Proficiency-based Learning
Proficiency-based or “competency-based” learning is a shift from progression through the grades based on one's age and “seat time” in a classroom to progression through the school system based on mastery of identified 21st Century 'transferable' skill, content and habits of mind and learning. If an individual demonstrates proficiency in a graduation requirement faster than his or her peers, that student can progress to more challenging content. Alternately, if an individual requires a bit more time to learn content, they will be afforded the time and support necessary to master the material until he or she is proficient.
There are a number of key features that one can look for in a student-centered, proficiency-based environment:
There are a number of key features that one can look for in a student-centered, proficiency-based environment:
- The environment is welcoming, caring and safe because learning supports taking risks and making mistakes. Proficiency is about success, not failure.
- Students share responsibility for their own learning, rather than the teacher or the parent taking responsibility for them.
- Students have a voice in determining how they will learn and demonstrate their learning (PLPs).
- Assessments are customized for students.
- “Rubrics” or scoring guides are used to assess whether students have met the standards. These keep performance levels high even though the specific demonstrations of learning may vary.
- Students are allowed to move at different paces through the learning process.
- Learning can take place anywhere at anytime.
- Students understand the learning goals and the level of thinking required to demonstrate proficiency.
- Students are grouped and regrouped as needed, depending on what they need to learn next.