A1: Using Proficiency Scales to Track Progress, Set Goals, and Celebrate Success

Ashley Avila, Marzano Academies

This presentation will help teachers understand the importance of utilizing proficiency scales, tracking progress, setting goals, and celebrating student progress. Although the information will be meaningful for all, examples and anecdotes will be centered around the secondary learner.

Tracking Progress, Goal Setting, And Celebrating Success In CBL

Middle School Teachers, High School Teachers

🏫 Drama Room 610

💻 SHARED NOTES

A2: Empower 201

Matt Shea, Center for Competency-Based Education

A competency-based classroom needs a platform to help you track and use the data you need. This session will provide a demo of Empower, a Learning Management System designed specifically to support competency-based learning, from instructional activities to scales-based scoring and reporting.

Empower Learning Management System

Empower Users

🏫 Room 318

💻 SHARED NOTES

A3: Proficiency Scales and Competency-Based Learning: What’s the Connection

Bill Zima, Marzano Academies

We will look at the basics of proficiency scales, design, and their uses and importance in a CBL classroom.

Planning With Proficiency Scales, Competency-Based Instructional Planning, Using Proficiency Scales During Instruction

All Teachers, Coaches, Administrators

🏫 Room 218

💻 SHARED NOTES

A4: Using CBE Academic Groupings to Promote an Accelerated Learning Model

Brian Kosena, Westminster Public Schools

Scheduling in a Competency-Based Education (CBE) system can be complex. Since the effectiveness of CBE relies heavily on the quality of academic groupings, improper scheduling can lead to significant setbacks. Various methods exist for grouping students in CBE classrooms, with varying levels of success. Westminster Public Schools (WPS) has 15 years of experience in CBE, gaining insights into effective and ineffective grouping strategies. In this two-part workshop, attendees will initially learn to calculate Grade-Level Equivalencies (GLEs) based on proficiency scale achievements, and then apply these GLEs to form efficient CBE classroom groupings. The second part of the workshop will explore how WPS applied these performance-based groupings to implement an Accelerated Learning Model, enabling students to surpass a year’s growth within an academic year.

Telling Our Story: What We Tried, What We Found, How We Changed, Planning With Proficiency Scales, Data-Driven Instruction And Small Groups In A CBL Environment, Competency-Based Instructional Planning

Administrators, Coaches, Coordinators

🏫 Choir Room 630

💻 SHARED NOTES

A5: Motivation Matters: Strategies for Cultivating Student Agency in Competency-Based Classrooms

Kate Herter and Greg Russo, Westminster High School

Fostering student agency and motivation stands as a cornerstone in crafting effective and vibrant learning environments. Join us as we delve into the symbiotic relationship between student agency and competency-based education in this presentation led by two seasoned high school educators. With a combined 34 years of experience in education, one a social studies teacher and the other a science teacher, we bring practical insights and strategies to the table.

Together, we'll explore how to elevate motivation not only among students but also within ourselves and our fellow educators. Our session will unravel the fundamental principles of competency-based learning and illuminate its role in nurturing student agency. Drawing from real-world examples from secondary social studies and science classrooms, we'll unveil innovative approaches that prioritize personalized learning pathways and mastery of vital skills.

By the conclusion of our presentation, participants will depart armed with actionable strategies and a fresh outlook on cultivating student agency and motivation in competency-based classrooms. Whether you're an educator, curriculum developer, or school leader, this session promises invaluable insights to transform teaching and learning experiences in K-12 classrooms, empowering students for success in the 21st century.

Telling Our Story: What We Tried, What We Found, How We Changed, Simulating the CBL experience from the student perspective, Planning With Proficiency Scales, Tracking Progress, Goal Setting, And Celebrating Success In CBL, Competency-Based Instructional Planning, Using Proficiency Scales During Instruction, Authentic Learning

All Teachers, Coaches, Administrators

🏫 Room 325

💻 SHARED NOTES

A6: Establishing a Safe, Orderly, and Collaborative Environment within a CBE Elementary Classroom

Kim Frees, Marzano Academies

This session aims to provide an introduction to developing a deeper comprehension of establishing a safe, orderly and supportive environment within a CBE elementary classroom. You will be guided through crafting a classroom vision, emphasizing the significance of instituting a code of collaboration for both your school and classroom. Additionally, we will explore the development of classroom SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) to foster student agency.

Telling Our Story: What We Tried, What We Found, How We Changed, Competency-Based Instructional Planning, Diving deeper into School Level Indicator 1

Primary Teachers (K-2)

🏫 Room 224

💻 SHARED NOTES

A7: A Culture-First Approach to Competency-Based Education

David Williams, Hancock Place School District, Michelle DeFosset, Hancock Place School District

Join high school principal Dave Williams, Local NEA president Michelle Defosset, and a panel of students as they share how Hancock Place High School transformed school climate & culture while implementing a personalized competency-based instruction and assessment model. With an emphasis on student-agency and growth mindset, participants will examine a realistic framework that can be adapted to any school or district seeking to transform school culture, raise student outcomes, and improve the accuracy and integrity of their grading and reporting practices.

Continue learning about our journey at Hancock Place in session B7: The Devil's in the Details.

Telling Our Story: What We Tried, What We Found, How We Changed, Simulating the CBL experience from the student perspective, Using Proficiency Scales During Instruction, Authentic Learning

All Teachers, Coaches, Administrators

🏫 Lower Lobby

💻 SHARED NOTES

A8: CBE Teaching: A Day In the Life 

Paige Harrington, Charleston CUSD#1

What shifts will occur in your daily instruction as you step into your role as a CBE teacher? Are you overwhelmed with all of the changes and how to organize everything? This session will cover some of the shifts and tips/tricks for staying organized and navigating "a day in the life" of a CBE teacher.

Telling Our Story: What We Tried, What We Found, How We Changed

Elementary Teachers 

🏫 Band Room 660

💻 SHARED NOTES

A9: The CBE Experience: Secondary 

Dr. Matt Macko, Ritenour Schools

Experience the other side! Participate in Competency-Based Learning from the student's perspective. YOU WILL GO THROUGH A COMPLETE LESSON!

Simulating the CBL experience from the student perspective

Middle School Teachers, High School Teachers

🏫 Room 227

💻 SHARED NOTES

A10: Rethinking Competency in Elementary Science Education

Alex Gerber, The Institute for School Partnerships at Washington University: Doug Barton, Lindbergh Schools

Lindbergh Schools' teachers and the Institute for School Partnership at WashU are working together to develop competency-based learning and assessment frameworks in elementary science. This session will introduce the why behind Lindbergh's decision to shift their approach to elementary science education, provide a realistic overview of their progress and timeline, the work accomplished by teachers so far, and long-term goals.

Telling Our Story: What We Tried, What We Found, How We Changed

K-5 Administrators/Coaches/Coordinators

🏫 Orchestra Room 620

💻 SHARED NOTES

11:00 - 12:15 Lunch

B1: Unit Planning for the CBS Social Studies Classroom

Greg Russo, Westminster Public Schools

Discover the power of effective unit planning in a competency-based social studies classroom! This session offers educators a roadmap to create unit plans that not only meet curriculum standards but also develop competencies alongside students that address their individual learning needs. The session will guide educators through the creation and ongoing use of big picture unit planners. Participants will also develop ideas around formative activities that build necessary knowledge and skills including opportunities for student groupings that include enrichment and reteaching. Lastly, this session will work to guide participants in designing engaging Project Based Units that promote inquiry and analysis and offer invaluable insights and practical strategies. Join us to better adapt your current social studies instruction by empowering your students to become lifelong civic minded learners.

Telling Our Story: What We Tried, What We Found, How We Changed, Planning With Proficiency Scales, Competency-Based Instructional Planning, Using Proficiency Scales During Instruction, Performance Assessment, Social Studies

Middle School Teachers, High School Teachers, Social Studies 

🏫 Room 226

💻 SHARED NOTES

B2: Student Agency

Priscilla Newton, Westminster Public Schools

Learn how to empower your students by creating student agency through the implementation of student-friendly proficiency scales. Discover effective strategies for tracking student progress in a meaningful way that promotes growth and development. Additionally, explore innovative ways to celebrate and recognize student success within the competency-based framework.

Tracking Progress, Goal Setting, And Celebrating Success In CBL, Using Proficiency Scales During Instruction

Intermediate Teachers (3-5), Middle School Teachers

🏫 Room 326

💻 SHARED NOTES

B3: Competency Based Instructional Planning

Ashley Avila, Marzano Academies

This session will help teachers understand how to proactively plan for what we know using proficiency scales and how to gather data against the scales to offer reactive instruction that meets the needs of all learners.

Competency-Based Instructional Planning, Using Proficiency Scales During Instruction

Middle School Teachers, High School Teachers

🏫 Drama Room 610

💻 SHARED NOTES

B4: New Metrics for Grading and Reporting in a Competency-Based System

Matt Shea, Center for Competency-Based Education

In an older learning system, answering "how am I doing in this class?" is usually responded to by giving the student a letter grade or a 0-100 grade. However, in a CBL system, this doesn't work very well. In this session, we will discuss new metrics such as pacing and conversion charts.

New Metrics for Grading and Reporting in a CBS

High School Teachers

🏫 Room 318

💻 SHARED NOTES

B5: Proficiency Scales 101

Bill Zima, Marzano Academies

Proficiency Scales and Competency-Based Learning: What’s the connection? We will look at the basics of proficiency scales, design, and their uses and importance in a CBL classroom.

Using Proficiency Scales During Instruction

All Teachers

🏫 Room 218

💻 SHARED NOTES

B6: A School-Based Tool for Implementing CBE Across All Levels 

Dr. Brian Kosena, Westminster Public Schools

Westminster Public Schools (WPS) is the largest district in the nation to fully implement Pre-PK-12 competency-based education (CBE). Initially, there was no framework for applying CBE across all school operations. However, with the introduction of the High Reliability Schools (HRS) model, WPS found a structured path to implement CBE. Notably, WPS has the distinction of housing the first five schools to reach Level 5 HRS certification, which specifically recognizes competency-based education. In this session, participants will present a detailed tool designed to help schools align their systems with their objectives and establish and track relevant goals. Attendees will get hands-on experience with the tool and engage in discussions about how to identify and monitor their own school's systems as they implement competency-based education.

Participants will:

1. Learn how to align school systems to Leading Indicators across all HRS Levels

2. Learn how to set effective and measurable targets to each identified Leading Indicator

3. Learn how to monitor Lagging Indicators and make adjustments to Leading Indicators when necessary

4. Experience a real-world example of HRS Level 5 schools implementing the WPS HRS Template

Telling Our Story: What We Tried, What We Found, How We Changed, Tracking Progress, Goal Setting, And Celebrating Success In CBL, School-level implementation of CBE

All Teachers, Coaches, Administrators

🏫 Choir Room 630

💻 SHARED NOTES

B7: The Devil's in the Details: Theory to Practice at the Classroom Level

Emily Hill, David Williams, Hancock Place School District

This session continues the learning with educators from the Hancock Place School District: A7: A Culture-First Approach to Competency-Based Education.

In this collaborative session, participants will learn from experienced educators and their students about the impact a personalized competency-based learning model has had on classroom culture, student agency, and learning outcomes. Leave this session with practical strategies and resources that any teacher can use to begin to implement competency-based learning at the classroom level. Learn about first steps, pitfalls to avoid, and effective practices that simplify the process and create the conditions necessary for sustainable and effective implementation. Participants will interact with students and teachers who will candidly share the challenges and successes of early implementation.

Telling Our Story: What We Tried, What We Found, How We Changed, Simulating the CBL experience from the student perspective, Planning With Proficiency Scales, Tracking Progress, Goal Setting, And Celebrating Success In CBL, Competency-Based Instructional Planning, Secondary CBL: Tools For Scoring, Reporting, And Eligibility, Assessments In a CBL System, Using Proficiency Scales During Instruction, Authentic Learning, Performance Assessment

All Teachers, Coaches, Administrators

🏫 Art Gallery

💻 SHARED NOTES

B8: Planning with Proficiency Scales 201

Melissa Crowley, Ritenour School District 

Using the teacher-facing proficiency scales to build playlists, station rotations, structure lessons, etc.

Planning With Proficiency Scales

Elementary Teachers

🏫 Room 227

💻 SHARED NOTES

B9: Our Journey in Personalized Learning

Odetta Smith, Cara Hiripitiyage, Montize Aaron 

Pattonville School District's mission leads with the words "That all will learn." Through a focus on competency-based learning, learner pathways, and learner agency, Pattonville has fostered a culture shift in how educators, students, families, and community members see learning. Bringing stakeholders together, we developed K-8 competencies supported by progressions and proficiency scales. Through intentional dialogue around learning, we made strategic shifts in instruction. We highlighted our learner pathways for our middle and high school learners and increased learner agency throughout the district. In this session, Pattonville's leadership team will share about the cultural and academic shifts to grow personalized learning.

Telling Our Story: What We Tried, What We Found, How We Changed

All Teachers, Coaches, Administrators

🏫 Room 322

💻 SHARED NOTES

B10: “What if…?” Common Stories and Questions About Competency-Based Scoring

Cindy Goodchild, Angela Czak, Ellen Homann, Dawn Kuhns, Charleston CUSD 1

“What if a student passes level 3 but can’t do level 2 work?” “What if a student misses 2 of the 5 questions on an assessment? How do I score them?” In this session, we will explore the mindset shift from traditional to competency based scoring, share common “what if” scenarios that we have encountered, and help you with “what if” questions you have as well.

Telling Our Story: What We Tried, What We Found, How We Changed, Data-Driven Instruction And Small Groups In A CBL Environment, Tracking Progress, Goal Setting, And Celebrating Success In CBL, Assessments In a CBL System

All Teachers, Coaches, Administrators

🏫 Band Room 660

💻 SHARED NOTES

C1: Tracking Progress, Goal Setting, And Celebrating Success In an Elementary CBE Classroom

Kim Frees, Marzano Academies

During this session, we will delve into how CBE and the effective use of proficiency scales can make data a more useful tool for monitoring progress, setting attainable goals, and celebrating student achievements. We'll explore various strategies and techniques for gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data to inform instructional decisions and tailor interventions to meet individual student needs.

Tracking Progress, Goal Setting, And Celebrating Success In CBL

Elementary Teachers

🏫 Room 224

💻 SHARED NOTES

C2: Assessment and Grouping in a CBS Classroom

Greg Russo, Westminster Public Schools

Explore concrete tools to help the middle and high school teacher maximize assessments in a competency-based classroom! In a CBS classroom, it's crucial to work alongside students to accurately assess learning with the purpose of creating a roadmap to proficiency. This session delves into competency-based assessment tools used to empower students and teachers- especially when there are breakdowns in the learning process. Tools to include data driven dialogues, formative assessments- which include extension and reteach opportunities, warm up checks, and project based assessments as well.

Telling Our Story: What We Tried, What We Found, How We Changed, Data-Driven Instruction And Small Groups In A CBL Environment, Tracking Progress, Goal Setting, And Celebrating Success In CBL, Assessments In a CBL System,

Middle School Teachers, High School Teachers

🏫 Room 226

💻 SHARED NOTES

C3: Assessments in a CBL System

Bill Zima, Marzano Academies

Participants will learn how to use proficiency scales to design and score assessments. Participants will also learn how to analyze assessments to determine student mastery and how to use assessment data to plan "next step" instruction.

Assessments In a CBL System

All Teachers, Coaches, Administrators

🏫  Room 218

💻 SHARED NOTES

C4: Assess Using Proficiency Scales

Priscilla Newton, Westminster Public Schools

Ditch the traditional tests! Proficiency scales can be the key to understanding what your students truly know and can do. We'll explore how to use these scales to track student progress. It's time to move beyond just checking answers and focus on real understanding. Let's use authentic assessments to get a more complete picture of how your students are doing!

Telling Our Story: What We Tried, What We Found, How We Changed, Planning With Proficiency Scales, Competency-Based Instructional Planning, Authentic Learning

Intermediate Teachers (3-5)

🏫  Room 326

💻 SHARED NOTES

C5: Using CBE Academic Groupings to Promote an Accelerated Learning Model

Dr. Brian Kosena, Westminster Public Schools

Scheduling in a Competency-Based Education (CBE) system can be complex. Since the effectiveness of CBE relies heavily on the quality of academic groupings, improper scheduling can lead to significant setbacks. Various methods exist for grouping students in CBE classrooms, with varying levels of success. Westminster Public Schools (WPS) has 15 years of experience in CBE, gaining insights into effective and ineffective grouping strategies. In this two-part workshop, attendees will initially learn to calculate Grade-Level Equivalencies (GLEs) based on proficiency scale achievements, and then apply these GLEs to form efficient CBE classroom groupings. The second part of the workshop will explore how WPS applied these performance-based groupings to implement an Accelerated Learning Model, enabling students to surpass a year’s growth within an academic year.

Telling Our Story: What We Tried, What We Found, How We Changed, Planning With Proficiency Scales, Data-Driven Instruction And Small Groups In A CBL Environment, Competency-Based Instructional Planning

Coaches, Administrators

🏫  Choir Room 630

💻 SHARED NOTES

C6: From Pass to Proficient: The Transformation of Classroom Assessment

Kate Herter, Westminster Public Schools

Join Kate for an enlightening presentation where we'll explore the transition from traditional pass/fail evaluations to a more nuanced approach centered on mastering specific competencies essential for academic and real-world achievements. Regardless of subject area, educators will gain invaluable insights into competency-based assessment. From crafting tailored rubrics based on proficiency scales to incorporating authentic assessments reflecting real-world scenarios, participants will uncover a wealth of techniques aimed at cultivating student proficiency.

Moreover, we'll investigate the crucial role of formative assessment in offering ongoing feedback and guiding students from novice to expert. Through collaborative brainstorming, interactive activities, and dialogue, educators will encounter innovative methods customized to effectively measure competencies and nurture impactful learning experiences for their students.

Whether you're a seasoned educator aiming to enhance your assessment methodologies or a curriculum developer exploring the potential of competency-based education, this presentation offers invaluable perspectives and practical strategies. Depart equipped with assessment tools seamlessly integrable into your classroom from day one, empowering both you and your students on the journey to success.

Planning With Proficiency Scales, Tracking Progress, Goal Setting, And Celebrating Success In CBL, Competency-Based Instructional Planning, Assessments In a CBL System, Using Proficiency Scales During Instruction, Authentic Learning, Performance Assessment

Middle School Teachers, High School Teachers, Administrators, Coaches

🏫 Room 325

💻 SHARED NOTES

C7: CBL in the Primary Elementary Classroom

Maggie Wasilewski, Ritenour School District

Giving voice and power to students in lower elementary grades often seems daunting. CBL brings a whole new twist into student advocacy and self-reflection and assessment skills. Although it may seem overwhelming, there are many ways to empower our younger students and be able to show their understanding of ideas like proficiency scales and data.

Telling Our Story: What We Tried, What We Found, How We Changed

Primary Elementary Teachers (1-2)

🏫  Room 222

💻 SHARED NOTES

C8: Using Proficiency Scales to Develop Student Agency

Montize Aaron, Director of Elementary Education; Mary Spitzmiller & Grace Burgos,  Fourth Grade teachers; Pattonville School District

Learn how our school district is using proficiency scales to ensure high-level learning for all students while fostering student-centered practices and teacher autonomy. Come learn how to use a proficiency scale to move from teacher-directed instruction to student-led discovery in a Competency-Based Grading system. In this session, we will talk about how to proactively plan for moving through content and reactively plan to respond to the evidence produced by student learning. Come learning about how student agency creates empowered learners.

Planning With Proficiency Scales

Elementary Teachers

🏫 Room 227

💻 SHARED NOTES

C9: A Roadmap and Tools for Competency Based Education

Scott Bacon, CEO, Center for Competency Based Education (CCBE)

Ready for a change of scenery? Current position marked by stagnation, persistent learning gaps, and the idea of differentiation just a “nice idea?” Join us on a journey to the land of student centered learning and competency based education, where:

-We believe that all students can learn. 

-We believe in meeting students at their point of need.

-We believe in holding students to mastery.

No need to bring a map. We’ll provide one for you, based on our years of experience traveling these roads. With milestones and waypoints built in and a way to measure your progress yourselves, we’ll lead you to the endpoint of your journey. Throughout your journey, you’ll have access to tools that make your trip more comfortable. We’ll provide expert guidance so your path remains true, helping you avoid the pitfalls that could derail you. Leave this session with a roadmap to follow, measurement devices to track progress, and a portal to access an AI-powered CBE implementation consultant.

Implementation of Competency Based Education

101: Topic Introduction

Administrators, Coaches, Coordinators

🏫  Orchestra Room 620

💻 SHARED NOTES

C10: Using Proficiency Scales with Students in the Classroom

Ellen Homann, Cindy Goodchild, Charleston CUSD #1

Proficiency scales are great for teachers, but did you know that students can also use proficiency scales themselves? Students can use proficiency scales in a variety of ways to help fuel their learning. Come to this session to hear about ways students can use a proficiency scale to guide their progress and tips and tricks for teachers to use when providing scales to students.

Simulating the CBL experience from the student perspective, Planning With Proficiency Scales, Tracking Progress, Goal Setting, And Celebrating Success In CBL, Competency-Based Instructional Planning, Assessments In a CBL System, Using Proficiency Scales During Instruction

All Teachers, Coaches, Administrators

🏫  Drama Room 610

💻 SHARED NOTES