Proficiency Grading

Proficiency-Based Grading Optional Resources

Proficiency-Based Teaching and Learning in Oregon: An Evolution from State Policy to Practice

This paper describes the evolution of Oregon's state policy "Credit for Proficiency" to a K-12 proficiency-based teaching and learning system focused on teachers' instructional practice and student learning.

Teaching and Learning to Proficiency

News Announcements: General Guidance for HB 4150 - April 23, 2014

Teaching and Learning to Proficiency in Oregon has been fueled by a grassroots movement to increase student ownership of their own learning and to increase student achievement to standards. An ever-increasing number of Oregon school districts, schools, and classrooms have implemented strategies that require students to demonstrate they know and can apply the knowledge and skills included in the Oregon academic content standards. The resources available here are offered to provide support to those seeking more information about Proficiency teaching and learning and to offer examples from Oregon school districts and classrooms.

Theory and Best Practice Resources

While specific to grading, the discussion also points to the value of reporting of the students' proficiency to academic content standards. Webinar: Standards-Based Grading and Assessing Student Mastery of Content, May 30, 2013, Northeast College and Career Readiness Research Alliance, with hosted presentations by Dr. Thomas Guskey and Dr. Robert Marzano.

Parent Communications

Some districts may choose to address the "at least" annual proficiency report by adopting a standards-based grading system. These resources are provided to show how some districts have already implemented a standards-based system, and include samples of letters and other communication tools that help parents understand a standards-based grading system.

• District Letter to Secondary Parents Draft
• Proficiency Introduction Parent Letter
• Proficiency Based Learning Parent Information
• Proficiency FAQ for Medford Parents and Students

Report Cards

These are examples of standards-based report cards. HB 2220 does not require changes to district report cards. The items included here are intended to show how report cards can be used to report student achievement in terms of the academic content standards, and might eliminate the need for a separate annual proficiency report.

• High School Report Card Explanation
• High School Report Card Mock-Up
• Example of Standards Report Card
• Middle School Report Card Explanation
• Middle School Report Card Mock-Up
• Report Card Purpose Statement

Grading

These are examples of grading systems for a variety of grade levels and content areas. While HB 2220 does not require districts to change grading systems, some districts may choose to move to a proficiency-based grading system for clearer communication of student academic achievement. Some of these examples, initially separating academics and behavior, re-combine the academic and behavior grades to compute a final grade.

• 7th Grade English Gradebook Information
• 8th Grade English Gradebook Information
• BEC Grading Materials
• Career-Related Learning Standards
• Sample Proficiency-Based Rubric for Geometry
• Class Policies 8th Grade Honors English
• Comprehensive Grading and Reporting System
• District Grading Vocabulary
• Proficiency Continuum for Middle School
• Sample Proficiency Rubric 7th ELA
• Report Card Reverse Side
• Report Card Reverse Side - Spanish
• Dual Grade Transcript
• Syllabus Language
• Secondary Grade Book
• Proficiency Continuum for High School
• Bullseye Priority Example 9th Grade ELA
• Unit Assessment Plan Math

Systems Implementation

These materials were generated as districts/schools put standards-based grading into practice. These resources are provided for schools and districts choosing to adopt proficiency-based systems. Schools and districts are not required to adopt such systems by HB 2220.

• Agenda for Meeting - November 3, 2011
• Agenda for Meeting - November 30, 2011
• Give One Get One Activity
• Global Scores Document for High School
• Lesson Plan for November 3 Parent Advisory Meeting
• Reporting Standards
• Secondary Report Card Developmental Framework
• Sentence Starters for November 30, 2011
• Standards Based Report Card Development Levels
• Thoughts to Address
• Timeline 2012-13 for PLCs
• Timeline for November 2012-May 2013
• District Policy - Assessment, Grading, Coursework, Reporting
• District Policy - Academic Achievement
• Sound Grading Practices Presentation - Medford SD
• Assessment Philosophy
• Steps Towards Proficiency Checklist
• Template for Deconstructing a Content Standard
• Personal Narrative Rubric
• Formative and Summative Assessment Plan Template
• Student Capacity Matrix Template
• The Purpose of the Tool Used in Proficiency
• Medford SD Proficiency FAQ

Proficiency Related Links and Resources

• Proficiency Forum Proceedings
• BEC - Proficiency-Based Teaching and Learning - This link goes to the Business Education Compact (BEC) website, where there are more proficiency teaching and learning resources. The BEC has provided support for the Proficiency initiative since 2003.
• National Thought Leaders
• Proficiency Based Instruction and Assessment
• Defining Practice, Informing Policy: Oregon Proficiency Project - Project conducted by the Oregon Business Council (OBC) and Employers for Education Excellence (E3) and funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to develop a shared understanding of proficiency-based education and how to support its development in Oregon schools.

Other States

Other states across the nation are implementing similar processes as they continue to develop standards based instruction and assessment in their school systems. The links below connect to ongoing efforts in proficiency and competency based instruction.

• Proficiency Across the United States
• Proficiency Across the United States - Map
• Standards-Based Education in Maine
• Ohio's Credit Flexibility Plan

For further information on this topic, email Pandie Anderson or call (503) 947-0500.