What is a proficiency scale?

A proficiency scale is a table used by teachers and students to determine the student’s current level of progress toward meeting the standard.

Proficiency scales indicate student achievement as it relates to a given standard and use a four-point system where a score of 3.0 indicates proficiency within a standard. In other words, a student receiving a score of 3.0 has met the standard. A general description of each score level is below:

4.0	In addition to meeting the standard, the student demonstrates applications that go beyond what was taught in class. The score of 4 is reserved for occasions where the student has gone above and beyond to demonstrate mastery of the skill.
3.0	The student has demonstrated proficiency in the skill or standard. The student has met the standard.
2.0	The student has gained an understanding of the vocabulary and simpler processes of the standard.
1.0	With help, the student can achieve partial success with the vocabulary and the simpler processes involved in the standard.
0.0	There is little or no evidence of the student having met the standard.

Students may also be assessed with half-point increments such as 1.5, 2.5, and 3.5.