Proficiency

The term proficiency is used in a variety of ways, most commonly in reference to (1) proficiency levels, scales, and cut-off scores on standardized tests and other forms of assessment, (2) students achieving or failing to achieve proficiency levels determined by tests and assessments (for a related discussion, see competency based assessment at UVEI), (3) students demonstrating or failing to demonstrate proficiency in relation to standards; and (4) teachers being deemed proficient or non-proficient on job-performance evaluations.

To understand how proficiency works in educational contexts, it is important to recognize that all proficiency determinations are based on some form of standards or measurement system, and that proficiency levels change in direct relation to the scales, standards, tests, and calculation methods being used to evaluate and determine proficiency. It is therefore possible, for example, to alter the perception of proficiency by lowering standards or cut-off scores on tests.

Adapted from: http://edglossary.org