Proficiency-Based Learning

What is does proficiency learning look like at Twinfield? 

Proficiency-Based Learning combines academic instruction, assessment, and a reporting system that are focused on the demonstration of proficiency of knowledge, skills, and habits/dispositions which are expected to be learned before progressing to the next level or challenge. Proficiency-based learning recognizes that all learners are unique and that different learners progress at different paces.  In a proficiency system, students advance towards graduation at  varying rates. In other words, movement towards graduation can take three, four or more years. Demonstrating proficiency in all of the Proficiency-based Graduation Requirements (PBGRs) is the minimum requirement needed for graduation.  Most students will demonstrate skills and content knowledge beyond the minimum required for graduation.

NOTE: Proficiency-based learning may also be referred to as mastery or competency-based learning. 

Twinfield’s proficiencies are based on the Transferable Skills and Standards adopted by the state of Vermont. They include explicit, measurable, learning targets aimed at empowering students. 

Twinfield also supports students in growing their habits of mind, behaviors and dispositions that help people be successful. Twinfield's main habits of mind are engagement, perseverance, responsibility, and citizenship. 

What are the TUS proficiencies? 

Twinfield proficiencies are the specific skills and knowledge that help students meet content standards. These proficiency standards are broken down into smaller indicators. 

The levels for the Twinfield learning scale are: 

• No Evidence

• Getting Started

• Progressing

• Proficient 

• Distinguished

Content standards and indicators can be found here. 

How are proficiencies tracked?   

Twinfield uses the LiFT learning management system to track students' progress towards graduation.  

Using LiFT, teachers send projects and provide ongoing feedback on students' progress towards the proficiency-based graduation requirements. Once students receive feedback on their submitted projects, they may continue to work toward proficiency and submit assignments as needed or wanted. 

At the end of each semester, teachers will determine students’ class grade, using LiFT. LiFT calculates a student’s class grade by combining indicator portfolio scores. Teachers weigh the work they put in each indicator portfolio.