-    def is_background_task_history_table_visible(self):
-        """
-        Returns True if background task history table is present.
-        """
-        return self.q(css='{} .entrance-exam-task-history-table'.format(self.EE_CONTAINER)).is_present()
-
-    def click_reset_attempts_button(self):
-        """
-        clicks reset student attempts button.
-        """
-        return self.reset_attempts_button.click()
-
-    def click_rescore_submissions_button(self):
-        """
-        clicks rescore submissions button.
-        """
-        return self.rescore_submission_button.click()
-
-    def click_rescore_all_button(self):
-        """
-        clicks rescore all for problem button.
-        """
-        return self.rescore_all_submissions_button.click()
-
-    def click_show_background_tasks_button(self):
-        """
-        clicks show background tasks button.
-        """
-        return self.show_background_tasks_button.click()
-
-    def click_skip_entrance_exam_button(self):
-        """
-        clicks let student skip entrance exam button.
-        """
-        return self.skip_entrance_exam_button.click()
-
-    def click_delete_student_state_button(self):
-        """
-        clicks delete student state button.
-        """
-        return self.delete_student_state_button.click()
-
-    def click_task_history_button(self):
-        """
-        clicks background task history button.
-        """
-        return self.background_task_history_button.click()
-
-    def set_student_email(self, email_address):
-        """
-        Sets given email address as value of student email address/username input box.
-        """
-        input_box = self.student_email_input.first.results[0]
-        input_box.send_keys(email_address)
-
-    def set_problem_to_rescore(self, problem_locator):
-        """
-        Sets the problem for which to rescore/reset all scores.
-        """
-        input_box = self.rescore_problem_input.first.results[0]
-        input_box.send_keys(problem_locator)
+        return (
+            self.student_email_or_username_input.is_present() and
+            self.reset_attempts_button.is_present() and
+            self.rescore_button.is_present() and
+            self.rescore_if_higher_button.is_present() and
+            self.delete_state_button.is_present() and
+            self.task_history_button.is_present()
+        )
 
 
 class CertificatesPage(PageObject):
diff --git a/common/test/acceptance/pages/lms/staff_view.py b/common/test/acceptance/pages/lms/staff_view.py
index 8c227faecd..507b3893d9 100644
--- a/common/test/acceptance/pages/lms/staff_view.py
+++ b/common/test/acceptance/pages/lms/staff_view.py
@@ -107,6 +107,15 @@ class StaffDebugPage(PageObject):
             self.q(css='input[id^=sd_fu_]').first.fill(user)
         self.q(css='.staff-modal .staff-debug-rescore').click()
 
+    def rescore_if_higher(self, user=None):
+        """
+        This clicks on the reset attempts link with an optionally
+        specified user.
+        """
+        if user:
+            self.q(css='input[id^=sd_fu_]').first.fill(user)
+        self.q(css='.staff-modal .staff-debug-rescore-if-higher').click()
+
     @property
     def idash_msg(self):
         """
diff --git a/common/test/acceptance/pages/studio/container.py b/common/test/acceptance/pages/studio/container.py
index 403e823135..fc71890d55 100644
--- a/common/test/acceptance/pages/studio/container.py
+++ b/common/test/acceptance/pages/studio/container.py
@@ -169,6 +169,13 @@ class ContainerPage(PageObject, HelpMixin):
         """
         return self.q(css='.action-publish').first
 
+    def publish(self):
+        """
+        Publishes the container.
+        """
+        self.publish_action.click()
+        self.wait_for_ajax()
+
     def discard_changes(self):
         """
         Discards draft changes (which will then re-render the page).
diff --git a/common/test/acceptance/tests/helpers.py b/common/test/acceptance/tests/helpers.py
index a9443bd10d..37e01e62ac 100644
--- a/common/test/acceptance/tests/helpers.py
+++ b/common/test/acceptance/tests/helpers.py
@@ -353,17 +353,29 @@ def is_404_page(browser):
     return 'Page not found (404)' in browser.find_element_by_tag_name('h1').text
 
 
+def create_multiple_choice_xml(correct_choice=2, num_choices=4):
+    """
+    Return the Multiple Choice Problem XML, given the name of the problem.
+    """
+    # all choices are incorrect except for correct_choice
+    choices = [False for _ in range(num_choices)]
+    choices[correct_choice] = True
+
+    choice_names = ['choice_{}'.format(index) for index in range(num_choices)]
+    question_text = 'The correct answer is Choice {}'.format(correct_choice)
+
+    return MultipleChoiceResponseXMLFactory().build_xml(
+        question_text=question_text,
+        choices=choices,
+        choice_names=choice_names,
+    )
+
+
 def create_multiple_choice_problem(problem_name):
     """
     Return the Multiple Choice Problem Descriptor, given the name of the problem.
     """
-    factory = MultipleChoiceResponseXMLFactory()
-    xml_data = factory.build_xml(
-        question_text='The correct answer is Choice 2',
-        choices=[False, False, True, False],
-        choice_names=['choice_0', 'choice_1', 'choice_2', 'choice_3']
-    )
-
+    xml_data = create_multiple_choice_xml()
     return XBlockFixtureDesc(
         'problem',
         problem_name,
diff --git a/common/test/acceptance/tests/lms/test_lms_instructor_dashboard.py b/common/test/acceptance/tests/lms/test_lms_instructor_dashboard.py
index adc11cbf91..c911d96b6b 100644
--- a/common/test/acceptance/tests/lms/test_lms_instructor_dashboard.py
+++ b/common/test/acceptance/tests/lms/test_lms_instructor_dashboard.py
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ from common.test.acceptance.pages.lms.auto_auth import AutoAuthPage
 from common.test.acceptance.pages.studio.overview import CourseOutlinePage
 from common.test.acceptance.pages.lms.create_mode import ModeCreationPage
 from common.test.acceptance.pages.lms.courseware import CoursewarePage
-from common.test.acceptance.pages.lms.instructor_dashboard import InstructorDashboardPage
+from common.test.acceptance.pages.lms.instructor_dashboard import InstructorDashboardPage, EntranceExamAdmin
 from common.test.acceptance.fixtures.course import CourseFixture, XBlockFixtureDesc
 from common.test.acceptance.pages.lms.dashboard import DashboardPage
 from common.test.acceptance.pages.lms.problem import ProblemPage
@@ -403,10 +403,17 @@ class ProctoredExamsTest(BaseInstructorDashboardTest):
 
 
 @attr(shard=7)
+@ddt.ddt
 class EntranceExamGradeTest(BaseInstructorDashboardTest):
     """
     Tests for Entrance exam specific student grading tasks.
     """
+    admin_buttons = (
+        'reset_attempts_button',
+        'rescore_button',
+        'rescore_if_higher_button',
+        'delete_state_button',
+    )
 
     def setUp(self):
         super(EntranceExamGradeTest, self).setUp()
@@ -426,7 +433,7 @@ class EntranceExamGradeTest(BaseInstructorDashboardTest):
 
         # go to the student admin page on the instructor dashboard
         self.log_in_as_instructor()
-        self.student_admin_section = self.visit_instructor_dashboard().select_student_admin()
+        self.entrance_exam_admin = self.visit_instructor_dashboard().select_student_admin(EntranceExamAdmin)
 
     def test_input_text_and_buttons_are_visible(self):
         """
@@ -437,86 +444,57 @@ class EntranceExamGradeTest(BaseInstructorDashboardTest):
             Then I see Student Email input box, Reset Student Attempt, Rescore Student Submission,
             Delete Student State for entrance exam and Show Background Task History for Student buttons
         """
-        self.assertTrue(self.student_admin_section.is_student_email_input_visible())
-        self.assertTrue(self.student_admin_section.is_reset_attempts_button_visible())
-        self.assertTrue(self.student_admin_section.is_rescore_submission_button_visible())
-        self.assertTrue(self.student_admin_section.is_delete_student_state_button_visible())
-        self.assertTrue(self.student_admin_section.is_background_task_history_button_visible())
+        self.assertTrue(self.entrance_exam_admin.are_all_buttons_visible())
 
-    def test_clicking_reset_student_attempts_button_without_email_shows_error(self):
+    @ddt.data(*admin_buttons)
+    def test_admin_button_without_email_shows_error(self, button_to_test):
         """
-        Scenario: Clicking on the Reset Student Attempts button without entering student email
+        Scenario: Clicking on the requested button without entering student email
         address or username results in error.
             Given that I am on the Student Admin tab on the Instructor Dashboard
-            When I click the Reset Student Attempts Button  under Entrance Exam Grade
+            When I click the requested button under Entrance Exam Grade
             Adjustment without enter an email address
             Then I should be shown an Error Notification
             And The Notification message should read 'Please enter a student email address or username.'
         """
-        self.student_admin_section.click_reset_attempts_button()
+        getattr(self.entrance_exam_admin, button_to_test).click()
         self.assertEqual(
             'Please enter a student email address or username.',
-            self.student_admin_section.top_notification.text[0]
+            self.entrance_exam_admin.top_notification.text[0]
         )
 
-    def test_clicking_reset_student_attempts_button_with_success(self):
+    @ddt.data(*admin_buttons)
+    def test_admin_button_with_success(self, button_to_test):
         """
-        Scenario: Clicking on the Reset Student Attempts button with valid student email
+        Scenario: Clicking on the requested button with valid student email
         address or username should result in success prompt.
             Given that I am on the Student Admin tab on the Instructor Dashboard
-            When I click the Reset Student Attempts Button under Entrance Exam Grade
+            When I click the requested button under Entrance Exam Grade
             Adjustment after entering a valid student
             email address or username
             Then I should be shown an alert with success message
         """
-        self.student_admin_section.set_student_email(self.student_identifier)
-        self.student_admin_section.click_reset_attempts_button()
-        alert = get_modal_alert(self.student_admin_section.browser)
+        self.entrance_exam_admin.set_student_email_or_username(self.student_identifier)
+        getattr(self.entrance_exam_admin, button_to_test).click()
+        alert = get_modal_alert(self.entrance_exam_admin.browser)
         alert.dismiss()
 
-    def test_clicking_reset_student_attempts_button_with_error(self):
+    @ddt.data(*admin_buttons)
+    def test_admin_button_with_error(self, button_to_test):
         """
-        Scenario: Clicking on the Reset Student Attempts button with email address or username
+        Scenario: Clicking on the requested button with email address or username
         of a non existing student should result in error message.
             Given that I am on the Student Admin tab on the Instructor Dashboard
-            When I click the Reset Student Attempts Button  under Entrance Exam Grade
+            When I click the requested Button under Entrance Exam Grade
             Adjustment after non existing student email address or username
             Then I should be shown an error message
         """
-        self.student_admin_section.set_student_email('non_existing@example.com')
-        self.student_admin_section.click_reset_attempts_button()
-        self.student_admin_section.wait_for_ajax()
-        self.assertGreater(len(self.student_admin_section.top_notification.text[0]), 0)
+        self.entrance_exam_admin.set_student_email_or_username('non_existing@example.com')
+        getattr(self.entrance_exam_admin, button_to_test).click()
+        self.entrance_exam_admin.wait_for_ajax()
+        self.assertGreater(len(self.entrance_exam_admin.top_notification.text[0]), 0)
 
-    def test_clicking_rescore_submission_button_with_success(self):
-        """
-        Scenario: Clicking on the Rescore Student Submission button with valid student email
-        address or username should result in success prompt.
-            Given that I am on the Student Admin tab on the Instructor Dashboard
-            When I click the Rescore Student Submission Button  under Entrance Exam Grade
-            Adjustment after entering a valid student email address or username
-            Then I should be shown an alert with success message
-        """
-        self.student_admin_section.set_student_email(self.student_identifier)
-        self.student_admin_section.click_rescore_submissions_button()
-        alert = get_modal_alert(self.student_admin_section.browser)
-        alert.dismiss()
-
-    def test_clicking_rescore_submission_button_with_error(self):
-        """
-        Scenario: Clicking on the Rescore Student Submission button with email address or username
-        of a non existing student should result in error message.
-            Given that I am on the Student Admin tab on the Instructor Dashboard
-            When I click the Rescore Student Submission Button under Entrance Exam Grade
-            Adjustment after non existing student email address or username
-            Then I should be shown an error message
-        """
-        self.student_admin_section.set_student_email('non_existing@example.com')
-        self.student_admin_section.click_rescore_submissions_button()
-        self.student_admin_section.wait_for_ajax()
-        self.assertGreater(len(self.student_admin_section.top_notification.text[0]), 0)
-
-    def test_clicking_skip_entrance_exam_button_with_success(self):
+    def test_skip_entrance_exam_button_with_success(self):
         """
         Scenario: Clicking on the  Let Student Skip Entrance Exam button with
         valid student email address or username should result in success prompt.
@@ -526,17 +504,18 @@ class EntranceExamGradeTest(BaseInstructorDashboardTest):
             email address or username
             Then I should be shown an alert with success message
         """
-        self.student_admin_section.set_student_email(self.student_identifier)
-        self.student_admin_section.click_skip_entrance_exam_button()
+        self.entrance_exam_admin.set_student_email_or_username(self.student_identifier)
+        self.entrance_exam_admin.skip_entrance_exam_button.click()
+
         #first we have window.confirm
-        alert = get_modal_alert(self.student_admin_section.browser)
+        alert = get_modal_alert(self.entrance_exam_admin.browser)
         alert.accept()
 
         # then we have alert confirming action
-        alert = get_modal_alert(self.student_admin_section.browser)
+        alert = get_modal_alert(self.entrance_exam_admin.browser)
         alert.dismiss()
 
-    def test_clicking_skip_entrance_exam_button_with_error(self):
+    def test_skip_entrance_exam_button_with_error(self):
         """
         Scenario: Clicking on the Let Student Skip Entrance Exam button with
         email address or username of a non existing student should result in error message.
@@ -546,47 +525,17 @@ class EntranceExamGradeTest(BaseInstructorDashboardTest):
             student email address or username
             Then I should be shown an error message
         """
-        self.student_admin_section.set_student_email('non_existing@example.com')
-        self.student_admin_section.click_skip_entrance_exam_button()
+        self.entrance_exam_admin.set_student_email_or_username('non_existing@example.com')
+        self.entrance_exam_admin.skip_entrance_exam_button.click()
+
         #first we have window.confirm
-        alert = get_modal_alert(self.student_admin_section.browser)
+        alert = get_modal_alert(self.entrance_exam_admin.browser)
         alert.accept()
 
-        self.student_admin_section.wait_for_ajax()
-        self.assertGreater(len(self.student_admin_section.top_notification.text[0]), 0)
+        self.entrance_exam_admin.wait_for_ajax()
+        self.assertGreater(len(self.entrance_exam_admin.top_notification.text[0]), 0)
 
-    def test_clicking_delete_student_attempts_button_with_success(self):
-        """
-        Scenario: Clicking on the Delete Student State for entrance exam button
-        with valid student email address or username should result in success prompt.
-            Given that I am on the Student Admin tab on the Instructor Dashboard
-            When I click the Delete Student State for entrance exam Button
-            under Entrance Exam Grade Adjustment after entering a valid student
-            email address or username
-            Then I should be shown an alert with success message
-        """
-        self.student_admin_section.set_student_email(self.student_identifier)
-        self.student_admin_section.click_delete_student_state_button()
-        alert = get_modal_alert(self.student_admin_section.browser)
-        alert.dismiss()
-
-    def test_clicking_delete_student_attempts_button_with_error(self):
-        """
-        Scenario: Clicking on the Delete Student State for entrance exam button
-        with email address or username of a non existing student should result
-        in error message.
-            Given that I am on the Student Admin tab on the Instructor Dashboard
-            When I click the Delete Student State for entrance exam Button
-            under Entrance Exam Grade Adjustment after non existing student
-            email address or username
-            Then I should be shown an error message
-        """
-        self.student_admin_section.set_student_email('non_existing@example.com')
-        self.student_admin_section.click_delete_student_state_button()
-        self.student_admin_section.wait_for_ajax()
-        self.assertGreater(len(self.student_admin_section.top_notification.text[0]), 0)
-
-    def test_clicking_task_history_button_with_success(self):
+    def test_task_history_button_with_success(self):
         """
         Scenario: Clicking on the Show Background Task History for Student
         with valid student email address or username should result in table of tasks.
@@ -594,11 +543,11 @@ class EntranceExamGradeTest(BaseInstructorDashboardTest):
             When I click the Show Background Task History for Student Button
             under Entrance Exam Grade Adjustment after entering a valid student
             email address or username
-            Then I should be shown an table listing all background tasks
+            Then I should be shown a table listing all background tasks
         """
-        self.student_admin_section.set_student_email(self.student_identifier)
-        self.student_admin_section.click_task_history_button()
-        self.assertTrue(self.student_admin_section.is_background_task_history_table_visible())
+        self.entrance_exam_admin.set_student_email_or_username(self.student_identifier)
+        self.entrance_exam_admin.task_history_button.click()
+        self.entrance_exam_admin.wait_for_task_history_table()
 
 
 @attr(shard=7)
diff --git a/common/test/acceptance/tests/lms/test_lms_user_preview.py b/common/test/acceptance/tests/lms/test_lms_user_preview.py
index 71ecf6faa1..7193df3f24 100644
--- a/common/test/acceptance/tests/lms/test_lms_user_preview.py
+++ b/common/test/acceptance/tests/lms/test_lms_user_preview.py
@@ -116,8 +116,9 @@ class StaffDebugTest(CourseWithoutContentGroupsTest):
         staff_debug_page = self._goto_staff_page().open_staff_debug_info()
         staff_debug_page.reset_attempts()
         msg = staff_debug_page.idash_msg[0]
-        self.assertEqual(u'Successfully reset the attempts '
-                         'for user {}'.format(self.USERNAME), msg)
+        self.assertEqual(
+            u'Successfully reset the attempts for user {}'.format(self.USERNAME), msg,
+        )
 
     def test_delete_state_empty(self):
         """
@@ -126,8 +127,9 @@ class StaffDebugTest(CourseWithoutContentGroupsTest):
         staff_debug_page = self._goto_staff_page().open_staff_debug_info()
         staff_debug_page.delete_state()
         msg = staff_debug_page.idash_msg[0]
-        self.assertEqual(u'Successfully deleted student state '
-                         'for user {}'.format(self.USERNAME), msg)
+        self.assertEqual(
+            u'Successfully deleted student state for user {}'.format(self.USERNAME), msg,
+        )
 
     def test_reset_attempts_state(self):
         """
@@ -139,10 +141,11 @@ class StaffDebugTest(CourseWithoutContentGroupsTest):
         staff_debug_page = staff_page.open_staff_debug_info()
         staff_debug_page.reset_attempts()
         msg = staff_debug_page.idash_msg[0]
-        self.assertEqual(u'Successfully reset the attempts '
-                         'for user {}'.format(self.USERNAME), msg)
+        self.assertEqual(
+            u'Successfully reset the attempts for user {}'.format(self.USERNAME), msg,
+        )
 
-    def test_rescore_state(self):
+    def test_rescore_problem(self):
         """
         Rescore the student
         """
@@ -152,7 +155,19 @@ class StaffDebugTest(CourseWithoutContentGroupsTest):
         staff_debug_page = staff_page.open_staff_debug_info()
         staff_debug_page.rescore()
         msg = staff_debug_page.idash_msg[0]
-        self.assertEqual(u'Successfully rescored problem for user STAFF_TESTER', msg)
+        self.assertEqual(u'Successfully rescored problem for user {}'.format(self.USERNAME), msg)
+
+    def test_rescore_problem_if_higher(self):
+        """
+        Rescore the student
+        """
+        staff_page = self._goto_staff_page()
+        staff_page.answer_problem()
+
+        staff_debug_page = staff_page.open_staff_debug_info()
+        staff_debug_page.rescore_if_higher()
+        msg = staff_debug_page.idash_msg[0]
+        self.assertEqual(u'Successfully rescored problem to improve score for user {}'.format(self.USERNAME), msg)
 
     def test_student_state_delete(self):
         """
@@ -164,8 +179,7 @@ class StaffDebugTest(CourseWithoutContentGroupsTest):
         staff_debug_page = staff_page.open_staff_debug_info()
         staff_debug_page.delete_state()
         msg = staff_debug_page.idash_msg[0]
-        self.assertEqual(u'Successfully deleted student state '
-                         'for user {}'.format(self.USERNAME), msg)
+        self.assertEqual(u'Successfully deleted student state for user {}'.format(self.USERNAME), msg)
 
     def test_student_by_email(self):
         """
@@ -177,8 +191,7 @@ class StaffDebugTest(CourseWithoutContentGroupsTest):
         staff_debug_page = staff_page.open_staff_debug_info()
         staff_debug_page.reset_attempts(self.EMAIL)
         msg = staff_debug_page.idash_msg[0]
-        self.assertEqual(u'Successfully reset the attempts '
-                         'for user {}'.format(self.EMAIL), msg)
+        self.assertEqual(u'Successfully reset the attempts for user {}'.format(self.EMAIL), msg)
 
     def test_bad_student(self):
         """
@@ -189,8 +202,7 @@ class StaffDebugTest(CourseWithoutContentGroupsTest):
         staff_debug_page = staff_page.open_staff_debug_info()
         staff_debug_page.delete_state('INVALIDUSER')
         msg = staff_debug_page.idash_msg[0]
-        self.assertEqual(u'Failed to delete student state. '
-                         'User does not exist.', msg)
+        self.assertEqual(u'Failed to delete student state for user. User does not exist.', msg)
 
     def test_reset_attempts_for_problem_loaded_via_ajax(self):
         """
@@ -203,8 +215,7 @@ class StaffDebugTest(CourseWithoutContentGroupsTest):
         staff_debug_page = staff_page.open_staff_debug_info()
         staff_debug_page.reset_attempts()
         msg = staff_debug_page.idash_msg[0]
-        self.assertEqual(u'Successfully reset the attempts '
-                         'for user {}'.format(self.USERNAME), msg)
+        self.assertEqual(u'Successfully reset the attempts for user {}'.format(self.USERNAME), msg)
 
     def test_rescore_state_for_problem_loaded_via_ajax(self):
         """
@@ -217,7 +228,7 @@ class StaffDebugTest(CourseWithoutContentGroupsTest):
         staff_debug_page = staff_page.open_staff_debug_info()
         staff_debug_page.rescore()
         msg = staff_debug_page.idash_msg[0]
-        self.assertEqual(u'Successfully rescored problem for user STAFF_TESTER', msg)
+        self.assertEqual(u'Successfully rescored problem for user {}'.format(self.USERNAME), msg)
 
     def test_student_state_delete_for_problem_loaded_via_ajax(self):
         """
@@ -230,8 +241,7 @@ class StaffDebugTest(CourseWithoutContentGroupsTest):
         staff_debug_page = staff_page.open_staff_debug_info()
         staff_debug_page.delete_state()
         msg = staff_debug_page.idash_msg[0]
-        self.assertEqual(u'Successfully deleted student state '
-                         'for user {}'.format(self.USERNAME), msg)
+        self.assertEqual(u'Successfully deleted student state for user {}'.format(self.USERNAME), msg)
 
 
 class CourseWithContentGroupsTest(StaffViewTest):
diff --git a/common/test/acceptance/tests/lms/test_progress_page.py b/common/test/acceptance/tests/lms/test_progress_page.py
index 111181eaea..dfc0087c15 100644
--- a/common/test/acceptance/tests/lms/test_progress_page.py
+++ b/common/test/acceptance/tests/lms/test_progress_page.py
@@ -3,19 +3,19 @@
 End-to-end tests for the LMS that utilize the
 progress page.
 """
-
 from contextlib import contextmanager
 
 import ddt
 
-from ..helpers import UniqueCourseTest, auto_auth, create_multiple_choice_problem
+from ..helpers import (
+    UniqueCourseTest, auto_auth, create_multiple_choice_problem, create_multiple_choice_xml, get_modal_alert
+)
 from ...fixtures.course import CourseFixture, XBlockFixtureDesc
 from ...pages.common.logout import LogoutPage
 from ...pages.lms.courseware import CoursewarePage
-from ...pages.lms.instructor_dashboard import InstructorDashboardPage
+from ...pages.lms.instructor_dashboard import InstructorDashboardPage, StudentSpecificAdmin
 from ...pages.lms.problem import ProblemPage
 from ...pages.lms.progress import ProgressPage
-from ...pages.lms.staff_view import StaffPage, StaffDebugPage
 from ...pages.studio.component_editor import ComponentEditorView
 from ...pages.studio.utils import type_in_codemirror
 from ...pages.studio.overview import CourseOutlinePage
@@ -56,13 +56,13 @@ class ProgressPageBaseTest(UniqueCourseTest):
             self.course_info['display_name']
         )
 
+        self.problem1 = create_multiple_choice_problem(self.PROBLEM_NAME)
+        self.problem2 = create_multiple_choice_problem(self.PROBLEM_NAME_2)
+
         self.course_fix.add_children(
             XBlockFixtureDesc('chapter', self.SECTION_NAME).add_children(
                 XBlockFixtureDesc('sequential', self.SUBSECTION_NAME).add_children(
-                    XBlockFixtureDesc('vertical', self.UNIT_NAME).add_children(
-                        create_multiple_choice_problem(self.PROBLEM_NAME),
-                        create_multiple_choice_problem(self.PROBLEM_NAME_2)
-                    )
+                    XBlockFixtureDesc('vertical', self.UNIT_NAME).add_children(self.problem1, self.problem2)
                 )
             )
         ).install()
@@ -74,8 +74,14 @@ class ProgressPageBaseTest(UniqueCourseTest):
         """
         Submit a correct answer to the problem.
         """
+        self._answer_problem(choice=2)
+
+    def _answer_problem(self, choice):
+        """
+        Submit the given choice for the problem.
+        """
         self.courseware_page.go_to_sequential_position(1)
-        self.problem_page.click_choice('choice_choice_2')
+        self.problem_page.click_choice('choice_choice_{}'.format(choice))
         self.problem_page.click_submit()
 
     def _get_section_score(self):
@@ -92,19 +98,6 @@ class ProgressPageBaseTest(UniqueCourseTest):
         self.progress_page.visit()
         return self.progress_page.scores(self.SECTION_NAME, self.SUBSECTION_NAME)
 
-    def _check_progress_page_with_scored_problem(self):
-        """
-        Checks the progress page before and after answering
-        the course's first problem correctly.
-        """
-        with self._logged_in_session():
-            self.assertEqual(self._get_problem_scores(), [(0, 1), (0, 1)])
-            self.assertEqual(self._get_section_score(), (0, 2))
-            self.courseware_page.visit()
-            self._answer_problem_correctly()
-            self.assertEqual(self._get_problem_scores(), [(1, 1), (0, 1)])
-            self.assertEqual(self._get_section_score(), (1, 2))
-
     @contextmanager
     def _logged_in_session(self, staff=False):
         """
@@ -122,14 +115,6 @@ class ProgressPageBaseTest(UniqueCourseTest):
             self.logout_page.visit()
 
 
-class ProgressPageTest(ProgressPageBaseTest):
-    """
-    Test that the progress page reports scores from completed assessments.
-    """
-    def test_progress_page_shows_scored_problems(self):
-        self._check_progress_page_with_scored_problem()
-
-
 @ddt.ddt
 class PersistentGradesTest(ProgressPageBaseTest):
     """
@@ -145,104 +130,132 @@ class PersistentGradesTest(ProgressPageBaseTest):
         Adds a unit to the subsection, which
         should not affect a persisted subsection grade.
         """
-        with self._logged_in_session(staff=True):
-            self.course_outline.visit()
-            subsection = self.course_outline.section(self.SECTION_NAME).subsection(self.SUBSECTION_NAME)
-            subsection.expand_subsection()
-            subsection.add_unit()
+        self.course_outline.visit()
+        subsection = self.course_outline.section(self.SECTION_NAME).subsection(self.SUBSECTION_NAME)
+        subsection.expand_subsection()
+        subsection.add_unit()
+        subsection.publish()
 
     def _set_staff_lock_on_subsection(self, locked):
         """
         Sets staff lock for a subsection, which should hide the
         subsection score from students on the progress page.
         """
-        with self._logged_in_session(staff=True):
-            self.course_outline.visit()
-            subsection = self.course_outline.section_at(0).subsection_at(0)
-            subsection.set_staff_lock(locked)
-            self.assertEqual(subsection.has_staff_lock_warning, locked)
+        self.course_outline.visit()
+        subsection = self.course_outline.section_at(0).subsection_at(0)
+        subsection.set_staff_lock(locked)
+        self.assertEqual(subsection.has_staff_lock_warning, locked)
+
+    def _get_problem_in_studio(self):
+        """
+        Returns the editable problem component in studio,
+        along with its container unit, so any changes can
+        be published.
+        """
+        self.course_outline.visit()
+        self.course_outline.section_at(0).subsection_at(0).expand_subsection()
+        unit = self.course_outline.section_at(0).subsection_at(0).unit(self.UNIT_NAME).go_to()
+        component = unit.xblocks[1]
+        return unit, component
 
     def _change_weight_for_problem(self):
         """
         Changes the weight of the problem, which should not affect
         persisted grades.
         """
-        with self._logged_in_session(staff=True):
-            self.course_outline.visit()
-            self.course_outline.section_at(0).subsection_at(0).expand_subsection()
-            unit = self.course_outline.section_at(0).subsection_at(0).unit(self.UNIT_NAME).go_to()
-            component = unit.xblocks[1]
-            component.edit()
-            component_editor = ComponentEditorView(self.browser, component.locator)
-            component_editor.set_field_value_and_save('Problem Weight', 5)
+        unit, component = self._get_problem_in_studio()
+        component.edit()
+        component_editor = ComponentEditorView(self.browser, component.locator)
+        component_editor.set_field_value_and_save('Problem Weight', 5)
+        unit.publish()
 
-    def _edit_problem_content(self):
+    def _change_correct_answer_for_problem(self, new_correct_choice=1):
         """
-        Replaces the content of a problem with other html.
-        Should not affect persisted grades.
+        Changes the correct answer of the problem.
         """
-        with self._logged_in_session(staff=True):
-            self.course_outline.visit()
-            self.course_outline.section_at(0).subsection_at(0).expand_subsection()
-            unit = self.course_outline.section_at(0).subsection_at(0).unit(self.UNIT_NAME).go_to()
-            component = unit.xblocks[1]
-            modal = component.edit()
+        unit, component = self._get_problem_in_studio()
+        modal = component.edit()
 
-            # Set content in the CodeMirror editor.
-            modified_content = "<p>modified content</p>"
-            type_in_codemirror(self, 0, modified_content)
-            modal.q(css='.action-save').click()
+        modified_content = create_multiple_choice_xml(correct_choice=new_correct_choice)
 
-    def _delete_student_state_for_problem(self):
+        type_in_codemirror(self, 0, modified_content)
+        modal.q(css='.action-save').click()
+        unit.publish()
+
+    def _student_admin_action_for_problem(self, action_button, has_cancellable_alert=False):
         """
         As staff, clicks the "delete student state" button,
         deleting the student user's state for the problem.
         """
-        with self._logged_in_session(staff=True):
+        self.instructor_dashboard_page.visit()
+        student_admin_section = self.instructor_dashboard_page.select_student_admin(StudentSpecificAdmin)
+        student_admin_section.set_student_email_or_username(self.USERNAME)
+        student_admin_section.set_problem_location(self.problem1.locator)
+        getattr(student_admin_section, action_button).click()
+        if has_cancellable_alert:
+            alert = get_modal_alert(student_admin_section.browser)
+            alert.accept()
+        alert = get_modal_alert(student_admin_section.browser)
+        alert.dismiss()
+        return student_admin_section
+
+    def test_progress_page_shows_scored_problems(self):
+        """
+        Checks the progress page before and after answering
+        the course's first problem correctly.
+        """
+        with self._logged_in_session():
+            self.assertEqual(self._get_problem_scores(), [(0, 1), (0, 1)])
+            self.assertEqual(self._get_section_score(), (0, 2))
             self.courseware_page.visit()
-            staff_page = StaffPage(self.browser, self.course_id)
-            self.assertEqual(staff_page.staff_view_mode, "Staff")
-            staff_page.q(css='a.instructor-info-action').nth(1).click()
-            staff_debug_page = StaffDebugPage(self.browser)
-            staff_debug_page.wait_for_page()
-            staff_debug_page.delete_state(self.USERNAME)
-            msg = staff_debug_page.idash_msg[0]
-            self.assertEqual(u'Successfully deleted student state for user {0}'.format(self.USERNAME), msg)
+            self._answer_problem_correctly()
+            self.assertEqual(self._get_problem_scores(), [(1, 1), (0, 1)])
+            self.assertEqual(self._get_section_score(), (1, 2))
 
     @ddt.data(
-        _edit_problem_content,
+        _change_correct_answer_for_problem,
         _change_subsection_structure,
         _change_weight_for_problem
     )
     def test_content_changes_do_not_change_score(self, edit):
         with self._logged_in_session():
-            self._check_progress_page_with_scored_problem()
+            self.courseware_page.visit()
+            self._answer_problem_correctly()
 
-        edit(self)
+        with self._logged_in_session(staff=True):
+            edit(self)
 
         with self._logged_in_session():
             self.assertEqual(self._get_problem_scores(), [(1, 1), (0, 1)])
             self.assertEqual(self._get_section_score(), (1, 2))
 
-    def test_visibility_change_does_affect_score(self):
+    def test_visibility_change_affects_score(self):
         with self._logged_in_session():
-            self._check_progress_page_with_scored_problem()
+            self.courseware_page.visit()
+            self._answer_problem_correctly()
 
-        self._set_staff_lock_on_subsection(True)
+        with self._logged_in_session(staff=True):
+            self._set_staff_lock_on_subsection(True)
 
         with self._logged_in_session():
             self.assertEqual(self._get_problem_scores(), None)
             self.assertEqual(self._get_section_score(), None)
 
-        self._set_staff_lock_on_subsection(False)
+        with self._logged_in_session(staff=True):
+            self._set_staff_lock_on_subsection(False)
 
         with self._logged_in_session():
             self.assertEqual(self._get_problem_scores(), [(1, 1), (0, 1)])
             self.assertEqual(self._get_section_score(), (1, 2))
 
-    def test_progress_page_updates_when_student_state_deleted(self):
-        self._check_progress_page_with_scored_problem()
-        self._delete_student_state_for_problem()
+    def test_delete_student_state_affects_score(self):
+        with self._logged_in_session():
+            self.courseware_page.visit()
+            self._answer_problem_correctly()
+
+        with self._logged_in_session(staff=True):
+            self._student_admin_action_for_problem('delete_state_button', has_cancellable_alert=True)
+
         with self._logged_in_session():
             self.assertEqual(self._get_problem_scores(), [(0, 1), (0, 1)])
             self.assertEqual(self._get_section_score(), (0, 2))
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/course_api/blocks/transformers/tests/test_milestones.py b/lms/djangoapps/course_api/blocks/transformers/tests/test_milestones.py
index 5f88c8004e..c6a8fd6b18 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/course_api/blocks/transformers/tests/test_milestones.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/course_api/blocks/transformers/tests/test_milestones.py
@@ -172,8 +172,9 @@ class MilestonesTransformerTestCase(CourseStructureTestCase, MilestonesTestCaseM
             # block passed in, so we pass in a child of the gating block
             lms_gating_api.evaluate_prerequisite(
                 self.course,
-                UsageKey.from_string(unicode(self.blocks[gating_block_child].location)),
-                self.user.id)
+                self.blocks[gating_block_child],
+                self.user.id,
+            )
         with self.assertNumQueries(2):
             self.get_blocks_and_check_against_expected(self.user, self.ALL_BLOCKS_EXCEPT_SPECIAL)
 
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/courses.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/courses.py
index cb0fdcfaa8..da6e88153c 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/courses.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/courses.py
@@ -16,7 +16,6 @@ from edxmako.shortcuts import render_to_string
 from xmodule.modulestore.django import modulestore
 from xmodule.modulestore.exceptions import ItemNotFoundError
 from static_replace import replace_static_urls
-from xmodule.modulestore import ModuleStoreEnum
 from xmodule.x_module import STUDENT_VIEW
 
 from courseware.access import has_access
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/model_data.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/model_data.py
index 7911cd7bed..0c288286ec 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/model_data.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/model_data.py
@@ -1007,3 +1007,20 @@ def set_score(user_id, usage_key, score, max_score):
         student_module.grade = score
         student_module.max_grade = max_score
         student_module.save()
+
+
+def get_score(user_id, usage_key):
+    """
+    Get the score and max_score for the specified user and xblock usage.
+    Returns None if not found.
+    """
+    try:
+        student_module = StudentModule.objects.get(
+            student_id=user_id,
+            module_state_key=usage_key,
+            course_id=usage_key.course_key,
+        )
+    except StudentModule.DoesNotExist:
+        return None
+    else:
+        return student_module.grade, student_module.max_grade
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/module_render.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/module_render.py
index 147ef1ae84..77bbff227d 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/module_render.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/module_render.py
@@ -8,7 +8,6 @@ import logging
 from collections import OrderedDict
 from functools import partial
 
-import dogstats_wrapper as dog_stats_api
 import newrelic.agent
 from capa.xqueue_interface import XQueueInterface
 from django.conf import settings
@@ -18,7 +17,6 @@ from django.core.context_processors import csrf
 from django.core.exceptions import PermissionDenied
 from django.core.urlresolvers import reverse
 from django.http import Http404, HttpResponse
-from django.test.client import RequestFactory
 from django.views.decorators.csrf import csrf_exempt
 from edx_proctoring.services import ProctoringService
 from eventtracking import tracker
@@ -34,7 +32,6 @@ from xblock.reference.plugins import FSService
 import static_replace
 from courseware.access import has_access, get_user_role
 from courseware.entrance_exams import (
-    get_entrance_exam_score,
     user_must_complete_entrance_exam,
     user_has_passed_entrance_exam
 )
@@ -44,14 +41,14 @@ from courseware.masquerade import (
     is_masquerading_as_specific_student,
     setup_masquerade,
 )
-from courseware.model_data import DjangoKeyValueStore, FieldDataCache, set_score
-from lms.djangoapps.grades.signals.signals import SCORE_CHANGED
+from courseware.model_data import DjangoKeyValueStore, FieldDataCache
 from edxmako.shortcuts import render_to_string
+from lms.djangoapps.grades.signals.signals import SCORE_PUBLISHED
 from lms.djangoapps.lms_xblock.field_data import LmsFieldData
 from lms.djangoapps.lms_xblock.models import XBlockAsidesConfig
-from openedx.core.djangoapps.bookmarks.services import BookmarksService
 from lms.djangoapps.lms_xblock.runtime import LmsModuleSystem
 from lms.djangoapps.verify_student.services import VerificationService, ReverificationService
+from openedx.core.djangoapps.bookmarks.services import BookmarksService
 from openedx.core.djangoapps.credit.services import CreditService
 from openedx.core.djangoapps.util.user_utils import SystemUser
 from openedx.core.lib.xblock_utils import (
@@ -466,89 +463,17 @@ def get_module_system_for_user(user, student_data,  # TODO  # pylint: disable=to
             course=course
         )
 
-    def _fulfill_content_milestones(user, course_key, content_key):
-        """
-        Internal helper to handle milestone fulfillments for the specified content module
-        """
-        # Fulfillment Use Case: Entrance Exam
-        # If this module is part of an entrance exam, we'll need to see if the student
-        # has reached the point at which they can collect the associated milestone
-        if milestones_helpers.is_entrance_exams_enabled():
-            course = modulestore().get_course(course_key)
-            content = modulestore().get_item(content_key)
-            entrance_exam_enabled = getattr(course, 'entrance_exam_enabled', False)
-            in_entrance_exam = getattr(content, 'in_entrance_exam', False)
-            if entrance_exam_enabled and in_entrance_exam:
-                # We don't have access to the true request object in this context, but we can use a mock
-                request = RequestFactory().request()
-                request.user = user
-                exam_pct = get_entrance_exam_score(request, course)
-                if exam_pct >= course.entrance_exam_minimum_score_pct:
-                    exam_key = UsageKey.from_string(course.entrance_exam_id)
-                    relationship_types = milestones_helpers.get_milestone_relationship_types()
-                    content_milestones = milestones_helpers.get_course_content_milestones(
-                        course_key,
-                        exam_key,
-                        relationship=relationship_types['FULFILLS']
-                    )
-                    # Add each milestone to the user's set...
-                    user = {'id': request.user.id}
-                    for milestone in content_milestones:
-                        milestones_helpers.add_user_milestone(user, milestone)
-
-    def handle_grade_event(block, event_type, event):  # pylint: disable=unused-argument
-        """
-        Manages the workflow for recording and updating of student module grade state
-        """
-        user_id = user.id
-
-        grade = event.get('value')
-        max_grade = event.get('max_value')
-
-        set_score(
-            user_id,
-            descriptor.location,
-            grade,
-            max_grade,
-        )
-
-        # Bin score into range and increment stats
-        score_bucket = get_score_bucket(grade, max_grade)
-
-        tags = [
-            u"org:{}".format(course_id.org),
-            u"course:{}".format(course_id),
-            u"score_bucket:{0}".format(score_bucket)
-        ]
-
-        if grade_bucket_type is not None:
-            tags.append('type:%s' % grade_bucket_type)
-
-        dog_stats_api.increment("lms.courseware.question_answered", tags=tags)
-
-        # Cycle through the milestone fulfillment scenarios to see if any are now applicable
-        # thanks to the updated grading information that was just submitted
-        _fulfill_content_milestones(
-            user,
-            course_id,
-            descriptor.location,
-        )
-
-        # Send a signal out to any listeners who are waiting for score change
-        # events.
-        SCORE_CHANGED.send(
-            sender=None,
-            points_possible=event['max_value'],
-            points_earned=event['value'],
-            user_id=user.id,
-            course_id=unicode(course_id),
-            usage_id=unicode(descriptor.location)
-        )
-
     def publish(block, event_type, event):
         """A function that allows XModules to publish events."""
         if event_type == 'grade' and not is_masquerading_as_specific_student(user, course_id):
-            handle_grade_event(block, event_type, event)
+            SCORE_PUBLISHED.send(
+                sender=None,
+                block=block,
+                user=user,
+                raw_earned=event['value'],
+                raw_possible=event['max_value'],
+                only_if_higher=event.get('only_if_higher'),
+            )
         else:
             aside_context = {}
             for aside in block.runtime.get_asides(block):
@@ -1138,20 +1063,6 @@ def xblock_view(request, course_id, usage_id, view_name):
         })
 
 
-def get_score_bucket(grade, max_grade):
-    """
-    Function to split arbitrary score ranges into 3 buckets.
-    Used with statsd tracking.
-    """
-    score_bucket = "incorrect"
-    if grade > 0 and grade < max_grade:
-        score_bucket = "partial"
-    elif grade == max_grade:
-        score_bucket = "correct"
-
-    return score_bucket
-
-
 def _check_files_limits(files):
     """
     Check if the files in a request are under the limits defined by
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/helpers.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/helpers.py
index 193de70570..ebe4828d13 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/helpers.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/helpers.py
@@ -1,3 +1,7 @@
+"""
+Helpers for courseware tests.
+"""
+import crum
 import json
 
 from django.contrib.auth.models import User
@@ -19,6 +23,9 @@ def get_request_for_user(user):
     request.is_secure = lambda: True
     request.get_host = lambda: "edx.org"
     request.method = 'GET'
+    request.GET = {}
+    request.POST = {}
+    crum.set_current_request(request)
     return request
 
 
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_module_render.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_module_render.py
index 6ec12729e8..7b89397c40 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_module_render.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_module_render.py
@@ -253,14 +253,6 @@ class ModuleRenderTestCase(SharedModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTestCase):
                     self.dispatch
                 )
 
-    def test_get_score_bucket(self):
-        self.assertEquals(render.get_score_bucket(0, 10), 'incorrect')
-        self.assertEquals(render.get_score_bucket(1, 10), 'partial')
-        self.assertEquals(render.get_score_bucket(10, 10), 'correct')
-        # get_score_bucket calls error cases 'incorrect'
-        self.assertEquals(render.get_score_bucket(11, 10), 'incorrect')
-        self.assertEquals(render.get_score_bucket(-1, 10), 'incorrect')
-
     def test_anonymous_handle_xblock_callback(self):
         dispatch_url = reverse(
             'xblock_handler',
@@ -1839,7 +1831,7 @@ class TestXmoduleRuntimeEvent(TestSubmittingProblems):
         self.assertIsNone(student_module.grade)
         self.assertIsNone(student_module.max_grade)
 
-    @patch('courseware.module_render.SCORE_CHANGED.send')
+    @patch('lms.djangoapps.grades.signals.handlers.SCORE_CHANGED.send')
     def test_score_change_signal(self, send_mock):
         """Test that a Django signal is generated when a score changes"""
         self.set_module_grade_using_publish(self.grade_dict)
@@ -1849,7 +1841,8 @@ class TestXmoduleRuntimeEvent(TestSubmittingProblems):
             'points_earned': self.grade_dict['value'],
             'user_id': self.student_user.id,
             'course_id': unicode(self.course.id),
-            'usage_id': unicode(self.problem.location)
+            'usage_id': unicode(self.problem.location),
+            'only_if_higher': None,
         }
         send_mock.assert_called_with(**expected_signal_kwargs)
 
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_submitting_problems.py b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_submitting_problems.py
index 0d53e247b4..046f356041 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_submitting_problems.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/courseware/tests/test_submitting_problems.py
@@ -153,7 +153,7 @@ class TestSubmittingProblems(ModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTestCase, Probl
         self.student_user = User.objects.get(email=self.student)
         self.factory = RequestFactory()
         # Disable the score change signal to prevent other components from being pulled into tests.
-        self.score_changed_signal_patch = patch('courseware.module_render.SCORE_CHANGED.send')
+        self.score_changed_signal_patch = patch('lms.djangoapps.grades.signals.handlers.SCORE_CHANGED.send')
         self.score_changed_signal_patch.start()
 
     def tearDown(self):
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/gating/api.py b/lms/djangoapps/gating/api.py
index 416d70d583..0f2a8ea55b 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/gating/api.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/gating/api.py
@@ -1,16 +1,19 @@
 """
 API for the gating djangoapp
 """
-import logging
-import json
-
 from collections import defaultdict
 from django.contrib.auth.models import User
-from xmodule.modulestore.django import modulestore
+from django.test.client import RequestFactory
+import json
+import logging
+
 from openedx.core.lib.gating import api as gating_api
+from opaque_keys.edx.keys import UsageKey
+from lms.djangoapps.courseware.entrance_exams import get_entrance_exam_score
 from lms.djangoapps.grades.module_grades import get_module_score
 from util import milestones_helpers
 
+
 log = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
 
@@ -34,7 +37,7 @@ def _get_xblock_parent(xblock, category=None):
 
 
 @gating_api.gating_enabled(default=False)
-def evaluate_prerequisite(course, prereq_content_key, user_id):
+def evaluate_prerequisite(course, block, user_id):
     """
     Finds the parent subsection of the content in the course and evaluates
     any milestone relationships attached to that subsection. If the calculated
@@ -42,15 +45,14 @@ def evaluate_prerequisite(course, prereq_content_key, user_id):
     dependent subsections, the related milestone will be fulfilled for the user.
 
     Arguments:
-        user_id (int): ID of User for which evaluation should occur
         course (CourseModule): The course
         prereq_content_key (UsageKey): The prerequisite content usage key
+        user_id (int): ID of User for which evaluation should occur
 
     Returns:
         None
     """
-    xblock = modulestore().get_item(prereq_content_key)
-    sequential = _get_xblock_parent(xblock, 'sequential')
+    sequential = _get_xblock_parent(block, 'sequential')
     if sequential:
         prereq_milestone = gating_api.get_gating_milestone(
             course.id,
@@ -83,3 +85,32 @@ def evaluate_prerequisite(course, prereq_content_key, user_id):
                         milestones_helpers.add_user_milestone({'id': user_id}, prereq_milestone)
                     else:
                         milestones_helpers.remove_user_milestone({'id': user_id}, prereq_milestone)
+
+
+def evaluate_entrance_exam(course, block, user_id):
+    """
+    Update milestone fulfillments for the specified content module
+    """
+    # Fulfillment Use Case: Entrance Exam
+    # If this module is part of an entrance exam, we'll need to see if the student
+    # has reached the point at which they can collect the associated milestone
+    if milestones_helpers.is_entrance_exams_enabled():
+        entrance_exam_enabled = getattr(course, 'entrance_exam_enabled', False)
+        in_entrance_exam = getattr(block, 'in_entrance_exam', False)
+        if entrance_exam_enabled and in_entrance_exam:
+            # We don't have access to the true request object in this context, but we can use a mock
+            request = RequestFactory().request()
+            request.user = User.objects.get(id=user_id)
+            exam_pct = get_entrance_exam_score(request, course)
+            if exam_pct >= course.entrance_exam_minimum_score_pct:
+                exam_key = UsageKey.from_string(course.entrance_exam_id)
+                relationship_types = milestones_helpers.get_milestone_relationship_types()
+                content_milestones = milestones_helpers.get_course_content_milestones(
+                    course.id,
+                    exam_key,
+                    relationship=relationship_types['FULFILLS']
+                )
+                # Add each milestone to the user's set...
+                user = {'id': request.user.id}
+                for milestone in content_milestones:
+                    milestones_helpers.add_user_milestone(user, milestone)
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/gating/signals.py b/lms/djangoapps/gating/signals.py
index 16eed7371b..6473351cd7 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/gating/signals.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/gating/signals.py
@@ -2,10 +2,11 @@
 Signal handlers for the gating djangoapp
 """
 from django.dispatch import receiver
+
+from gating import api as gating_api
+from lms.djangoapps.grades.signals.signals import SCORE_CHANGED
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import CourseKey, UsageKey
 from xmodule.modulestore.django import modulestore
-from lms.djangoapps.grades.signals.signals import SCORE_CHANGED
-from gating import api as gating_api
 
 
 @receiver(SCORE_CHANGED)
@@ -22,9 +23,6 @@ def handle_score_changed(**kwargs):
         None
     """
     course = modulestore().get_course(CourseKey.from_string(kwargs.get('course_id')))
-    if course.enable_subsection_gating:
-        gating_api.evaluate_prerequisite(
-            course,
-            UsageKey.from_string(kwargs.get('usage_id')),
-            kwargs.get('user_id'),
-        )
+    block = modulestore().get_item(UsageKey.from_string(kwargs.get('usage_id')))
+    gating_api.evaluate_prerequisite(course, block, kwargs.get('user_id'))
+    gating_api.evaluate_entrance_exam(course, block, kwargs.get('user_id'))
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/gating/tests/test_api.py b/lms/djangoapps/gating/tests/test_api.py
index 65d677a740..3b1df7ce87 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/gating/tests/test_api.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/gating/tests/test_api.py
@@ -134,7 +134,7 @@ class TestEvaluatePrerequisite(GatingTestCase, MilestonesTestCaseMixin):
         self._setup_gating_milestone(50)
 
         mock_module_score.return_value = module_score
-        evaluate_prerequisite(self.course, self.prob1.location, self.user.id)
+        evaluate_prerequisite(self.course, self.prob1, self.user.id)
         self.assertEqual(milestones_api.user_has_milestone(self.user_dict, self.prereq_milestone), result)
 
     @patch('gating.api.log.warning')
@@ -147,7 +147,7 @@ class TestEvaluatePrerequisite(GatingTestCase, MilestonesTestCaseMixin):
         self._setup_gating_milestone(None)
 
         mock_module_score.return_value = module_score
-        evaluate_prerequisite(self.course, self.prob1.location, self.user.id)
+        evaluate_prerequisite(self.course, self.prob1, self.user.id)
         self.assertEqual(milestones_api.user_has_milestone(self.user_dict, self.prereq_milestone), result)
         self.assertTrue(mock_log.called)
 
@@ -155,14 +155,14 @@ class TestEvaluatePrerequisite(GatingTestCase, MilestonesTestCaseMixin):
     def test_orphaned_xblock(self, mock_module_score):
         """ Test test_orphaned_xblock """
 
-        evaluate_prerequisite(self.course, self.prob2.location, self.user.id)
+        evaluate_prerequisite(self.course, self.prob2, self.user.id)
         self.assertFalse(mock_module_score.called)
 
     @patch('gating.api.get_module_score')
     def test_no_prerequisites(self, mock_module_score):
         """ Test test_no_prerequisites """
 
-        evaluate_prerequisite(self.course, self.prob1.location, self.user.id)
+        evaluate_prerequisite(self.course, self.prob1, self.user.id)
         self.assertFalse(mock_module_score.called)
 
     @patch('gating.api.get_module_score')
@@ -172,5 +172,5 @@ class TestEvaluatePrerequisite(GatingTestCase, MilestonesTestCaseMixin):
         # Setup gating milestones data
         gating_api.add_prerequisite(self.course.id, self.seq1.location)
 
-        evaluate_prerequisite(self.course, self.prob1.location, self.user.id)
+        evaluate_prerequisite(self.course, self.prob1, self.user.id)
         self.assertFalse(mock_module_score.called)
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/gating/tests/test_signals.py b/lms/djangoapps/gating/tests/test_signals.py
index 6e16498d87..7971927995 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/gating/tests/test_signals.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/gating/tests/test_signals.py
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ class TestHandleScoreChanged(ModuleStoreTestCase):
         super(TestHandleScoreChanged, self).setUp()
         self.course = CourseFactory.create(org='TestX', number='TS01', run='2016_Q1')
         self.user = UserFactory.create()
-        self.test_usage_key = UsageKey.from_string('i4x://the/content/key/12345678')
+        self.test_usage_key = self.course.location
 
     @patch('gating.signals.gating_api.evaluate_prerequisite')
     def test_gating_enabled(self, mock_evaluate):
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ class TestHandleScoreChanged(ModuleStoreTestCase):
             course_id=unicode(self.course.id),
             usage_id=unicode(self.test_usage_key)
         )
-        mock_evaluate.assert_called_with(self.course, self.test_usage_key, self.user.id)  # pylint: disable=no-member
+        mock_evaluate.assert_called_with(self.course, self.course, self.user.id)  # pylint: disable=no-member
 
     @patch('gating.signals.gating_api.evaluate_prerequisite')
     def test_gating_disabled(self, mock_evaluate):
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/grades/new/subsection_grade.py b/lms/djangoapps/grades/new/subsection_grade.py
index 74a3f90f99..33623009e0 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/grades/new/subsection_grade.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/grades/new/subsection_grade.py
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ from courseware.model_data import ScoresClient
 from lms.djangoapps.grades.scores import get_score, possibly_scored
 from lms.djangoapps.grades.models import BlockRecord, PersistentSubsectionGrade
 from lms.djangoapps.grades.config.models import PersistentGradesEnabledFlag
+from openedx.core.lib.grade_utils import is_score_higher
 from student.models import anonymous_id_for_user, User
 from submissions import api as submissions_api
 from traceback import format_exc
@@ -74,6 +75,7 @@ class SubsectionGrade(object):
 
         self.all_total, self.graded_total = graders.aggregate_scores(self.scores, self.display_name, self.location)
         self._log_event(log.debug, u"init_from_structure", student)
+        return self
 
     def init_from_model(self, student, model, course_structure, submissions_scores, csm_scores):
         """
@@ -97,6 +99,7 @@ class SubsectionGrade(object):
             module_id=self.location,
         )
         self._log_event(log.debug, u"init_from_model", student)
+        return self
 
     @classmethod
     def bulk_create_models(cls, student, subsection_grades, course_key):
@@ -222,10 +225,9 @@ class SubsectionGradeFactory(object):
         )
 
         block_structure = self._get_block_structure(block_structure)
-        subsection_grade = self._get_saved_grade(subsection, block_structure)
+        subsection_grade = self._get_bulk_cached_grade(subsection, block_structure)
         if not subsection_grade:
-            subsection_grade = SubsectionGrade(subsection, self.course)
-            subsection_grade.init_from_structure(
+            subsection_grade = SubsectionGrade(subsection, self.course).init_from_structure(
                 self.student, block_structure, self._submissions_scores, self._csm_scores,
             )
             if PersistentGradesEnabledFlag.feature_enabled(self.course.id):
@@ -247,7 +249,7 @@ class SubsectionGradeFactory(object):
             SubsectionGrade.bulk_create_models(self.student, self._unsaved_subsection_grades, self.course.id)
             self._unsaved_subsection_grades = []
 
-    def update(self, subsection, block_structure=None):
+    def update(self, subsection, block_structure=None, only_if_higher=None):
         """
         Updates the SubsectionGrade object for the student and subsection.
         """
@@ -259,14 +261,30 @@ class SubsectionGradeFactory(object):
         self._log_event(log.warning, u"update, subsection: {}".format(subsection.location))
 
         block_structure = self._get_block_structure(block_structure)
-        subsection_grade = SubsectionGrade(subsection, self.course)
-        subsection_grade.init_from_structure(
-            self.student, block_structure, self._submissions_scores, self._csm_scores
+        calculated_grade = SubsectionGrade(subsection, self.course).init_from_structure(
+            self.student, block_structure, self._submissions_scores, self._csm_scores,
         )
 
-        grade_model = subsection_grade.update_or_create_model(self.student)
+        if only_if_higher:
+            try:
+                grade_model = PersistentSubsectionGrade.read_grade(self.student.id, subsection.location)
+            except PersistentSubsectionGrade.DoesNotExist:
+                pass
+            else:
+                orig_subsection_grade = SubsectionGrade(subsection, self.course).init_from_model(
+                    self.student, grade_model, block_structure, self._submissions_scores, self._csm_scores,
+                )
+                if not is_score_higher(
+                        orig_subsection_grade.graded_total.earned,
+                        orig_subsection_grade.graded_total.possible,
+                        calculated_grade.graded_total.earned,
+                        calculated_grade.graded_total.possible,
+                ):
+                    return orig_subsection_grade
+
+        grade_model = calculated_grade.update_or_create_model(self.student)
         self._update_saved_subsection_grade(subsection.location, grade_model)
-        return subsection_grade
+        return calculated_grade
 
     @lazy
     def _csm_scores(self):
@@ -286,33 +304,34 @@ class SubsectionGradeFactory(object):
         anonymous_user_id = anonymous_id_for_user(self.student, self.course.id)
         return submissions_api.get_scores(unicode(self.course.id), anonymous_user_id)
 
-    def _get_saved_grade(self, subsection, block_structure):  # pylint: disable=unused-argument
+    def _get_bulk_cached_grade(self, subsection, block_structure):  # pylint: disable=unused-argument
         """
-        Returns the saved grade for the student and subsection.
+        Returns the student's SubsectionGrade for the subsection,
+        while caching the results of a bulk retrieval for the
+        course, for future access of other subsections.
+        Returns None if not found.
         """
         if not PersistentGradesEnabledFlag.feature_enabled(self.course.id):
             return
 
-        saved_subsection_grade = self._get_saved_subsection_grade(subsection.location)
-        if saved_subsection_grade:
-            subsection_grade = SubsectionGrade(subsection, self.course)
-            subsection_grade.init_from_model(
-                self.student, saved_subsection_grade, block_structure, self._submissions_scores, self._csm_scores,
+        saved_subsection_grades = self._get_bulk_cached_subsection_grades()
+        subsection_grade = saved_subsection_grades.get(subsection.location)
+        if subsection_grade:
+            return SubsectionGrade(subsection, self.course).init_from_model(
+                self.student, subsection_grade, block_structure, self._submissions_scores, self._csm_scores,
             )
-            return subsection_grade
 
-    def _get_saved_subsection_grade(self, subsection_usage_key):
+    def _get_bulk_cached_subsection_grades(self):
         """
-        Returns the saved value of the subsection grade for
-        the given subsection usage key, caching the value.
-        Returns None if not found.
+        Returns and caches (for future access) the results of
+        a bulk retrieval of all subsection grades in the course.
         """
         if self._cached_subsection_grades is None:
             self._cached_subsection_grades = {
                 record.full_usage_key: record
                 for record in PersistentSubsectionGrade.bulk_read_grades(self.student.id, self.course.id)
             }
-        return self._cached_subsection_grades.get(subsection_usage_key)
+        return self._cached_subsection_grades
 
     def _update_saved_subsection_grade(self, subsection_usage_key, subsection_model):
         """
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/grades/signals/handlers.py b/lms/djangoapps/grades/signals/handlers.py
index 0b60a47fe0..00c090b2da 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/grades/signals/handlers.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/grades/signals/handlers.py
@@ -5,12 +5,15 @@ Grades related signals.
 from django.dispatch import receiver
 from logging import getLogger
 
+from courseware.model_data import get_score, set_score
+from openedx.core.lib.grade_utils import is_score_higher
 from student.models import user_by_anonymous_id
 from submissions.models import score_set, score_reset
 
-from .signals import SCORE_CHANGED
+from .signals import SCORE_CHANGED, SCORE_PUBLISHED
 from ..tasks import recalculate_subsection_grade
 
+
 log = getLogger(__name__)
 
 
@@ -40,8 +43,8 @@ def submissions_score_set_handler(sender, **kwargs):  # pylint: disable=unused-a
 
     SCORE_CHANGED.send(
         sender=None,
-        points_possible=points_possible,
         points_earned=points_earned,
+        points_possible=points_possible,
         user_id=user.id,
         course_id=course_id,
         usage_id=usage_id
@@ -70,17 +73,61 @@ def submissions_score_reset_handler(sender, **kwargs):  # pylint: disable=unused
 
     SCORE_CHANGED.send(
         sender=None,
-        points_possible=0,
         points_earned=0,
+        points_possible=0,
         user_id=user.id,
         course_id=course_id,
         usage_id=usage_id
     )
 
 
+@receiver(SCORE_PUBLISHED)
+def score_published_handler(sender, block, user, raw_earned, raw_possible, only_if_higher, **kwargs):  # pylint: disable=unused-argument
+    """
+    Handles whenever a block's score is published.
+    Returns whether the score was actually updated.
+    """
+    update_score = True
+    if only_if_higher:
+        previous_score = get_score(user.id, block.location)
+
+        if previous_score:
+            prev_raw_earned, prev_raw_possible = previous_score  # pylint: disable=unpacking-non-sequence
+
+            if not is_score_higher(prev_raw_earned, prev_raw_possible, raw_earned, raw_possible):
+                update_score = False
+                log.warning(
+                    u"Grades: Rescore is not higher than previous: "
+                    u"user: {}, block: {}, previous: {}/{}, new: {}/{} ".format(
+                        user, block.location, prev_raw_earned, prev_raw_possible, raw_earned, raw_possible,
+                    )
+                )
+
+    if update_score:
+        set_score(user.id, block.location, raw_earned, raw_possible)
+
+        SCORE_CHANGED.send(
+            sender=None,
+            points_earned=raw_earned,
+            points_possible=raw_possible,
+            user_id=user.id,
+            course_id=unicode(block.location.course_key),
+            usage_id=unicode(block.location),
+            only_if_higher=only_if_higher,
+        )
+    return update_score
+
+
 @receiver(SCORE_CHANGED)
-def enqueue_update(sender, **kwargs):  # pylint: disable=unused-argument
+def enqueue_grade_update(sender, **kwargs):  # pylint: disable=unused-argument
     """
     Handles the SCORE_CHANGED signal by enqueueing an update operation to occur asynchronously.
     """
-    recalculate_subsection_grade.apply_async(args=(kwargs['user_id'], kwargs['course_id'], kwargs['usage_id']))
+    recalculate_subsection_grade.apply_async(
+        args=(
+            kwargs['user_id'],
+            kwargs['course_id'],
+            kwargs['usage_id'],
+            kwargs.get('only_if_higher'),
+        )
+    )
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/grades/signals/signals.py b/lms/djangoapps/grades/signals/signals.py
index 250b27e9ab..78a594921a 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/grades/signals/signals.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/grades/signals/signals.py
@@ -12,10 +12,24 @@ from django.dispatch import Signal
 # receives the same score).
 SCORE_CHANGED = Signal(
     providing_args=[
-        'points_possible',  # Maximum score available for the exercise
-        'points_earned',   # Score obtained by the user
         'user_id',  # Integer User ID
         'course_id',  # Unicode string representing the course
-        'usage_id'  # Unicode string indicating the courseware instance
+        'usage_id',  # Unicode string indicating the courseware instance
+        'points_earned',   # Score obtained by the user
+        'points_possible',  # Maximum score available for the exercise
+        'only_if_higher',   # Boolean indicating whether updates should be
+                            # made only if the new score is higher than previous.
+    ]
+)
+
+
+SCORE_PUBLISHED = Signal(
+    providing_args=[
+        'block',  # Course block object
+        'user',   # User object
+        'raw_earned',    # Score obtained by the user
+        'raw_possible',  # Maximum score available for the exercise
+        'only_if_higher',   # Boolean indicating whether updates should be
+                            # made only if the new score is higher than previous.
     ]
 )
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/grades/tasks.py b/lms/djangoapps/grades/tasks.py
index 95f774b643..942cff4175 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/grades/tasks.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/grades/tasks.py
@@ -8,10 +8,10 @@ from django.contrib.auth.models import User
 from django.db.utils import IntegrityError
 
 from lms.djangoapps.course_blocks.api import get_course_blocks
-from lms.djangoapps.courseware.courses import get_course_by_id
 from opaque_keys.edx.keys import UsageKey
 from opaque_keys.edx.locator import CourseLocator
 from openedx.core.djangoapps.content.block_structure.api import get_course_in_cache
+from xmodule.modulestore.django import modulestore
 
 from .config.models import PersistentGradesEnabledFlag
 from .transformer import GradesTransformer
@@ -19,13 +19,16 @@ from .new.subsection_grade import SubsectionGradeFactory
 
 
 @task(default_retry_delay=30, routing_key=settings.RECALCULATE_GRADES_ROUTING_KEY)
-def recalculate_subsection_grade(user_id, course_id, usage_id):
+def recalculate_subsection_grade(user_id, course_id, usage_id, only_if_higher):
     """
     Updates a saved subsection grade.
     This method expects the following parameters:
        - user_id: serialized id of applicable User object
        - course_id: Unicode string representing the course
        - usage_id: Unicode string indicating the courseware instance
+       - only_if_higher: boolean indicating whether grades should
+        be updated only if the new grade is higher than the previous
+        value.
     """
     course_key = CourseLocator.from_string(course_id)
     if not PersistentGradesEnabledFlag.feature_enabled(course_key):
@@ -35,7 +38,7 @@ def recalculate_subsection_grade(user_id, course_id, usage_id):
     scored_block_usage_key = UsageKey.from_string(usage_id).replace(course_key=course_key)
 
     collected_block_structure = get_course_in_cache(course_key)
-    course = get_course_by_id(course_key, depth=0)
+    course = modulestore().get_course(course_key, depth=0)
     subsection_grade_factory = SubsectionGradeFactory(student, course, collected_block_structure)
     subsections_to_update = collected_block_structure.get_transformer_block_field(
         scored_block_usage_key,
@@ -52,7 +55,9 @@ def recalculate_subsection_grade(user_id, course_id, usage_id):
                 collected_block_structure=collected_block_structure,
             )
             subsection_grade_factory.update(
-                transformed_subsection_structure[subsection_usage_key], transformed_subsection_structure
+                transformed_subsection_structure[subsection_usage_key],
+                transformed_subsection_structure,
+                only_if_higher,
             )
     except IntegrityError as exc:
         raise recalculate_subsection_grade.retry(args=[user_id, course_id, usage_id], exc=exc)
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/grades/tests/test_new.py b/lms/djangoapps/grades/tests/test_new.py
index 372d940e31..e5b4399ae3 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/grades/tests/test_new.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/grades/tests/test_new.py
@@ -106,7 +106,7 @@ class TestCourseGradeFactory(GradeTestBase):
 
 
 @ddt.ddt
-class SubsectionGradeFactoryTest(GradeTestBase):
+class TestSubsectionGradeFactory(GradeTestBase, ProblemSubmissionTestMixin):
     """
     Tests for SubsectionGradeFactory functionality.
 
@@ -115,17 +115,36 @@ class SubsectionGradeFactoryTest(GradeTestBase):
     enable saving subsection grades blocks/enables that feature as expected.
     """
 
+    def assert_grade(self, grade, expected_earned, expected_possible):
+        """
+        Asserts that the given grade object has the expected score.
+        """
+        self.assertEqual(
+            (grade.all_total.earned, grade.all_total.possible),
+            (expected_earned, expected_possible),
+        )
+
     def test_create(self):
         """
-        Tests to ensure that a persistent subsection grade is created, saved, then fetched on re-request.
+        Assuming the underlying score reporting methods work,
+        test that the score is calculated properly.
+        """
+        with mock_get_score(1, 2):
+            grade = self.subsection_grade_factory.create(self.sequence)
+        self.assert_grade(grade, 1, 2)
+
+    def test_create_internals(self):
+        """
+        Tests to ensure that a persistent subsection grade is
+        created, saved, then fetched on re-request.
         """
         with patch(
             'lms.djangoapps.grades.new.subsection_grade.PersistentSubsectionGrade.create_grade',
             wraps=PersistentSubsectionGrade.create_grade
         ) as mock_create_grade:
             with patch(
-                'lms.djangoapps.grades.new.subsection_grade.SubsectionGradeFactory._get_saved_grade',
-                wraps=self.subsection_grade_factory._get_saved_grade
+                'lms.djangoapps.grades.new.subsection_grade.SubsectionGradeFactory._get_bulk_cached_grade',
+                wraps=self.subsection_grade_factory._get_bulk_cached_grade
             ) as mock_get_saved_grade:
                 with self.assertNumQueries(14):
                     grade_a = self.subsection_grade_factory.create(self.sequence)
@@ -143,6 +162,30 @@ class SubsectionGradeFactoryTest(GradeTestBase):
         self.assertEqual(grade_a.url_name, grade_b.url_name)
         self.assertEqual(grade_a.all_total, grade_b.all_total)
 
+    def test_update(self):
+        """
+        Assuming the underlying score reporting methods work,
+        test that the score is calculated properly.
+        """
+        with mock_get_score(1, 2):
+            grade = self.subsection_grade_factory.update(self.sequence)
+        self.assert_grade(grade, 1, 2)
+
+    def test_update_if_higher(self):
+        def verify_update_if_higher(mock_score, expected_grade):
+            """
+            Updates the subsection grade and verifies the
+            resulting grade is as expected.
+            """
+            with mock_get_score(*mock_score):
+                grade = self.subsection_grade_factory.update(self.sequence, only_if_higher=True)
+                self.assert_grade(grade, *expected_grade)
+
+        verify_update_if_higher((1, 2), (1, 2))  # previous value was non-existent
+        verify_update_if_higher((2, 4), (1, 2))  # previous value was equivalent
+        verify_update_if_higher((1, 4), (1, 2))  # previous value was greater
+        verify_update_if_higher((3, 4), (3, 4))  # previous value was less
+
     @ddt.data(
         (
             'lms.djangoapps.grades.new.subsection_grade.SubsectionGrade.create_model',
@@ -162,7 +205,8 @@ class SubsectionGradeFactoryTest(GradeTestBase):
             with patch(underlying_method) as underlying:
                 underlying.side_effect = DatabaseError("I'm afraid I can't do that")
                 method_to_test(self)
-                # By making it this far, we implicitly assert "the factory method swallowed the exception correctly"
+                # By making it this far, we implicitly assert
+                # "the factory method swallowed the exception correctly"
                 self.assertTrue(
                     log_mock.warning.call_args_list[0].startswith("Persistent Grades: Persistence Error, falling back.")
                 )
@@ -196,18 +240,10 @@ class SubsectionGradeTest(GradeTestBase):
     Tests SubsectionGrade functionality.
     """
 
-    def test_compute(self):
-        """
-        Assuming the underlying score reporting methods work, test that the score is calculated properly.
-        """
-        with mock_get_score(1, 2):
-            grade = self.subsection_grade_factory.create(self.sequence)
-        self.assertEqual(grade.all_total.earned, 1)
-        self.assertEqual(grade.all_total.possible, 2)
-
     def test_save_and_load(self):
         """
-        Test that grades are persisted to the database properly, and that loading saved grades returns the same data.
+        Test that grades are persisted to the database properly,
+        and that loading saved grades returns the same data.
         """
         # Create a grade that *isn't* saved to the database
         input_grade = SubsectionGrade(self.sequence, self.course)
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/grades/tests/test_tasks.py b/lms/djangoapps/grades/tests/test_tasks.py
index 48b439d838..512a7f9e20 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/grades/tests/test_tasks.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/grades/tests/test_tasks.py
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 Tests for the functionality and infrastructure of grades tasks.
 """
 
+from collections import OrderedDict
 import ddt
 from django.conf import settings
 from django.db.utils import IntegrityError
@@ -47,11 +48,12 @@ class RecalculateSubsectionGradeTest(ModuleStoreTestCase):
         self.sequential = ItemFactory.create(parent=self.chapter, category='sequential', display_name="Open Sequential")
         self.problem = ItemFactory.create(parent=self.sequential, category='problem', display_name='problem')
 
-        self.score_changed_kwargs = {
-            'user_id': self.user.id,
-            'course_id': unicode(self.course.id),
-            'usage_id': unicode(self.problem.location),
-        }
+        self.score_changed_kwargs = OrderedDict([
+            ('user_id', self.user.id),
+            ('course_id', unicode(self.course.id)),
+            ('usage_id', unicode(self.problem.location)),
+            ('only_if_higher', None),
+        ])
 
         # this call caches the anonymous id on the user object, saving 4 queries in all happy path tests
         _ = anonymous_id_for_user(self.user, self.course.id)
@@ -67,13 +69,7 @@ class RecalculateSubsectionGradeTest(ModuleStoreTestCase):
             return_value=None
         ) as mock_task_apply:
             SCORE_CHANGED.send(sender=None, **self.score_changed_kwargs)
-            mock_task_apply.assert_called_once_with(
-                args=(
-                    self.score_changed_kwargs['user_id'],
-                    self.score_changed_kwargs['course_id'],
-                    self.score_changed_kwargs['usage_id'],
-                )
-            )
+            mock_task_apply.assert_called_once_with(args=tuple(self.score_changed_kwargs.values()))
 
     @ddt.data(ModuleStoreEnum.Type.mongo, ModuleStoreEnum.Type.split)
     def test_subsection_grade_updated(self, default_store):
@@ -81,13 +77,7 @@ class RecalculateSubsectionGradeTest(ModuleStoreTestCase):
             self.set_up_course()
             self.assertTrue(PersistentGradesEnabledFlag.feature_enabled(self.course.id))
             with check_mongo_calls(2) and self.assertNumQueries(13):
-                recalculate_subsection_grade.apply(
-                    args=(
-                        self.score_changed_kwargs['user_id'],
-                        self.score_changed_kwargs['course_id'],
-                        self.score_changed_kwargs['usage_id'],
-                    )
-                )
+                recalculate_subsection_grade.apply(args=tuple(self.score_changed_kwargs.values()))
 
     def test_single_call_to_create_block_structure(self):
         self.set_up_course()
@@ -96,13 +86,7 @@ class RecalculateSubsectionGradeTest(ModuleStoreTestCase):
             'openedx.core.lib.block_structure.factory.BlockStructureFactory.create_from_cache',
             return_value=None,
         ) as mock_block_structure_create:
-            recalculate_subsection_grade.apply(
-                args=(
-                    self.score_changed_kwargs['user_id'],
-                    self.score_changed_kwargs['course_id'],
-                    self.score_changed_kwargs['usage_id'],
-                )
-            )
+            recalculate_subsection_grade.apply(args=tuple(self.score_changed_kwargs.values()))
             self.assertEquals(mock_block_structure_create.call_count, 1)
 
     @ddt.data(ModuleStoreEnum.Type.mongo, ModuleStoreEnum.Type.split)
@@ -113,13 +97,7 @@ class RecalculateSubsectionGradeTest(ModuleStoreTestCase):
             ItemFactory.create(parent=self.sequential, category='problem', display_name='problem2')
             ItemFactory.create(parent=self.sequential, category='problem', display_name='problem3')
             with check_mongo_calls(2) and self.assertNumQueries(13):
-                recalculate_subsection_grade.apply(
-                    args=(
-                        self.score_changed_kwargs['user_id'],
-                        self.score_changed_kwargs['course_id'],
-                        self.score_changed_kwargs['usage_id'],
-                    )
-                )
+                recalculate_subsection_grade.apply(args=tuple(self.score_changed_kwargs.values()))
 
     @ddt.data(ModuleStoreEnum.Type.mongo, ModuleStoreEnum.Type.split)
     def test_subsection_grades_not_enabled_on_course(self, default_store):
@@ -127,13 +105,7 @@ class RecalculateSubsectionGradeTest(ModuleStoreTestCase):
             self.set_up_course(enable_subsection_grades=False)
             self.assertFalse(PersistentGradesEnabledFlag.feature_enabled(self.course.id))
             with check_mongo_calls(2) and self.assertNumQueries(0):
-                recalculate_subsection_grade.apply(
-                    args=(
-                        self.score_changed_kwargs['user_id'],
-                        self.score_changed_kwargs['course_id'],
-                        self.score_changed_kwargs['usage_id'],
-                    )
-                )
+                recalculate_subsection_grade.apply(args=tuple(self.score_changed_kwargs.values()))
 
     @skip("Pending completion of TNL-5089")
     @ddt.data(
@@ -148,13 +120,7 @@ class RecalculateSubsectionGradeTest(ModuleStoreTestCase):
         with self.store.default_store(default_store):
             self.set_up_course()
             with check_mongo_calls(0) and self.assertNumQueries(3 if feature_flag else 2):
-                recalculate_subsection_grade.apply(
-                    args=(
-                        self.score_changed_kwargs['user_id'],
-                        self.score_changed_kwargs['course_id'],
-                        self.score_changed_kwargs['usage_id'],
-                    )
-                )
+                recalculate_subsection_grade.apply(args=tuple(self.score_changed_kwargs.values()))
 
     @patch('lms.djangoapps.grades.tasks.recalculate_subsection_grade.retry')
     @patch('lms.djangoapps.grades.new.subsection_grade.SubsectionGradeFactory.update')
@@ -164,11 +130,5 @@ class RecalculateSubsectionGradeTest(ModuleStoreTestCase):
         """
         self.set_up_course()
         mock_update.side_effect = IntegrityError("WHAMMY")
-        recalculate_subsection_grade.apply(
-            args=(
-                self.score_changed_kwargs['user_id'],
-                self.score_changed_kwargs['course_id'],
-                self.score_changed_kwargs['usage_id'],
-            )
-        )
+        recalculate_subsection_grade.apply(args=tuple(self.score_changed_kwargs.values()))
         self.assertTrue(mock_retry.called)
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/grades/transformer.py b/lms/djangoapps/grades/transformer.py
index 40442502ee..cacaf0b78d 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/grades/transformer.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/grades/transformer.py
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ from logging import getLogger
 import json
 
 from courseware.model_data import FieldDataCache
-from courseware.module_render import get_module_for_descriptor
+import courseware.module_render
 from lms.djangoapps.course_blocks.transformers.utils import collect_unioned_set_field, get_field_on_block
 from openedx.core.lib.block_structure.transformer import BlockStructureTransformer
 from openedx.core.djangoapps.util.user_utils import SystemUser
@@ -186,5 +186,5 @@ class GradesTransformer(BlockStructureTransformer):
         for block_locator in block_structure.post_order_traversal():
             block = block_structure.get_xblock(block_locator)
             if getattr(block, 'has_score', False):
-                module = get_module_for_descriptor(user, request, block, cache, course_key)
+                module = courseware.module_render.get_module_for_descriptor(user, request, block, cache, course_key)
                 yield module
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/instructor/tests/test_api.py b/lms/djangoapps/instructor/tests/test_api.py
index c8feee3ed5..660612b419 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/instructor/tests/test_api.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/instructor/tests/test_api.py
@@ -3190,7 +3190,7 @@ class TestInstructorAPIRegradeTask(SharedModuleStoreTestCase, LoginEnrollmentTes
         })
         self.assertEqual(response.status_code, 400)
 
-    @patch('courseware.module_render.SCORE_CHANGED.send')
+    @patch('lms.djangoapps.grades.signals.handlers.SCORE_CHANGED.send')
     def test_reset_student_attempts_delete(self, _mock_signal):
         """ Test delete single student state. """
         url = reverse('reset_student_attempts', kwargs={'course_id': self.course.id.to_deprecated_string()})
@@ -3469,6 +3469,15 @@ class TestEntranceExamInstructorAPIRegradeTask(SharedModuleStoreTestCase, LoginE
         })
         self.assertEqual(response.status_code, 200)
 
+    def test_rescore_entrance_exam_if_higher_all_student(self):
+        """ Test rescoring for all students only if higher. """
+        url = reverse('rescore_entrance_exam', kwargs={'course_id': unicode(self.course.id)})
+        response = self.client.post(url, {
+            'all_students': True,
+            'only_if_higher': True,
+        })
+        self.assertEqual(response.status_code, 200)
+
     def test_rescore_entrance_exam_all_student_and_single(self):
         """ Test re-scoring with both all students and single student parameters. """
         url = reverse('rescore_entrance_exam', kwargs={'course_id': unicode(self.course.id)})
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/instructor/tests/test_enrollment.py b/lms/djangoapps/instructor/tests/test_enrollment.py
index 65ec2af976..779dd54ae7 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/instructor/tests/test_enrollment.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/instructor/tests/test_enrollment.py
@@ -378,7 +378,7 @@ class TestInstructorEnrollmentStudentModule(SharedModuleStoreTestCase):
         reset_student_attempts(self.course_key, self.user, msk, requesting_user=self.user)
         self.assertEqual(json.loads(module().state)['attempts'], 0)
 
-    @mock.patch('courseware.module_render.SCORE_CHANGED.send')
+    @mock.patch('lms.djangoapps.grades.signals.handlers.SCORE_CHANGED.send')
     def test_delete_student_attempts(self, _mock_signal):
         msk = self.course_key.make_usage_key('dummy', 'module')
         original_state = json.dumps({'attempts': 32, 'otherstuff': 'alsorobots'})
@@ -404,7 +404,7 @@ class TestInstructorEnrollmentStudentModule(SharedModuleStoreTestCase):
 
     # Disable the score change signal to prevent other components from being
     # pulled into tests.
-    @mock.patch('courseware.module_render.SCORE_CHANGED.send')
+    @mock.patch('lms.djangoapps.grades.signals.handlers.SCORE_CHANGED.send')
     def test_delete_submission_scores(self, _mock_signal):
         user = UserFactory()
         problem_location = self.course_key.make_usage_key('dummy', 'module')
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/instructor/tests/test_services.py b/lms/djangoapps/instructor/tests/test_services.py
index 4e2ded21fc..4cc8ab504c 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/instructor/tests/test_services.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/instructor/tests/test_services.py
@@ -49,7 +49,7 @@ class InstructorServiceTests(SharedModuleStoreTestCase):
             state=json.dumps({'attempts': 2}),
         )
 
-    @mock.patch('courseware.module_render.SCORE_CHANGED.send')
+    @mock.patch('lms.djangoapps.grades.signals.handlers.SCORE_CHANGED.send')
     def test_reset_student_attempts_delete(self, _mock_signal):
         """
         Test delete student state.
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/instructor/views/api.py b/lms/djangoapps/instructor/views/api.py
index 42e1a8055c..8b27e24b49 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/instructor/views/api.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/instructor/views/api.py
@@ -602,8 +602,8 @@ def students_update_enrollment(request, course_id):
     action = request.POST.get('action')
     identifiers_raw = request.POST.get('identifiers')
     identifiers = _split_input_list(identifiers_raw)
-    auto_enroll = request.POST.get('auto_enroll') in ['true', 'True', True]
-    email_students = request.POST.get('email_students') in ['true', 'True', True]
+    auto_enroll = _get_boolean_param(request, 'auto_enroll')
+    email_students = _get_boolean_param(request, 'email_students')
     is_white_label = CourseMode.is_white_label(course_id)
     reason = request.POST.get('reason')
     if is_white_label:
@@ -743,8 +743,8 @@ def bulk_beta_modify_access(request, course_id):
     action = request.POST.get('action')
     identifiers_raw = request.POST.get('identifiers')
     identifiers = _split_input_list(identifiers_raw)
-    email_students = request.POST.get('email_students') in ['true', 'True', True]
-    auto_enroll = request.POST.get('auto_enroll') in ['true', 'True', True]
+    email_students = _get_boolean_param(request, 'email_students')
+    auto_enroll = _get_boolean_param(request, 'auto_enroll')
     results = []
     rolename = 'beta'
     course = get_course_by_id(course_id)
@@ -1939,8 +1939,8 @@ def reset_student_attempts(request, course_id):
     student = None
     if student_identifier is not None:
         student = get_student_from_identifier(student_identifier)
-    all_students = request.POST.get('all_students', False) in ['true', 'True', True]
-    delete_module = request.POST.get('delete_module', False) in ['true', 'True', True]
+    all_students = _get_boolean_param(request, 'all_students')
+    delete_module = _get_boolean_param(request, 'delete_module')
 
     # parameter combinations
     if all_students and student:
@@ -2027,8 +2027,8 @@ def reset_student_attempts_for_entrance_exam(request, course_id):  # pylint: dis
     student = None
     if student_identifier is not None:
         student = get_student_from_identifier(student_identifier)
-    all_students = request.POST.get('all_students', False) in ['true', 'True', True]
-    delete_module = request.POST.get('delete_module', False) in ['true', 'True', True]
+    all_students = _get_boolean_param(request, 'all_students')
+    delete_module = _get_boolean_param(request, 'delete_module')
 
     # parameter combinations
     if all_students and student:
@@ -2092,7 +2092,8 @@ def rescore_problem(request, course_id):
     if student_identifier is not None:
         student = get_student_from_identifier(student_identifier)
 
-    all_students = request.POST.get('all_students') in ['true', 'True', True]
+    all_students = _get_boolean_param(request, 'all_students')
+    only_if_higher = _get_boolean_param(request, 'only_if_higher')
 
     if not (problem_to_reset and (all_students or student)):
         return HttpResponseBadRequest("Missing query parameters.")
@@ -2107,19 +2108,26 @@ def rescore_problem(request, course_id):
     except InvalidKeyError:
         return HttpResponseBadRequest("Unable to parse problem id")
 
-    response_payload = {}
-    response_payload['problem_to_reset'] = problem_to_reset
+    response_payload = {'problem_to_reset': problem_to_reset}
 
     if student:
         response_payload['student'] = student_identifier
-        lms.djangoapps.instructor_task.api.submit_rescore_problem_for_student(request, module_state_key, student)
-        response_payload['task'] = 'created'
+        lms.djangoapps.instructor_task.api.submit_rescore_problem_for_student(
+            request,
+            module_state_key,
+            student,
+            only_if_higher,
+        )
     elif all_students:
-        lms.djangoapps.instructor_task.api.submit_rescore_problem_for_all_students(request, module_state_key)
-        response_payload['task'] = 'created'
+        lms.djangoapps.instructor_task.api.submit_rescore_problem_for_all_students(
+            request,
+            module_state_key,
+            only_if_higher,
+        )
     else:
         return HttpResponseBadRequest()
 
+    response_payload['task'] = 'created'
     return JsonResponse(response_payload)
 
 
@@ -2146,11 +2154,12 @@ def rescore_entrance_exam(request, course_id):
     )
 
     student_identifier = request.POST.get('unique_student_identifier', None)
+    only_if_higher = request.POST.get('only_if_higher', None)
     student = None
     if student_identifier is not None:
         student = get_student_from_identifier(student_identifier)
 
-    all_students = request.POST.get('all_students') in ['true', 'True', True]
+    all_students = _get_boolean_param(request, 'all_students')
 
     if not course.entrance_exam_id:
         return HttpResponseBadRequest(
@@ -2172,7 +2181,10 @@ def rescore_entrance_exam(request, course_id):
         response_payload['student'] = student_identifier
     else:
         response_payload['student'] = _("All Students")
-    lms.djangoapps.instructor_task.api.submit_rescore_entrance_exam_for_student(request, entrance_exam_key, student)
+
+    lms.djangoapps.instructor_task.api.submit_rescore_entrance_exam_for_student(
+        request, entrance_exam_key, student, only_if_higher,
+    )
     response_payload['task'] = 'created'
     return JsonResponse(response_payload)
 
@@ -3318,3 +3330,12 @@ def validate_request_data_and_get_certificate(certificate_invalidation, course_k
             "username/email and the selected course are correct and try again."
         ).format(student=student.username, course=course_key.course))
     return certificate
+
+
+def _get_boolean_param(request, param_name):
+    """
+    Returns the value of the boolean parameter with the given
+    name in the POST request. Handles translation from string
+    values to boolean values.
+    """
+    return request.POST.get(param_name, False) in ['true', 'True', True]
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/api.py b/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/api.py
index 3a2cd1c73c..a412daf3b9 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/api.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/api.py
@@ -95,7 +95,7 @@ def get_entrance_exam_instructor_task_history(course_id, usage_key=None, student
 
 
 # Disabling invalid-name because this fn name is longer than 30 chars.
-def submit_rescore_problem_for_student(request, usage_key, student):  # pylint: disable=invalid-name
+def submit_rescore_problem_for_student(request, usage_key, student, only_if_higher=False):  # pylint: disable=invalid-name
     """
     Request a problem to be rescored as a background task.
 
@@ -110,13 +110,14 @@ def submit_rescore_problem_for_student(request, usage_key, student):  # pylint:
     # check arguments:  let exceptions return up to the caller.
     check_arguments_for_rescoring(usage_key)
 
-    task_type = 'rescore_problem'
+    task_type = 'rescore_problem_if_higher' if only_if_higher else 'rescore_problem'
     task_class = rescore_problem
     task_input, task_key = encode_problem_and_student_input(usage_key, student)
+    task_input.update({'only_if_higher': only_if_higher})
     return submit_task(request, task_type, task_class, usage_key.course_key, task_input, task_key)
 
 
-def submit_rescore_problem_for_all_students(request, usage_key):  # pylint: disable=invalid-name
+def submit_rescore_problem_for_all_students(request, usage_key, only_if_higher=False):  # pylint: disable=invalid-name
     """
     Request a problem to be rescored as a background task.
 
@@ -136,10 +137,11 @@ def submit_rescore_problem_for_all_students(request, usage_key):  # pylint: disa
     task_type = 'rescore_problem'
     task_class = rescore_problem
     task_input, task_key = encode_problem_and_student_input(usage_key)
+    task_input.update({'only_if_higher': only_if_higher})
     return submit_task(request, task_type, task_class, usage_key.course_key, task_input, task_key)
 
 
-def submit_rescore_entrance_exam_for_student(request, usage_key, student=None):  # pylint: disable=invalid-name
+def submit_rescore_entrance_exam_for_student(request, usage_key, student=None, only_if_higher=False):  # pylint: disable=invalid-name
     """
     Request entrance exam problems to be re-scored as a background task.
 
@@ -161,6 +163,7 @@ def submit_rescore_entrance_exam_for_student(request, usage_key, student=None):
     task_type = 'rescore_problem'
     task_class = rescore_problem
     task_input, task_key = encode_entrance_exam_and_student_input(usage_key, student)
+    task_input.update({'only_if_higher': only_if_higher})
     return submit_task(request, task_type, task_class, usage_key.course_key, task_input, task_key)
 
 
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/tasks_helper.py b/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/tasks_helper.py
index fa0de7a7f8..bd05443d01 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/tasks_helper.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/tasks_helper.py
@@ -310,9 +310,9 @@ def perform_module_state_update(update_fcn, filter_fcn, _entry_id, course_id, ta
     argument, which is the query being filtered, and returns the filtered version of the query.
 
     The `update_fcn` is called on each StudentModule that passes the resulting filtering.
-    It is passed three arguments:  the module_descriptor for the module pointed to by the
-    module_state_key, the particular StudentModule to update, and the xmodule_instance_args being
-    passed through.  If the value returned by the update function evaluates to a boolean True,
+    It is passed four arguments:  the module_descriptor for the module pointed to by the
+    module_state_key, the particular StudentModule to update, the xmodule_instance_args, and the task_input
+    being passed through.  If the value returned by the update function evaluates to a boolean True,
     the update is successful; False indicates the update on the particular student module failed.
     A raised exception indicates a fatal condition -- that no other student modules should be considered.
 
@@ -382,7 +382,7 @@ def perform_module_state_update(update_fcn, filter_fcn, _entry_id, course_id, ta
         # There is no try here:  if there's an error, we let it throw, and the task will
         # be marked as FAILED, with a stack trace.
         with dog_stats_api.timer('instructor_tasks.module.time.step', tags=[u'action:{name}'.format(name=action_name)]):
-            update_status = update_fcn(module_descriptor, module_to_update)
+            update_status = update_fcn(module_descriptor, module_to_update, task_input)
             if update_status == UPDATE_STATUS_SUCCEEDED:
                 # If the update_fcn returns true, then it performed some kind of work.
                 # Logging of failures is left to the update_fcn itself.
@@ -470,7 +470,7 @@ def _get_module_instance_for_task(course_id, student, module_descriptor, xmodule
 
 
 @outer_atomic
-def rescore_problem_module_state(xmodule_instance_args, module_descriptor, student_module):
+def rescore_problem_module_state(xmodule_instance_args, module_descriptor, student_module, task_input):
     '''
     Takes an XModule descriptor and a corresponding StudentModule object, and
     performs rescoring on the student's problem submission.
@@ -517,7 +517,7 @@ def rescore_problem_module_state(xmodule_instance_args, module_descriptor, stude
             msg = "Specified problem does not support rescoring."
             raise UpdateProblemModuleStateError(msg)
 
-        result = instance.rescore_problem()
+        result = instance.rescore_problem(only_if_higher=task_input['only_if_higher'])
         instance.save()
         if 'success' not in result:
             # don't consider these fatal, but false means that the individual call didn't complete:
@@ -559,7 +559,7 @@ def rescore_problem_module_state(xmodule_instance_args, module_descriptor, stude
 
 
 @outer_atomic
-def reset_attempts_module_state(xmodule_instance_args, _module_descriptor, student_module):
+def reset_attempts_module_state(xmodule_instance_args, _module_descriptor, student_module, _task_input):
     """
     Resets problem attempts to zero for specified `student_module`.
 
@@ -586,7 +586,7 @@ def reset_attempts_module_state(xmodule_instance_args, _module_descriptor, stude
 
 
 @outer_atomic
-def delete_problem_module_state(xmodule_instance_args, _module_descriptor, student_module):
+def delete_problem_module_state(xmodule_instance_args, _module_descriptor, student_module, _task_input):
     """
     Delete the StudentModule entry.
 
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/tests/test_integration.py b/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/tests/test_integration.py
index a64ac4b907..e22c3ba4cd 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/tests/test_integration.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/tests/test_integration.py
@@ -140,35 +140,27 @@ class TestRescoringTask(TestIntegrationTask):
             expected_subsection_grade,
         )
 
-    def submit_rescore_all_student_answers(self, instructor, problem_url_name):
+    def submit_rescore_all_student_answers(self, instructor, problem_url_name, only_if_higher=False):
         """Submits the particular problem for rescoring"""
-        return submit_rescore_problem_for_all_students(self.create_task_request(instructor),
-                                                       InstructorTaskModuleTestCase.problem_location(problem_url_name))
+        return submit_rescore_problem_for_all_students(
+            self.create_task_request(instructor),
+            InstructorTaskModuleTestCase.problem_location(problem_url_name),
+            only_if_higher,
+        )
 
-    def submit_rescore_one_student_answer(self, instructor, problem_url_name, student):
+    def submit_rescore_one_student_answer(self, instructor, problem_url_name, student, only_if_higher=False):
         """Submits the particular problem for rescoring for a particular student"""
-        return submit_rescore_problem_for_student(self.create_task_request(instructor),
-                                                  InstructorTaskModuleTestCase.problem_location(problem_url_name),
-                                                  student)
+        return submit_rescore_problem_for_student(
+            self.create_task_request(instructor),
+            InstructorTaskModuleTestCase.problem_location(problem_url_name),
+            student,
+            only_if_higher,
+        )
 
-    RescoreTestData = namedtuple('RescoreTestData', 'edit, new_expected_scores, new_expected_max')
-
-    @ddt.data(
-        RescoreTestData(edit=dict(correct_answer=OPTION_2), new_expected_scores=(0, 1, 1, 2), new_expected_max=2),
-        RescoreTestData(edit=dict(num_inputs=2), new_expected_scores=(2, 1, 1, 0), new_expected_max=4),
-        RescoreTestData(edit=dict(num_inputs=4), new_expected_scores=(2, 1, 1, 0), new_expected_max=8),
-        RescoreTestData(edit=dict(num_responses=4), new_expected_scores=(2, 1, 1, 0), new_expected_max=4),
-        RescoreTestData(edit=dict(num_inputs=2, num_responses=4), new_expected_scores=(2, 1, 1, 0), new_expected_max=8),
-    )
-    @ddt.unpack
-    def test_rescoring_option_problem(self, problem_edit, new_expected_scores, new_expected_max):
+    def verify_rescore_results(self, problem_edit, new_expected_scores, new_expected_max, rescore_if_higher):
         """
-        Run rescore scenario on option problem.
-        Verify rescoring updates grade after content change.
-        Original problem definition has:
-            num_inputs = 1
-            num_responses = 2
-            correct_answer = OPTION_1
+        Common helper to verify the results of rescoring for a single
+        student and all students are as expected.
         """
         # get descriptor:
         problem_url_name = 'H1P1'
@@ -196,16 +188,50 @@ class TestRescoringTask(TestIntegrationTask):
         self.check_state(self.user1, descriptor, expected_original_scores[0], expected_original_max)
 
         # rescore the problem for only one student -- only that student's grade should change:
-        self.submit_rescore_one_student_answer('instructor', problem_url_name, self.user1)
+        self.submit_rescore_one_student_answer('instructor', problem_url_name, self.user1, rescore_if_higher)
         self.check_state(self.user1, descriptor, new_expected_scores[0], new_expected_max)
         for i, user in enumerate(self.users[1:], start=1):  # everyone other than user1
             self.check_state(user, descriptor, expected_original_scores[i], expected_original_max)
 
         # rescore the problem for all students
-        self.submit_rescore_all_student_answers('instructor', problem_url_name)
+        self.submit_rescore_all_student_answers('instructor', problem_url_name, rescore_if_higher)
         for i, user in enumerate(self.users):
             self.check_state(user, descriptor, new_expected_scores[i], new_expected_max)
 
+    RescoreTestData = namedtuple('RescoreTestData', 'edit, new_expected_scores, new_expected_max')
+
+    @ddt.data(
+        RescoreTestData(edit=dict(correct_answer=OPTION_2), new_expected_scores=(0, 1, 1, 2), new_expected_max=2),
+        RescoreTestData(edit=dict(num_inputs=2), new_expected_scores=(2, 1, 1, 0), new_expected_max=4),
+        RescoreTestData(edit=dict(num_inputs=4), new_expected_scores=(2, 1, 1, 0), new_expected_max=8),
+        RescoreTestData(edit=dict(num_responses=4), new_expected_scores=(2, 1, 1, 0), new_expected_max=4),
+        RescoreTestData(edit=dict(num_inputs=2, num_responses=4), new_expected_scores=(2, 1, 1, 0), new_expected_max=8),
+    )
+    @ddt.unpack
+    def test_rescoring_option_problem(self, problem_edit, new_expected_scores, new_expected_max):
+        """
+        Run rescore scenario on option problem.
+        Verify rescoring updates grade after content change.
+        Original problem definition has:
+            num_inputs = 1
+            num_responses = 2
+            correct_answer = OPTION_1
+        """
+        self.verify_rescore_results(
+            problem_edit, new_expected_scores, new_expected_max, rescore_if_higher=False,
+        )
+
+    @ddt.data(
+        RescoreTestData(edit=dict(), new_expected_scores=(2, 1, 1, 0), new_expected_max=2),
+        RescoreTestData(edit=dict(correct_answer=OPTION_2), new_expected_scores=(2, 1, 1, 2), new_expected_max=2),
+        RescoreTestData(edit=dict(num_inputs=2), new_expected_scores=(2, 1, 1, 0), new_expected_max=2),
+    )
+    @ddt.unpack
+    def test_rescoring_if_higher(self, problem_edit, new_expected_scores, new_expected_max):
+        self.verify_rescore_results(
+            problem_edit, new_expected_scores, new_expected_max, rescore_if_higher=True,
+        )
+
     def test_rescoring_failure(self):
         """Simulate a failure in rescoring a problem"""
         problem_url_name = 'H1P1'
diff --git a/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/tests/test_tasks.py b/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/tests/test_tasks.py
index fd24cf8921..c6e2a35024 100644
--- a/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/tests/test_tasks.py
+++ b/lms/djangoapps/instructor_task/tests/test_tasks.py
@@ -52,10 +52,10 @@ class TestInstructorTasks(InstructorTaskModuleTestCase):
         self.instructor = self.create_instructor('instructor')
         self.location = self.problem_location(PROBLEM_URL_NAME)
 
-    def _create_input_entry(self, student_ident=None, use_problem_url=True, course_id=None):
+    def _create_input_entry(self, student_ident=None, use_problem_url=True, course_id=None, only_if_higher=False):
         """Creates a InstructorTask entry for testing."""
         task_id = str(uuid4())
-        task_input = {}
+        task_input = {'only_if_higher': only_if_higher}
         if use_problem_url:
             task_input['problem_url'] = self.location
         if student_ident is not None:
diff --git a/lms/static/js/instructor_dashboard/student_admin.js b/lms/static/js/instructor_dashboard/student_admin.js
index 9c65b24380..a2bc1ee0b2 100644
--- a/lms/static/js/instructor_dashboard/student_admin.js
+++ b/lms/static/js/instructor_dashboard/student_admin.js
@@ -39,18 +39,25 @@
             this.$btn_reset_attempts_single = findAndAssert(this.$section, "input[name='reset-attempts-single']");
             this.$btn_delete_state_single = this.$section.find("input[name='delete-state-single']");
             this.$btn_rescore_problem_single = this.$section.find("input[name='rescore-problem-single']");
+            this.$btn_rescore_problem_if_higher_single = this.$section.find(
+                "input[name='rescore-problem-if-higher-single']"
+            );
             this.$btn_task_history_single = this.$section.find("input[name='task-history-single']");
             this.$table_task_history_single = this.$section.find('.task-history-single-table');
             this.$field_exam_grade = this.$section.find("input[name='entrance-exam-student-select-grade']");
             this.$btn_reset_entrance_exam_attempts = this.$section.find("input[name='reset-entrance-exam-attempts']");
             this.$btn_delete_entrance_exam_state = this.$section.find("input[name='delete-entrance-exam-state']");
             this.$btn_rescore_entrance_exam = this.$section.find("input[name='rescore-entrance-exam']");
+            this.$btn_rescore_entrance_exam_if_higher = this.$section.find(
+                "input[name='rescore-entrance-exam-if-higher']"
+            );
             this.$btn_skip_entrance_exam = this.$section.find("input[name='skip-entrance-exam']");
             this.$btn_entrance_exam_task_history = this.$section.find("input[name='entrance-exam-task-history']");
             this.$table_entrance_exam_task_history = this.$section.find('.entrance-exam-task-history-table');
             this.$field_problem_select_all = this.$section.find("input[name='problem-select-all']");
             this.$btn_reset_attempts_all = this.$section.find("input[name='reset-attempts-all']");
             this.$btn_rescore_problem_all = this.$section.find("input[name='rescore-problem-all']");
+            this.$btn_rescore_problem_if_higher_all = this.$section.find("input[name='rescore-problem-all-if-higher']");
             this.$btn_task_history_all = this.$section.find("input[name='task-history-all']");
             this.$table_task_history_all = this.$section.find('.task-history-all-table');
             this.instructor_tasks = new (PendingInstructorTasks())(this.$section);
@@ -176,46 +183,10 @@
                 }
             });
             this.$btn_rescore_problem_single.click(function() {
-                var errorMessage, fullErrorMessage, fullSuccessMessage,
-                    problemToReset, sendData, successMessage, uniqStudentIdentifier;
-                uniqStudentIdentifier = studentadmin.$field_student_select_grade.val();
-                problemToReset = studentadmin.$field_problem_select_single.val();
-                if (!uniqStudentIdentifier) {
-                    return studentadmin.$request_err_grade.text(
-                        gettext('Please enter a student email address or username.')
-                    );
-                }
-                if (!problemToReset) {
-                    return studentadmin.$request_err_grade.text(
-                        gettext('Please enter a problem location.')
-                    );
-                }
-                sendData = {
-                    unique_student_identifier: uniqStudentIdentifier,
-                    problem_to_reset: problemToReset
-                };
-                successMessage = gettext("Started rescore problem task for problem '<%- problem_id %>' and student '<%- student_id %>'. Click the 'Show Background Task History for Student' button to see the status of the task.");  // eslint-disable-line max-len
-                fullSuccessMessage = _.template(successMessage)({
-                    student_id: uniqStudentIdentifier,
-                    problem_id: problemToReset
-                });
-                errorMessage = gettext("Error starting a task to rescore problem '<%- problem_id %>' for student '<%- student_id %>'. Make sure that the the problem and student identifiers are complete and correct.");  // eslint-disable-line max-len
-                fullErrorMessage = _.template(errorMessage)({
-                    student_id: uniqStudentIdentifier,
-                    problem_id: problemToReset
-                });
-                return $.ajax({
-                    type: 'POST',
-                    dataType: 'json',
-                    url: studentadmin.$btn_rescore_problem_single.data('endpoint'),
-                    data: sendData,
-                    success: studentadmin.clear_errors_then(function() {
-                        return alert(fullSuccessMessage);  // eslint-disable-line no-alert
-                    }),
-                    error: statusAjaxError(function() {
-                        return studentadmin.$request_err_grade.text(fullErrorMessage);
-                    })
-                });
+                return studentadmin.rescore_problem_single(false);
+            });
+            this.$btn_rescore_problem_if_higher_single.click(function() {
+                return studentadmin.rescore_problem_single(true);
             });
             this.$btn_task_history_single.click(function() {
                 var errorMessage, fullErrorMessage, problemToReset, sendData, uniqStudentIdentifier;
@@ -289,38 +260,10 @@
                 });
             });
             this.$btn_rescore_entrance_exam.click(function() {
-                var sendData, uniqStudentIdentifier;
-                uniqStudentIdentifier = studentadmin.$field_exam_grade.val();
-                if (!uniqStudentIdentifier) {
-                    return studentadmin.$request_err_ee.text(gettext(
-                        'Please enter a student email address or username.')
-                    );
-                }
-                sendData = {
-                    unique_student_identifier: uniqStudentIdentifier
-                };
-                return $.ajax({
-                    type: 'POST',
-                    dataType: 'json',
-                    url: studentadmin.$btn_rescore_entrance_exam.data('endpoint'),
-                    data: sendData,
-                    success: studentadmin.clear_errors_then(function() {
-                        var fullSuccessMessage, successMessage;
-                        successMessage = gettext("Started entrance exam rescore task for student '{student_id}'. Click the 'Show Background Task History for Student' button to see the status of the task.");  // eslint-disable-line max-len
-                        fullSuccessMessage = interpolate_text(successMessage, {
-                            student_id: uniqStudentIdentifier
-                        });
-                        return alert(fullSuccessMessage);  // eslint-disable-line no-alert
-                    }),
-                    error: statusAjaxError(function() {
-                        var errorMessage, fullErrorMessage;
-                        errorMessage = gettext("Error starting a task to rescore entrance exam for student '{student_id}'. Make sure that entrance exam has problems in it and student identifier is correct.");  // eslint-disable-line max-len
-                        fullErrorMessage = interpolate_text(errorMessage, {
-                            student_id: uniqStudentIdentifier
-                        });
-                        return studentadmin.$request_err_ee.text(fullErrorMessage);
-                    })
-                });
+                return studentadmin.rescore_entrance_exam_all(false);
+            });
+            this.$btn_rescore_entrance_exam_if_higher.click(function() {
+                return studentadmin.rescore_entrance_exam_all(true);
             });
             this.$btn_skip_entrance_exam.click(function() {
                 var confirmMessage, fullConfirmMessage, sendData, uniqStudentIdentifier;
@@ -435,7 +378,7 @@
                         all_students: true,
                         problem_to_reset: problemToReset
                     };
-                    successMessage = gettext("Successfully started task to reset attempts for problem '<%- problem_id %>'. Click the 'Show Background Task History for Problem' button to see the status of the task.");  // eslint-disable-line max-len
+                    successMessage = gettext("Successfully started task to reset attempts for problem '<%- problem_id %>'. Click the 'Show Task Status' button to see the status of the task.");  // eslint-disable-line max-len
                     fullSuccessMessage = _.template(successMessage)({
                         problem_id: problemToReset
                     });
@@ -460,46 +403,10 @@
                 }
             });
             this.$btn_rescore_problem_all.click(function() {
-                var confirmMessage, errorMessage, fullConfirmMessage,
-                    fullErrorMessage, fullSuccessMessage, problemToReset, sendData, successMessage;
-                problemToReset = studentadmin.$field_problem_select_all.val();
-                if (!problemToReset) {
-                    return studentadmin.$request_response_error_all.text(
-                        gettext('Please enter a problem location.')
-                    );
-                }
-                confirmMessage = gettext("Rescore problem '<%- problem_id %>' for all students?");
-                fullConfirmMessage = _.template(confirmMessage)({
-                    problem_id: problemToReset
-                });
-                if (window.confirm(fullConfirmMessage)) {  // eslint-disable-line no-alert
-                    sendData = {
-                        all_students: true,
-                        problem_to_reset: problemToReset
-                    };
-                    successMessage = gettext("Successfully started task to rescore problem '<%- problem_id %>' for all students. Click the 'Show Background Task History for Problem' button to see the status of the task.");  // eslint-disable-line max-len
-                    fullSuccessMessage = _.template(successMessage)({
-                        problem_id: problemToReset
-                    });
-                    errorMessage = gettext("Error starting a task to rescore problem '<%- problem_id %>'. Make sure that the problem identifier is complete and correct.");  // eslint-disable-line max-len
-                    fullErrorMessage = _.template(errorMessage)({
-                        problem_id: problemToReset
-                    });
-                    return $.ajax({
-                        type: 'POST',
-                        dataType: 'json',
-                        url: studentadmin.$btn_rescore_problem_all.data('endpoint'),
-                        data: sendData,
-                        success: studentadmin.clear_errors_then(function() {
-                            return alert(fullSuccessMessage);  // eslint-disable-line no-alert
-                        }),
-                        error: statusAjaxError(function() {
-                            return studentadmin.$request_response_error_all.text(fullErrorMessage);
-                        })
-                    });
-                } else {
-                    return studentadmin.clear_errors();
-                }
+                return studentadmin.rescore_problem_all(false);
+            });
+            this.$btn_rescore_problem_if_higher_all.click(function() {
+                return studentadmin.rescore_problem_all(true);
             });
             this.$btn_task_history_all.click(function() {
                 var sendData;
@@ -528,6 +435,133 @@
             });
         }
 
+        StudentAdmin.prototype.rescore_problem_single = function(onlyIfHigher) {
+            var errorMessage, fullErrorMessage, fullSuccessMessage,
+                problemToReset, sendData, successMessage, uniqStudentIdentifier,
+                that = this;
+            uniqStudentIdentifier = this.$field_student_select_grade.val();
+            problemToReset = this.$field_problem_select_single.val();
+            if (!uniqStudentIdentifier) {
+                return this.$request_err_grade.text(
+                    gettext('Please enter a student email address or username.')
+                );
+            }
+            if (!problemToReset) {
+                return this.$request_err_grade.text(
+                    gettext('Please enter a problem location.')
+                );
+            }
+            sendData = {
+                unique_student_identifier: uniqStudentIdentifier,
+                problem_to_reset: problemToReset,
+                only_if_higher: onlyIfHigher
+            };
+            successMessage = gettext("Started rescore problem task for problem '<%- problem_id %>' and student '<%- student_id %>'. Click the 'Show Task Status' button to see the status of the task.");  // eslint-disable-line max-len
+            fullSuccessMessage = _.template(successMessage)({
+                student_id: uniqStudentIdentifier,
+                problem_id: problemToReset
+            });
+            errorMessage = gettext("Error starting a task to rescore problem '<%- problem_id %>' for student '<%- student_id %>'. Make sure that the the problem and student identifiers are complete and correct.");  // eslint-disable-line max-len
+            fullErrorMessage = _.template(errorMessage)({
+                student_id: uniqStudentIdentifier,
+                problem_id: problemToReset
+            });
+            return $.ajax({
+                type: 'POST',
+                dataType: 'json',
+                url: this.$btn_rescore_problem_single.data('endpoint'),
+                data: sendData,
+                success: this.clear_errors_then(function() {
+                    return alert(fullSuccessMessage);  // eslint-disable-line no-alert
+                }),
+                error: statusAjaxError(function() {
+                    return that.$request_err_grade.text(fullErrorMessage);
+                })
+            });
+        };
+
+        StudentAdmin.prototype.rescore_entrance_exam_all = function(onlyIfHigher) {
+            var sendData, uniqStudentIdentifier,
+                that = this;
+            uniqStudentIdentifier = this.$field_exam_grade.val();
+            if (!uniqStudentIdentifier) {
+                return this.$request_err_ee.text(gettext(
+                    'Please enter a student email address or username.')
+                );
+            }
+            sendData = {
+                unique_student_identifier: uniqStudentIdentifier,
+                only_if_higher: onlyIfHigher
+            };
+            return $.ajax({
+                type: 'POST',
+                dataType: 'json',
+                url: this.$btn_rescore_entrance_exam.data('endpoint'),
+                data: sendData,
+                success: this.clear_errors_then(function() {
+                    var fullSuccessMessage, successMessage;
+                    successMessage = gettext("Started entrance exam rescore task for student '{student_id}'. Click the 'Show Task Status' button to see the status of the task.");  // eslint-disable-line max-len
+                    fullSuccessMessage = interpolate_text(successMessage, {
+                        student_id: uniqStudentIdentifier
+                    });
+                    return alert(fullSuccessMessage);  // eslint-disable-line no-alert
+                }),
+                error: statusAjaxError(function() {
+                    var errorMessage, fullErrorMessage;
+                    errorMessage = gettext("Error starting a task to rescore entrance exam for student '{student_id}'. Make sure that entrance exam has problems in it and student identifier is correct.");  // eslint-disable-line max-len
+                    fullErrorMessage = interpolate_text(errorMessage, {
+                        student_id: uniqStudentIdentifier
+                    });
+                    return that.$request_err_ee.text(fullErrorMessage);
+                })
+            });
+        };
+
+        StudentAdmin.prototype.rescore_problem_all = function(onlyIfHigher) {
+            var confirmMessage, errorMessage, fullConfirmMessage,
+                fullErrorMessage, fullSuccessMessage, problemToReset, sendData, successMessage,
+                that = this;
+            problemToReset = this.$field_problem_select_all.val();
+            if (!problemToReset) {
+                return this.$request_response_error_all.text(
+                    gettext('Please enter a problem location.')
+                );
+            }
+            confirmMessage = gettext("Rescore problem '<%- problem_id %>' for all students?");
+            fullConfirmMessage = _.template(confirmMessage)({
+                problem_id: problemToReset
+            });
+            if (window.confirm(fullConfirmMessage)) {  // eslint-disable-line no-alert
+                sendData = {
+                    all_students: true,
+                    problem_to_reset: problemToReset,
+                    only_if_higher: onlyIfHigher
+                };
+                successMessage = gettext("Successfully started task to rescore problem '<%- problem_id %>' for all students. Click the 'Show Task Status' button to see the status of the task.");  // eslint-disable-line max-len
+                fullSuccessMessage = _.template(successMessage)({
+                    problem_id: problemToReset
+                });
+                errorMessage = gettext("Error starting a task to rescore problem '<%- problem_id %>'. Make sure that the problem identifier is complete and correct.");  // eslint-disable-line max-len
+                fullErrorMessage = _.template(errorMessage)({
+                    problem_id: problemToReset
+                });
+                return $.ajax({
+                    type: 'POST',
+                    dataType: 'json',
+                    url: this.$btn_rescore_problem_all.data('endpoint'),
+                    data: sendData,
+                    success: this.clear_errors_then(function() {
+                        return alert(fullSuccessMessage);  // eslint-disable-line no-alert
+                    }),
+                    error: statusAjaxError(function() {
+                        return that.$request_response_error_all.text(fullErrorMessage);
+                    })
+                });
+            } else {
+                return this.clear_errors();
+            }
+        };
+
         StudentAdmin.prototype.clear_errors_then = function(cb) {
             this.$request_err.empty();
             this.$request_err_grade.empty();
diff --git a/lms/static/js/spec/instructor_dashboard/student_admin_spec.js b/lms/static/js/spec/instructor_dashboard/student_admin_spec.js
index 1d75f30901..588713ee8c 100644
--- a/lms/static/js/spec/instructor_dashboard/student_admin_spec.js
+++ b/lms/static/js/spec/instructor_dashboard/student_admin_spec.js
@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@ define(['jquery', 'js/instructor_dashboard/student_admin', 'edx-ui-toolkit/js/ut
 
             it('initiates rescoring of the entrance exam when the button is clicked', function() {
                 var successMessage = gettext("Started entrance exam rescore task for student '{student_id}'." +
-                    " Click the 'Show Background Task History for Student' button to see the status of the task."); //  eslint-disable-line max-len
+                    " Click the 'Show Task Status' button to see the status of the task."); //  eslint-disable-line max-len
                 var fullSuccessMessage = interpolate_text(successMessage, {
                     student_id: uniqStudentIdentifier
                 });
@@ -94,7 +94,8 @@ define(['jquery', 'js/instructor_dashboard/student_admin', 'edx-ui-toolkit/js/ut
                 var requests = AjaxHelpers.requests(this);
                 // Verify that the client contacts the server to start instructor task
                 var params = $.param({
-                    unique_student_identifier: uniqStudentIdentifier
+                    unique_student_identifier: uniqStudentIdentifier,
+                    only_if_higher: false
                 });
 
                 studentadmin.$btn_rescore_entrance_exam.click();
@@ -121,7 +122,8 @@ define(['jquery', 'js/instructor_dashboard/student_admin', 'edx-ui-toolkit/js/ut
                 var requests = AjaxHelpers.requests(this);
                 // Verify that the client contacts the server to start instructor task
                 var params = $.param({
-                    unique_student_identifier: uniqStudentIdentifier
+                    unique_student_identifier: uniqStudentIdentifier,
+                    only_if_higher: false
                 });
                 var errorMessage = gettext(
                     "Error starting a task to rescore entrance exam for student '{student_id}'." +
diff --git a/lms/static/js/spec/staff_debug_actions_spec.js b/lms/static/js/spec/staff_debug_actions_spec.js
index 05cc047f4f..cc95a867fa 100644
--- a/lms/static/js/spec/staff_debug_actions_spec.js
+++ b/lms/static/js/spec/staff_debug_actions_spec.js
@@ -11,51 +11,52 @@ define([
         describe('StaffDebugActions', function() {
             var location = 'i4x://edX/Open_DemoX/edx_demo_course/problem/test_loc';
             var locationName = 'test_loc';
-            var fixture_id = 'sd_fu_' + locationName;
-            var fixture = $('<input>', {id: fixture_id, placeholder: 'userman'});
+            var fixtureID = 'sd_fu_' + locationName;
+            var $fixture = $('<input>', {id: fixtureID, placeholder: 'userman'});
             var escapableLocationName = 'test\.\*\+\?\^\:\$\{\}\(\)\|\]\[loc';
-            var escapableFixture_id = 'sd_fu_' + escapableLocationName;
-            var escapableFixture = $('<input>', {id: escapableFixture_id, placeholder: 'userman'});
+            var escapableFixtureID = 'sd_fu_' + escapableLocationName;
+            var $escapableFixture = $('<input>', {id: escapableFixtureID, placeholder: 'userman'});
             var esclocationName = 'P2:problem_1';
             var escapableId = 'result_' + esclocationName;
             var escapableResultArea = $('<div>', {id: escapableId});
 
-            describe('get_url ', function() {
+            describe('getURL ', function() {
                 it('defines url to courseware ajax entry point', function() {
-                    spyOn(StaffDebug, 'get_current_url')
+                    spyOn(StaffDebug, 'getCurrentUrl')
                       .and.returnValue('/courses/edX/Open_DemoX/edx_demo_course/courseware/stuff');
-                    expect(StaffDebug.get_url('rescore_problem'))
+                    expect(StaffDebug.getURL('rescore_problem'))
                       .toBe('/courses/edX/Open_DemoX/edx_demo_course/instructor/api/rescore_problem');
                 });
             });
 
-            describe('sanitize_string', function() {
+            describe('sanitizeString', function() {
                 it('escapes escapable characters in a string', function() {
-                    expect(StaffDebug.sanitized_string('.*+?^:${}()|][')).toBe('\\.\\*\\+\\?\\^\\:\\$\\{\\}\\(\\)\\|\\]\\[');
+                    expect(StaffDebug.sanitizeString('.*+?^:${}()|]['))
+                      .toBe('\\.\\*\\+\\?\\^\\:\\$\\{\\}\\(\\)\\|\\]\\[');
                 });
             });
 
-            describe('get_user', function() {
+            describe('getUser', function() {
                 it('gets the placeholder username if input field is empty', function() {
-                    $('body').append(fixture);
-                    expect(StaffDebug.get_user(locationName)).toBe('userman');
-                    $('#' + fixture_id).remove();
+                    $('body').append($fixture);
+                    expect(StaffDebug.getUser(locationName)).toBe('userman');
+                    $('#' + fixtureID).remove();
                 });
                 it('gets a filled in name if there is one', function() {
-                    $('body').append(fixture);
-                    $('#' + fixture_id).val('notuserman');
-                    expect(StaffDebug.get_user(locationName)).toBe('notuserman');
+                    $('body').append($fixture);
+                    $('#' + fixtureID).val('notuserman');
+                    expect(StaffDebug.getUser(locationName)).toBe('notuserman');
 
-                    $('#' + fixture_id).val('');
-                    $('#' + fixture_id).remove();
+                    $('#' + fixtureID).val('');
+                    $('#' + fixtureID).remove();
                 });
                 it('gets the placeholder name if the id has escapable characters', function() {
-                    $('body').append(escapableFixture);
-                    expect(StaffDebug.get_user('test.*+?^:${}()|][loc')).toBe('userman');
+                    $('body').append($escapableFixture);
+                    expect(StaffDebug.getUser('test.*+?^:${}()|][loc')).toBe('userman');
                     $("input[id^='sd_fu_']").remove();
                 });
             });
-            describe('do_idash_action success', function() {
+            describe('doInstructorDashAction success', function() {
                 it('adds a success message to the results element after using an action', function() {
                     $('body').append(escapableResultArea);
                     var requests = AjaxHelpers.requests(this);
@@ -63,82 +64,105 @@ define([
                         locationName: esclocationName,
                         success_msg: 'Successfully reset the attempts for user userman'
                     };
-                    StaffDebug.do_idash_action(action);
+                    StaffDebug.doInstructorDashAction(action);
                     AjaxHelpers.respondWithJson(requests, action);
                     expect($('#idash_msg').text()).toBe('Successfully reset the attempts for user userman');
                     $('#result_' + locationName).remove();
                 });
             });
-            describe('do_idash_action error', function() {
+            describe('doInstructorDashAction error', function() {
                 it('adds a failure message to the results element after using an action', function() {
                     $('body').append(escapableResultArea);
                     var requests = AjaxHelpers.requests(this);
                     var action = {
                         locationName: esclocationName,
-                        error_msg: 'Failed to reset attempts.'
+                        error_msg: 'Failed to reset attempts for user.'
                     };
-                    StaffDebug.do_idash_action(action);
+                    StaffDebug.doInstructorDashAction(action);
                     AjaxHelpers.respondWithError(requests);
-                    expect($('#idash_msg').text()).toBe('Failed to reset attempts. ');
+                    expect($('#idash_msg').text()).toBe('Failed to reset attempts for user. ');
                     $('#result_' + locationName).remove();
                 });
             });
             describe('reset', function() {
                 it('makes an ajax call with the expected parameters', function() {
-                    $('body').append(fixture);
+                    $('body').append($fixture);
 
                     spyOn($, 'ajax');
                     StaffDebug.reset(locationName, location);
 
                     expect($.ajax.calls.mostRecent().args[0].type).toEqual('POST');
                     expect($.ajax.calls.mostRecent().args[0].data).toEqual({
-                        'problem_to_reset': location,
-                        'unique_student_identifier': 'userman',
-                        'delete_module': false
+                        problem_to_reset: location,
+                        unique_student_identifier: 'userman',
+                        delete_module: false,
+                        only_if_higher: undefined
                     });
                     expect($.ajax.calls.mostRecent().args[0].url).toEqual(
                         '/instructor/api/reset_student_attempts'
                     );
-                    $('#' + fixture_id).remove();
+                    $('#' + fixtureID).remove();
                 });
             });
-            describe('sdelete', function() {
+            describe('deleteStudentState', function() {
                 it('makes an ajax call with the expected parameters', function() {
-                    $('body').append(fixture);
+                    $('body').append($fixture);
 
                     spyOn($, 'ajax');
-                    StaffDebug.sdelete(locationName, location);
+                    StaffDebug.deleteStudentState(locationName, location);
 
                     expect($.ajax.calls.mostRecent().args[0].type).toEqual('POST');
                     expect($.ajax.calls.mostRecent().args[0].data).toEqual({
-                        'problem_to_reset': location,
-                        'unique_student_identifier': 'userman',
-                        'delete_module': true
+                        problem_to_reset: location,
+                        unique_student_identifier: 'userman',
+                        delete_module: true,
+                        only_if_higher: undefined
                     });
                     expect($.ajax.calls.mostRecent().args[0].url).toEqual(
                         '/instructor/api/reset_student_attempts'
                     );
 
-                    $('#' + fixture_id).remove();
+                    $('#' + fixtureID).remove();
                 });
             });
             describe('rescore', function() {
                 it('makes an ajax call with the expected parameters', function() {
-                    $('body').append(fixture);
+                    $('body').append($fixture);
 
                     spyOn($, 'ajax');
                     StaffDebug.rescore(locationName, location);
 
                     expect($.ajax.calls.mostRecent().args[0].type).toEqual('POST');
                     expect($.ajax.calls.mostRecent().args[0].data).toEqual({
-                        'problem_to_reset': location,
-                        'unique_student_identifier': 'userman',
-                        'delete_module': false
+                        problem_to_reset: location,
+                        unique_student_identifier: 'userman',
+                        delete_module: undefined,
+                        only_if_higher: false
                     });
                     expect($.ajax.calls.mostRecent().args[0].url).toEqual(
                         '/instructor/api/rescore_problem'
                     );
-                    $('#' + fixture_id).remove();
+                    $('#' + fixtureID).remove();
+                });
+            });
+            describe('rescoreIfHigher', function() {
+                it('makes an ajax call with the expected parameters', function() {
+                    $('body').append($fixture);
+
+                    spyOn($, 'ajax');
+                    StaffDebug.rescoreIfHigher(locationName, location);
+
+                    expect($.ajax.calls.mostRecent().args[0].type).toEqual('POST');
+                    expect($.ajax.calls.mostRecent().args[0].data).toEqual({
+                        problem_to_reset: location,
+                        unique_student_identifier: 'userman',
+                        delete_module: undefined,
+                        only_if_higher: true
+                    });
+                    expect($.ajax.calls.mostRecent().args[0].url).toEqual(
+                        '/instructor/api/rescore_problem'
+                    );
+                    $('#' + fixtureID).remove();
                 });
             });
         });
diff --git a/lms/static/js/staff_debug_actions.js b/lms/static/js/staff_debug_actions.js
index b7ae3705ce..91b68b9fe2 100644
--- a/lms/static/js/staff_debug_actions.js
+++ b/lms/static/js/staff_debug_actions.js
@@ -1,37 +1,34 @@
 // Build StaffDebug object
 var StaffDebug = (function() {
-    get_current_url = function() {
-        return window.location.pathname;
+    /* global getCurrentUrl:true */
+    var getURL = function(action) {
+        var pathname = this.getCurrentUrl();
+        return pathname.substr(0, pathname.indexOf('/courseware')) + '/instructor/api/' + action;
     };
 
-    get_url = function(action) {
-        var pathname = this.get_current_url();
-        var url = pathname.substr(0, pathname.indexOf('/courseware')) + '/instructor/api/' + action;
-        return url;
-    };
-
-    sanitized_string = function(string) {
+    var sanitizeString = function(string) {
         return string.replace(/[.*+?^:${}()|[\]\\]/g, '\\$&');
     };
 
-    get_user = function(locname) {
-        locname = sanitized_string(locname);
-        var uname = $('#sd_fu_' + locname).val();
+    var getUser = function(locationName) {
+        var sanitizedLocationName = sanitizeString(locationName);
+        var uname = $('#sd_fu_' + sanitizedLocationName).val();
         if (uname === '') {
-            uname = $('#sd_fu_' + locname).attr('placeholder');
+            uname = $('#sd_fu_' + sanitizedLocationName).attr('placeholder');
         }
         return uname;
     };
 
-    do_idash_action = function(action) {
+    var doInstructorDashAction = function(action) {
         var pdata = {
-            'problem_to_reset': action.location,
-            'unique_student_identifier': get_user(action.locationName),
-            'delete_module': action.delete_module
+            problem_to_reset: action.location,
+            unique_student_identifier: getUser(action.locationName),
+            delete_module: action.delete_module,
+            only_if_higher: action.only_if_higher
         };
         $.ajax({
             type: 'POST',
-            url: get_url(action.method),
+            url: getURL(action.method),
             data: pdata,
             success: function(data) {
                 var text = _.template(action.success_msg, {interpolate: /\{(.+?)\}/g})(
@@ -40,72 +37,90 @@ var StaffDebug = (function() {
                 var html = _.template('<p id="idash_msg" class="success">{text}</p>', {interpolate: /\{(.+?)\}/g})(
                 {text: text}
             );
-                $('#result_' + sanitized_string(action.locationName)).html(html);
+                $('#result_' + sanitizeString(action.locationName)).html(html);
             },
             error: function(request, status, error) {
-                var response_json;
+                var responseJSON;
                 try {
-                    response_json = $.parseJSON(request.responseText);
+                    responseJSON = $.parseJSON(request.responseText);
                 } catch (e) {
-                    response_json = {error: gettext('Unknown Error Occurred.')};
+                    responseJSON = {error: gettext('Unknown Error Occurred.')};
                 }
                 var text = _.template('{error_msg} {error}', {interpolate: /\{(.+?)\}/g})(
                     {
                         error_msg: action.error_msg,
-                        error: response_json.error
+                        error: responseJSON.error
                     }
             );
                 var html = _.template('<p id="idash_msg" class="error">{text}</p>', {interpolate: /\{(.+?)\}/g})(
                 {text: text}
             );
-                $('#result_' + sanitized_string(action.locationName)).html(html);
+                $('#result_' + sanitizeString(action.locationName)).html(html);
             },
             dataType: 'json'
         });
     };
 
-    reset = function(locname, location) {
-        this.do_idash_action({
+    var reset = function(locname, location) {
+        this.doInstructorDashAction({
             locationName: locname,
             location: location,
             method: 'reset_student_attempts',
             success_msg: gettext('Successfully reset the attempts for user {user}'),
-            error_msg: gettext('Failed to reset attempts.'),
+            error_msg: gettext('Failed to reset attempts for user.'),
             delete_module: false
         });
     };
 
-    sdelete = function(locname, location) {
-        this.do_idash_action({
+    var deleteStudentState = function(locname, location) {
+        this.doInstructorDashAction({
             locationName: locname,
             location: location,
             method: 'reset_student_attempts',
             success_msg: gettext('Successfully deleted student state for user {user}'),
-            error_msg: gettext('Failed to delete student state.'),
+            error_msg: gettext('Failed to delete student state for user.'),
             delete_module: true
         });
     };
 
-    rescore = function(locname, location) {
-        this.do_idash_action({
+    var rescore = function(locname, location) {
+        this.doInstructorDashAction({
             locationName: locname,
             location: location,
             method: 'rescore_problem',
             success_msg: gettext('Successfully rescored problem for user {user}'),
-            error_msg: gettext('Failed to rescore problem.'),
-            delete_module: false
+            error_msg: gettext('Failed to rescore problem for user.'),
+            only_if_higher: false
         });
     };
 
+    var rescoreIfHigher = function(locname, location) {
+        this.doInstructorDashAction({
+            locationName: locname,
+            location: location,
+            method: 'rescore_problem',
+            success_msg: gettext('Successfully rescored problem to improve score for user {user}'),
+            error_msg: gettext('Failed to rescore problem to improve score for user.'),
+            only_if_higher: true
+        });
+    };
+
+    getCurrentUrl = function() {
+        return window.location.pathname;
+    };
+
     return {
         reset: reset,
-        sdelete: sdelete,
+        deleteStudentState: deleteStudentState,
         rescore: rescore,
-        do_idash_action: do_idash_action,
-        get_current_url: get_current_url,
-        get_url: get_url,
-        get_user: get_user,
-        sanitized_string: sanitized_string
+        rescoreIfHigher: rescoreIfHigher,
+
+        // export for testing
+        doInstructorDashAction: doInstructorDashAction,
+        getCurrentUrl: getCurrentUrl,
+        getURL: getURL,
+        getUser: getUser,
+        sanitizeString: sanitizeString
     }; })();
 
 // Register click handlers
@@ -116,11 +131,15 @@ $(document).ready(function() {
         return false;
     });
     $courseContent.on('click', '.staff-debug-sdelete', function() {
-        StaffDebug.sdelete($(this).parent().data('location-name'), $(this).parent().data('location'));
+        StaffDebug.deleteStudentState($(this).parent().data('location-name'), $(this).parent().data('location'));
         return false;
     });
     $courseContent.on('click', '.staff-debug-rescore', function() {
         StaffDebug.rescore($(this).parent().data('location-name'), $(this).parent().data('location'));
         return false;
     });
+    $courseContent.on('click', '.staff-debug-rescore-if-higher', function() {
+        StaffDebug.rescoreIfHigher($(this).parent().data('location-name'), $(this).parent().data('location'));
+        return false;
+    });
 });
diff --git a/lms/static/sass/course/instructor/_instructor_2.scss b/lms/static/sass/course/instructor/_instructor_2.scss
index defb7f8e73..f4f65b01c2 100644
--- a/lms/static/sass/course/instructor/_instructor_2.scss
+++ b/lms/static/sass/course/instructor/_instructor_2.scss
@@ -1283,7 +1283,8 @@
 
 // view - student admin
 // --------------------
-.instructor-dashboard-wrapper-2 section.idash-section#student_admin > {
+.instructor-dashboard-wrapper-2 section.idash-section#student_admin {
+
   .action-type-container{
     margin-bottom: $baseline * 2;
   }
@@ -1295,12 +1296,23 @@
   .task-history-all-table    {
     margin-top: 1em;
   }
+
   .task-history-single-table {
     margin-top: 1em;
   }
+
   .running-tasks-table {
     margin-top: 1em;
   }
+
+  input[type="text"] {
+    width: 651px;
+  }
+
+  .location-example {
+    font-style: italic;
+    font-size: 0.9em;
+  }
 }
 
 // view - data download
diff --git a/lms/templates/instructor/instructor_dashboard_2/student_admin.html b/lms/templates/instructor/instructor_dashboard_2/student_admin.html
index 75842dd0e8..d4f1e1123a 100644
--- a/lms/templates/instructor/instructor_dashboard_2/student_admin.html
+++ b/lms/templates/instructor/instructor_dashboard_2/student_admin.html
@@ -1,173 +1,199 @@
 <%page args="section_data" expression_filter="h"/>
 <%! from django.utils.translation import ugettext as _ %>
-<div>
-  %if section_data['is_small_course']:
-  ## Show the gradebook for small courses
-    <h3 class="hd hd-3">${_("Student Gradebook")}</h3>
-      <p>
-	${_("Click here to view the gradebook for enrolled students. This feature is only visible to courses with a small number of total enrolled students.")}
-      </p>
-      <br>
-      <p>
-	<a href="${ section_data['spoc_gradebook_url'] }" class="gradebook-link"> ${_("View Gradebook")} </a>
-      </p>
-    <hr>
-  %endif
+%if section_data['access']['instructor']:
+<div class="action-type-container">
+    %if section_data['is_small_course']:
+        <br><br>
+        <h4 class="hd hd-4">${_("View gradebook for enrolled learners")}</h4>
+        <br>
+        <label for="gradebook-link">${_("Note: This feature is available only to courses with a small number of enrolled learners.")}</label>
+        <br><br>
+        <span name="gradebook-link"><a href="${ section_data['spoc_gradebook_url'] }" class="gradebook-link"> ${_("View Gradebook")} </a></span>
+        <br><br>
+        <hr>
+    %endif
 </div>
 
 <div class="student-specific-container action-type-container">
-  <h3 class="hd hd-3">${_("Student-specific grade inspection")}</h3>
-  <div class="request-response-error"></div>
-  <br />
-  <label>
-  ${_("Specify the {platform_name} email address or username of a student here:").format(platform_name=settings.PLATFORM_NAME)}
-  <input type="text" name="student-select-progress" placeholder="${_("Student Email or Username")}" >
-  </label>
-  <br>
-
-  <div class="progress-link-wrapper">
-  <p>
-    ${_("Click this link to view the student's progress page:")}
-
-    <a href="" class="progress-link" data-endpoint="${ section_data['get_student_progress_url_url'] }"> ${_("Student Progress Page")} </a>
-  </p>
-  </div>
-
+    <h4 class="hd hd-4">${_("View a specific learner's grades and progress")}</h4>
+    <div class="request-response-error"></div>
+    <label for="student-select-progress">
+        ${_("Learner's {platform_name} email address or username *").format(platform_name=settings.PLATFORM_NAME)}
+    </label>
+    <br>
+    <input type="text" name="student-select-progress" placeholder="${_('Learner email address or username')}" >
+    <br><br>
+    <div class="progress-link-wrapper">
+        <span name="progress-link">
+            <a href="" class="progress-link" data-endpoint="${ section_data['get_student_progress_url_url'] }">
+                ${_("View Progress Page")}
+            </a>
+        </span>
+    </div>
   <hr>
 </div>
 
 <div class="student-grade-container action-type-container">
-  <h3 class="hd hd-3">${_("Student-specific grade adjustment")}</h3>
-  <div class="request-response-error"></div>
-  <p>
-  <label>
-  ${_("Specify the {platform_name} email address or username of a student here:").format(platform_name=settings.PLATFORM_NAME)}
-  <input type="text" name="student-select-grade" placeholder="${_("Student Email or Username")}">
-  </label>
-  </p>
-  <br>
+    <h4 class="hd hd-4">${_("Adjust a learner's grade for a specific problem")}</h4>
+    <div class="request-response-error"></div>
+    <label for="student-select-grade">
+        ${_("Learner's {platform_name} email address or username *").format(platform_name=settings.PLATFORM_NAME)}
+    </label>
+    <br>
+    <input type="text" name="student-select-grade" placeholder="${_('Learner email address or username')}">
+    </label>
+    <br><br>
 
-  <label> ${_("Specify a problem in the course here with its complete location:")}
-  <input type="text" name="problem-select-single" placeholder="${_("Problem location")}">
-  </label>
+    <label for="problem-select-single">
+        ${_("Location of problem in course *")}<br>
+        <span class="location-example">${_("Example")}: block-v1:edX+DemoX+2015+type@problem+block@618c5933b8b544e4a4cc103d3e508378</span>
+    </label>
+    <br>
+    <input type="text" name="problem-select-single" placeholder="${_('Problem location')}">
+    <br><br><br>
 
-  ## Translators: A location (string of text) follows this sentence.
-  <p>${_("You must provide the complete location of the problem. In the Staff Debug viewer, the location looks like this:")}<br/>
-  <code>block-v1:edX+DemoX+2015+type@problem+block@618c5933b8b544e4a4cc103d3e508378</code></p>
+    <h5 class="hd hd-5">${_("Attempts")}</h5>
+    <label for="reset-attempts-single">${_("Allow a learner who has used up all attempts to work on the problem again.")}</label>
+    <br>
+    <input type="button" name="reset-attempts-single" value="${_('Reset Attempts to Zero')}" data-endpoint="${ section_data['reset_student_attempts_url'] }">
 
-  <p>
-  ${_("Next, select an action to perform for the given user and problem:")}
-  </p>
+    <br><br>
 
-  <p>
-  <input type="button" name="reset-attempts-single" value="${_("Reset Student Attempts")}" data-endpoint="${ section_data['reset_student_attempts_url'] }">
+    %if settings.FEATURES.get('ENABLE_INSTRUCTOR_BACKGROUND_TASKS'):
+        <h5 class="hd hd-5">${_("Rescore")}</h5>
+        <label for="rescore-actions-single">${_("For the specified problem, rescore the learner's responses. The 'Rescore Only If Score Improves' option updates the learner's score only if it improves in the learner's favor.")}</label>
+        <br>
+        <span name="rescore-actions-single">
+            <input type="button" name="rescore-problem-single" value="${_('Rescore Learner\'s Submission')}" data-endpoint="${ section_data['rescore_problem_url'] }">
+            <input type="button" name="rescore-problem-if-higher-single" value="${_('Rescore Only If Score Improves')}" data-endpoint="${ section_data['rescore_problem_url'] }">
+        </span>
+    %endif
 
-  %if settings.FEATURES.get('ENABLE_INSTRUCTOR_BACKGROUND_TASKS') and section_data['access']['instructor']:
-    <input type="button" name="rescore-problem-single" value="${_("Rescore Student Submission")}" data-endpoint="${ section_data['rescore_problem_url'] }">
-  %endif
-  </p>
+    <br><br>
 
-  <p>
-  %if section_data['access']['instructor']:
-    <label> ${_('You may also delete the entire state of a student for the specified problem:')}
-    <input type="button" class="molly-guard" name="delete-state-single" value="${_("Delete Student State for Problem")}" data-endpoint="${ section_data['reset_student_attempts_url'] }"></label>
-  %endif
-  </p>
+    <h5 class="hd hd-5">${_("Problem History")}</h5>
+    <label for="delete-state-single">${_("For the specified problem, permanently and completely delete the learner's answers and scores from the database.")}</label>
+    <br>
+    <input type="button" class="molly-guard" name="delete-state-single" value="${_('Delete Learner\'s State')}" data-endpoint="${ section_data['reset_student_attempts_url'] }">
 
+    <br><br>
 
-  %if settings.FEATURES.get('ENABLE_INSTRUCTOR_BACKGROUND_TASKS') and section_data['access']['instructor']:
-    <p id="task-history-single-help">
-      ${_("Rescoring runs in the background, and status for active tasks will appear in the 'Pending Tasks' table. "
-      "To see status for all tasks submitted for this problem and student, click on this button:")}
-    </p>
-
-    <p><input type="button" name="task-history-single" value="${_("Show Background Task History for Student")}" data-endpoint="${ section_data['list_instructor_tasks_url'] }" aria-describedby="task-history-single-help"></p>
-    <div class="task-history-single-table"></div>
-  %endif
+    %if settings.FEATURES.get('ENABLE_INSTRUCTOR_BACKGROUND_TASKS'):
+        <h5 class="hd hd-5">${_("Task Status")}</h5>
+        <label for="task-history-single">${_("Show the status for the rescoring tasks that you submitted for this learner and problem.")}</label>
+        <br>
+        <input type="button" name="task-history-single" value="${_('Show Task Status')}" data-endpoint="${ section_data['list_instructor_tasks_url'] }" aria-describedby="task-history-single-help">
+        <div class="task-history-single-table"></div>
+    %endif
   <hr>
 </div>
 
 % if course.entrance_exam_enabled:
 <div class="entrance-exam-grade-container action-type-container">
-  <h3 class="hd hd-3">${_("Entrance Exam Adjustment")}</h3>
-  <div class="request-response-error"></div>
-  <label>
-  ${_("Student's {platform_name} email address or username:").format(platform_name=settings.PLATFORM_NAME)}
-  <input type="text" name="entrance-exam-student-select-grade" placeholder="${_('Student Email or Username')}">
-  </label>
-  <br>
+    <h4 class="hd hd-4">${_("Adjust a learner's entrance exam results")}</h4>
+    <div class="request-response-error"></div>
 
-  <p>
-  ${_("Select an action for the student's entrance exam. This action will affect every problem in the student's exam.")}
-  </p>
+    <label for="entrance-exam-student-select-grade">
+        ${_("Learner's {platform_name} email address or username *").format(platform_name=settings.PLATFORM_NAME)}
+    </label>
+    <br>
+    <input type="text" name="entrance-exam-student-select-grade" placeholder="${_('Learner email address or username')}">
+    <br><br><br>
 
-  <input type="button" name="reset-entrance-exam-attempts" value="${_('Reset Number of Student Attempts')}" data-endpoint="${ section_data['reset_student_attempts_for_entrance_exam_url'] }">
+    <h5 class="hd hd-5">${_("Attempts")}</h5>
+    <label for="reset-entrance-exam-attempts">${_("Allow the learner to take the exam again.")}</label>
+    <br>
+    <input type="button" name="reset-entrance-exam-attempts" value="${_('Reset Attempts to Zero')}" data-endpoint="${ section_data['reset_student_attempts_for_entrance_exam_url'] }">
+    <br><br>
 
-  %if settings.FEATURES.get('ENABLE_INSTRUCTOR_BACKGROUND_TASKS') and section_data['access']['instructor']:
-    <input type="button" name="rescore-entrance-exam" value="${_('Rescore All Problems')}" data-endpoint="${ section_data['rescore_entrance_exam_url'] }">
-  %endif
-  <input type="button" name="skip-entrance-exam" value="${_('Let Student Skip Entrance Exam')}" data-endpoint="${ section_data['student_can_skip_entrance_exam_url'] }">
+    <h5 class="hd hd-5">${_("Allow Skip")}</h5>
+    <label for="skip-entrance-exam">${_("Waive the requirement for the learner to take the exam.")}</label>
+    <br>
+    <input type="button" name="skip-entrance-exam" value="${_('Let Learner Skip Entrance Exam')}" data-endpoint="${ section_data['student_can_skip_entrance_exam_url'] }">
+    <br><br>
 
-  <p>
-  %if section_data['access']['instructor']:
-    <label> ${_("You can also delete all of the student's answers and scores for the entire entrance exam.")}
-    <input type="button" class="molly-guard" name="delete-entrance-exam-state" value="${_("Delete Student's Answers and Scores")}" data-endpoint="${ section_data['reset_student_attempts_for_entrance_exam_url'] }"></label>
-  %endif
-  </p>
+    %if settings.FEATURES.get('ENABLE_INSTRUCTOR_BACKGROUND_TASKS'):
+        <h5 class="hd hd-5">${_("Rescore")}</h5>
+        <label for="rescore-actions-entrance-exam">
+            ${_("Rescore any responses that have been submitted. The 'Rescore All Problems Only If Score Improves' option updates the learner's scores only if it improves in the learner's favor.")}
+        </label>
+        <br>
+        <span name="rescore-actions-entrance-exam">
+            <input type="button" name="rescore-entrance-exam" value="${_('Rescore All Problems')}" data-endpoint="${ section_data['rescore_entrance_exam_url'] }">
+            <input type="button" name="rescore-entrance-exam-if-higher" value="${_('Rescore All Problems Only If Score Improves')}" data-endpoint="${ section_data['rescore_entrance_exam_url'] }">
+        </span>
+        <br><br>
+    %endif
+
+    <h5 class="hd hd-5">${_("Entrance Exam History")}</h5>
+    <label for="delete-entrance-exam-state">
+        ${_("For the entire entrance exam, permanently and completely delete the learner's answers and scores from the database.")}
+    </label>
+    <br>
+    <input type="button" class="molly-guard" name="delete-entrance-exam-state" value="${_('Delete Learner\'s State')}" data-endpoint="${ section_data['reset_student_attempts_for_entrance_exam_url'] }"></label>
+    <br><br>
 
 
-  %if settings.FEATURES.get('ENABLE_INSTRUCTOR_BACKGROUND_TASKS') and section_data['access']['instructor']:
-    <p id="entrance-exam-task-history-help">
-      ${_("Rescoring runs in the background, and status for active tasks will appear in the 'Pending Tasks' table. "
-      "To see status for all tasks submitted for this problem and student, click on this button:")}
-    </p>
-
-    <p><input type="button" name="entrance-exam-task-history" value="${_("Show Student's Exam Adjustment History")}" data-endpoint="${ section_data['list_entrace_exam_instructor_tasks_url'] }" aria-describedby="entrance-exam-task-history-help"></p>
-    <div class="entrance-exam-task-history-table"></div>
-  %endif
-  <hr>
+    %if settings.FEATURES.get('ENABLE_INSTRUCTOR_BACKGROUND_TASKS'):
+        <h5 class="hd hd-5">${_("Task Status")}</h5>
+        <label for="entrance-exam-task-history">
+            ${_("Show the status for the rescoring tasks that you submitted for this learner and entrance exam.")}
+        </label>
+        <br>
+        <p><input type="button" name="entrance-exam-task-history" value="${_('Show Task Status')}" data-endpoint="${ section_data['list_entrace_exam_instructor_tasks_url'] }" aria-describedby="entrance-exam-task-history-help"></p>
+        <div class="entrance-exam-task-history-table"></div>
+    %endif
+    <hr>
 </div>
 %endif
 
-%if settings.FEATURES.get('ENABLE_INSTRUCTOR_BACKGROUND_TASKS') and section_data['access']['instructor']:
-  <div class="course-specific-container action-type-container">
-    <h3 class="hd hd-3">${_('Course-specific grade adjustment')}</h3>
+%if settings.FEATURES.get('ENABLE_INSTRUCTOR_BACKGROUND_TASKS'):
+<div class="course-specific-container action-type-container">
+    <h4 class="hd hd-4">${_("Adjust all enrolled learners' grades for a specific problem")}</h4>
     <div class="request-response-error"></div>
 
-    <label>
-      ${_("Specify a problem in the course here with its complete location:")}
-      <input type="text" name="problem-select-all" size="60" placeholder="${_("Problem location")}" aria-describedby="problem-select-all-help">
+    <label for="problem-select-all">
+        ${_("Location of problem in course *")}<br>
+        <span class="location-example">${_("Example")}: block-v1:edX+DemoX+2015+type@problem+block@618c5933b8b544e4a4cc103d3e508378</span>
     </label>
-    ## Translators: A location (string of text) follows this sentence.
-    <p id="problem-select-all-help">${_("You must provide the complete location of the problem. In the Staff Debug viewer, the location looks like this:")}<br/>
-    <code>block-v1:edX+DemoX+2015+type@problem+block@618c5933b8b544e4a4cc103d3e508378</code></p>
-    <p>
-      ${_("Then select an action")}:
-      <input type="button" class="molly-guard" name="reset-attempts-all" value="${_("Reset ALL students' attempts")}" data-endpoint="${ section_data['reset_student_attempts_url'] }">
-      <input type="button" class="molly-guard" name="rescore-problem-all" value="${_("Rescore ALL students' problem submissions")}" data-endpoint="${ section_data['rescore_problem_url'] }">
-    </p>
-    <p>
-    <p id="task-history-all-help">
-      ${_("The above actions run in the background, and status for active tasks will appear in a table on the Course Info tab. "
-      "To see status for all tasks submitted for this problem, click on this button")}:
-    </p>
-      <p><input type="button" name="task-history-all" value="${_("Show Background Task History for Problem")}" data-endpoint="${ section_data['list_instructor_tasks_url'] }" aria-describedby="task-history-all-help"></p>
-      <div class="task-history-all-table"></div>
-    </p>
-  </div>
+    <br>
+    <input type="text" name="problem-select-all" placeholder="${_('Problem location')}">
+    <br><br><br>
+
+    <h5 class="hd hd-5">${_("Attempts")}</h5>
+    <label for="reset-attempts-all">${_("Allows all learners to work on the problem again.")}</label>
+    <br>
+    <input type="button" class="molly-guard" name="reset-attempts-all" value="${_('Reset Attempts to Zero')}" data-endpoint="${ section_data['reset_student_attempts_url'] }">
+    <br><br>
+
+    <h5 class="hd hd-5">${_("Rescore")}</h5>
+    <label for="rescore-actions-all">${_("Rescore submitted responses. The 'Rescore Only If Scores Improve' option updates a learner's score only if it improves in the learner's favor.")}</label>
+    <br>
+    <span name="rescore-actions-all">
+        <input type="button" class="molly-guard" name="rescore-problem-all" value="${_('Rescore All Learners\' Submissions')}" data-endpoint="${ section_data['rescore_problem_url'] }">
+        <input type="button" class="molly-guard" name="rescore-problem-all-if-higher" value="${_('Rescore Only If Scores Improve')}" data-endpoint="${ section_data['rescore_problem_url'] }">
+    </span>
+    <br><br>
+
+    <h5 class="hd hd-5">${_("Task Status")}</h5>
+    <label for="task-history-all">${_("Show the status for the tasks that you submitted for this problem.")}</label>
+    <br>
+    <input type="button" name="task-history-all" value="${_('Show Task Status')}" data-endpoint="${ section_data['list_instructor_tasks_url'] }" aria-describedby="task-history-all-help">
+    <div class="task-history-all-table"></div>
+    <hr>
+</div>
 %endif
 
 %if settings.FEATURES.get('ENABLE_INSTRUCTOR_BACKGROUND_TASKS'):
-  <div class="running-tasks-container action-type-container">
-    <hr>
-    <h3 class="hd hd-3">${_("Pending Tasks")}</h3>
+<div class="running-tasks-container action-type-container">
+    <h4 class="hd hd-4">${_("Pending Tasks")}</h4>
     <div class="running-tasks-section">
-      <p>${_("The status for any active tasks appears in a table below.")} </p>
-      <br />
-
-      <div class="running-tasks-table" data-endpoint="${ section_data['list_instructor_tasks_url'] }"></div>
+        <label>${_("The status for any active tasks appears in a table below.")}</label>
+        <br>
+        <div class="running-tasks-table" data-endpoint="${ section_data['list_instructor_tasks_url'] }"></div>
     </div>
     <div class="no-pending-tasks-message"></div>
-  </div>
+</div>
+%endif
 
 %endif
diff --git a/lms/templates/staff_problem_info.html b/lms/templates/staff_problem_info.html
index 589c39c68b..7b68803424 100644
--- a/lms/templates/staff_problem_info.html
+++ b/lms/templates/staff_problem_info.html
@@ -69,14 +69,16 @@ ${block_content}
       <div data-location="${location | h}" data-location-name="${location.name | h}">
         [
         % if can_reset_attempts:
-        <button type="button" class="btn-link staff-debug-reset">${_('Reset Student Attempts')}</button>
+        <button type="button" class="btn-link staff-debug-reset">${_('Reset Learner\'s Attempts to Zero')}</button>
         |
         % endif
         % if has_instructor_access:
-        <button type="button" class="btn-link staff-debug-sdelete">${_('Delete Student State')}</button>
+        <button type="button" class="btn-link staff-debug-sdelete">${_('Delete Learner\'s State')}</button>
         % if can_rescore_problem:
         |
-        <button type="button" class="btn-link staff-debug-rescore">${_('Rescore Student Submission')}</button>
+        <button type="button" class="btn-link staff-debug-rescore">${_('Rescore Learner\'s Submission')}</button>
+        |
+        <button type="button" class="btn-link staff-debug-rescore-if-higher">${_('Rescore Only If Score Improves')}</button>
         % endif
         % endif
         ]
diff --git a/openedx/core/djangoapps/credit/api/eligibility.py b/openedx/core/djangoapps/credit/api/eligibility.py
index 8f37f8d29e..278b741bd6 100644
--- a/openedx/core/djangoapps/credit/api/eligibility.py
+++ b/openedx/core/djangoapps/credit/api/eligibility.py
@@ -297,7 +297,7 @@ def set_credit_requirement_status(user, course_key, req_namespace, req_name, sta
             try:
                 send_credit_notifications(user.username, course_key)
             except Exception:  # pylint: disable=broad-except
-                log.error("Error sending email")
+                log.exception("Error sending email")
 
 
 # pylint: disable=invalid-name
diff --git a/openedx/core/lib/grade_utils.py b/openedx/core/lib/grade_utils.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..e7a68a2f06
--- /dev/null
+++ b/openedx/core/lib/grade_utils.py
@@ -0,0 +1,24 @@
+"""
+Helpers functions for grades and scores.
+"""
+
+
+def compare_scores(earned1, possible1, earned2, possible2):
+    """
+    Returns a tuple of:
+        1. Whether the 2nd set of scores is higher than the first.
+        2. Grade percentage of 1st set of scores.
+        3. Grade percentage of 2nd set of scores.
+    """
+    percentage1 = float(earned1) / float(possible1)
+    percentage2 = float(earned2) / float(possible2)
+    is_higher = percentage2 > percentage1
+    return is_higher, percentage1, percentage2
+
+
+def is_score_higher(earned1, possible1, earned2, possible2):
+    """
+    Returns whether the 2nd set of scores is higher than the first.
+    """
+    is_higher, _, _ = compare_scores(earned1, possible1, earned2, possible2)
+    return is_higher
diff --git a/openedx/tests/xblock_integration/xblock_testcase.py b/openedx/tests/xblock_integration/xblock_testcase.py
index 2098de2e52..1b602e2999 100644
--- a/openedx/tests/xblock_integration/xblock_testcase.py
+++ b/openedx/tests/xblock_integration/xblock_testcase.py
@@ -204,8 +204,7 @@ class GradePublishTestMixin(object):
                                 'max_score': max_score})
 
         self.scores = []
-        patcher = mock.patch("courseware.module_render.set_score",
-                             capture_score)
+        patcher = mock.patch("lms.djangoapps.grades.signals.handlers.set_score", capture_score)
         patcher.start()
         self.addCleanup(patcher.stop)