FAQ Proficiency Scales English

faq

proficiency scales

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How do curricular revisions factor into the Proficiency Scale process?

For modifications or accommodations, how do we create scales?

When is my first proficiency scale due?

Is a proficiency scale for a unit or for a yearlong expectation?

Which benchmark should I choose?

When can I work on my proficiency scale?

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How do I know that I have the understanding to create a proficiency scale??

In K4 and K5, do we use number or letters to evaluate?

Can different departments have different proficiency scale goals?

What should I do if I am uncertain about parts of the process?

If I have a rubric, why do I need a proficiency scale?

When will we get feedback?

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5 Steps to Make a Proficiency Scale

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Previously shared resources

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Is a student's level of effort considered in Proficiency Scales?

Why do we need Proficiency Scales?

What are some examples of Proficiency Scales?

Video 1

Video 2

Examples & Resources

Why Proficiency Scales?

Proficiency Scale Checklist

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November 10

When is my first proficiency scale due?

so that you will get feedback before December 15.

Teams have the ability to decide to schedule additional times on Mondays or during independent work time according to each individual team’s needs. We encourage you to contact your section coach or principal or Dr. Fayad or Katie Neal.

When can I work on my proficiency scale?

Proficiency scales should be developed for power benchmarks. However, in some special cases the specificity of a benchmark may imply considering the standard. Create a proficiency scale for the power benchmark that is most useful to you in your context and can be used later on in this school year. Homeroom grade level teams in preprimary and primary should agree upon one together.

Which benchmark should I choose?

Your proficiency scale should be based on the benchmark’s end goal achieved through the learning cycle. That cycle could occur over the course of one unit, or it could be revisited or developed throughout the year and be finally assessed after multiple units.

Is a proficiency scale for a unit or for a yearlong expectation?

Accommodations do not imply a change to the proficiency scale. Rather, the manner in which the student shows their learning may change according to their identified needs. Modifications imply an alternative definition of proficiency (Level 3) and the other level according to the modified benchmark. The LSS teachers could support you in developing scales for modified plans.

For modifications or accommodations, how do we create scales?

Curricular documents are dynamic, and therefore, if necessary changes (prioritization, phrasing, etc) become evident through the process of creating proficiency scales, they will be considered for the following school year. The only possible curricular overhaul being considered is ELA Grades 1 to 5. Therefore, we suggest that you choose another subject to start your proficiency scale work. If you have concerns or further questions, please contact the Director of Learning, Dr. Fayad.

How do curricular revisions factor into the Proficiency Scale process?

Between November 10 and December 15, every proficiency scale will be reviewed by at least one member of the Leadership PLC Team, who then will contact you to share individual feedback.

When will we get feedback?

Can different departments have different proficiency scale goals?

It is up to each department to go beyond the minimum expectations of one proficiency scale per teacher or Preprimary/Primary Team by November 10 and another completed in the second semester.

Take a deep breath and know that you are not alone. Accepting the inherent uncertainty of any process is essential for professional growth and development. By creating a first draft (even if you are unsure) you will develop a full understanding of all the dimensions of proficiency scales and give yourself the opportunity to receive feedback from others. If you find yourself uncertain about particular aspects of the process, do not hesitate to seek support and guidance. Reach out to colleagues, your section coach, principal, or directly to Dr. Fayad or Katie Neal. Collaboration and support are crucial to the successful implementation of proficiency scales.

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What should I do if I am uncertain about parts of the process?

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In the evaluation of K4/K5 proficiency, it is recommended to define four different levels of learning for a particular benchmark, taking into consideration the learning labels: insufficient, basic/foundational, proficient, and advanced. Each level of learning should be described narratively and reported in the same way. Ultimately, teachers will record a pass or fail grade in Powerschool. Numbers and/or letters are not reported but may help teachers conceptualize the descriptions of each level of learning.

In K4 and K5, do we use number or letters to evaluate?

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Confidence in creating proficiency scales stems from a strong understanding of the benchmarks, standards, and overall learning objectives. To ensure that you have the necessary understanding, refer to the school resources provided (videos, checklist, etc.) and collaborate with coaches, principals, and/or Katie Neal and David Fayad. Through the feedback you receive from the Leadership PLC team, you will know.

How do I know that I have the understanding to create a proficiency scale?

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Proficiency scales and rubrics work well together, with scales providing a broader perspective of a benchmark and rubrics taking a closer look at one piece of evidence. A proficiency scale is not the same as a rubric because a rubric is created for a specific task or assignment. If you are unsure about a tool you have to assess student work, use the Proficiency Scale Checklist to determine if it is a rubric or proficiency scale according to the school’s definitions.

If I have a rubric, why do I need a proficiency scale?

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You can refer to the examples shared during the 2022-23 school year. Keep in mind that each example may have “errors” and therefore is not necessarily an exemplar. Your colleagues may also have examples for you to consider.

What are some examples of Proficiency Scales?

Link to Examples

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Proficiency scales play a role in the planning of instruction, assessment of student performance, and communication of learning among supervisors, parents, colleagues and students. Please refer to the article shared in September 2023.

Why do we need Proficiency Scales?

Link to article

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Is a student's level of effort considered in Proficiency Scales?

No, it shouldn’t be. Every section has a way to evaluate students’ attitudes and dispositions related to the Bolivar Values,which includes student effort.