Proficiency Based Learning (Grades)

Our School uses a Proficiency-Based Learning (PBL) approach to grading.  Progress reporting and “grades” are meant to show what a student knows and is able to do with respect to specific subject standards during a specific period of time (grading period).  Proficiency-Based Learning focuses on levels of proficiency that reflect this progress rather than on “points,” percentages and grades.  Assessments are tied to specific standards to show a student’s progress toward proficiency.  These assessments incorporate multiple methods by which students demonstrate their learning.  There is no extra credit, but students are given multiple opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in a variety of ways.  When monitoring academic progress, parents should keep the following in mind:

Scores of 4 = student has an in-depth understanding of the standard and can demonstrate it in complex ways (highly proficient)

Scores of 3 = student meets expectations described in the standard and can do them independently (proficient)

Scores of 2 = student is close to meeting expectations and can do simpler parts independently (approaching proficient)

Scores of 1 = student still needs help and support to do the simpler parts of the standard (below proficient)

Student Bill of Rights & Responsibility (PDF) You can use this document to talk to your student about their learning path and empower them to track their own learning and progress on the standards.

Granite School District’s PURPOSE FOR GRADING:

The Granite District Proficiency-Based Learning model is designed around the premise that grades are intended to communicate progress to students and parents. They are intended to indicate at a prescribed moment in time what a student knows and can do with respect to course objectives that have been explicitly taught. They encourage the student to act on feedback and the teacher to adjust and individualize instruction.  Non-academic habits and behaviors are reflected in the citizenship grade rather than the academic grade (unless specifically prescribed by a state learning standard).