What is proficiency based learning?

Proficiency based learning is the practice of instructing and assessing students based on pre-determined expectations of what the student will know and be able to do.  These expectations are called “standards” or “proficiencies.”  Assessments, such as homework, quizzes, tests, and projects provide students the opportunity to demonstrate their progress in meeting or exceeding the stated standard.

Rather than averaging together all of a student’s work, proficiency based grading tracks the student’s progress toward meeting a specific expectation.  The grades that a student receives convey that the student:

• Has Exceeded the standard (4)
• Has Met the standard (3)
• Knows the basics of the standard (2)
• Needs help with the basics of the standard (1)
• Has not provided evidence of meeting the standard (0)