Proficiency Based Grading

What is "Proficiency Based Grading?"

Proficiency Based Grading is a different and more accurate method of assessing student progress than the traditional 0-100 grade. In the proficiency system, students are measured against an identified proficiency or standard. This system more effectively shows a student's progress toward achieving each standard, as well as helping to show how they can improve or extend their learning.

What do scores mean?

In the the proficiency based grading system, students are progressing toward an identified standard or goal. Once the standard has been achieved, the student has earned a score of 3.0. This means the student has met the expectation for that particular standard.

On each assignment within this structure, students will receive a score on a four point scale (see below). Scores on individual assignments are not calculated on the traditional 0-100 point grading scale and instead indicate a student’s proficiency toward the standard.

General Description of Proficiency Based Grading Scores

*Please note that a score of 3 is a very good rating and shows that the student has met the standard.

How will these scores appear in Jump Rope?

Scores for each assignment will appear in Jump Rope under the particular standard they reference. For example, assignments tied to the "Individual Performance" standard will appear under that standard.

How will term grades be calculated?

At RHS, your overall grade for each standard will be determined through the use of “Power Law.” Power law reflects the trend of your learning for that particular standard. At the end of each term, student proficiency scores from each standard will be averaged and then will be converted into a traditional 0-100 scale (using the school-wide conversion scale) to determine your overall grade. This means that you will receive a grade for each standard (on a 0-4 scale) and an overall grade that combines all scores (on a 0-100 scale).

What are "Habits of Work?"

You will also receive a “Habits of Work” grade for this class (the “HOW” grade). Like your final grade in the class, this grade will appear on your final transcript. The Habits of Work standards are related to responsibility, collaboration, and perseverance. The HOW grade is separate from academic achievement indicated in other areas discussed above and is not reflected in your overall grade.

What are the "Overarching Standards" in Band?

A student's proficiency is determined for identified course standards. Those "overarching standards" (the big ideas) are below. Click on the ensemble headings for more in-depth information.

Rutland High School

- - Band
    - Ensemble Skills:
      - By the end of the course, students will be able to set goals and work as members of a group to create successful ensemble performances.
    - Individual Performance:
      - By the end of the course, the students will be able to demonstrate technical mastery of their instrument through performance.
    - Performance Critique:
      - By the end of the course, the students will be able to apply musical knowledge to analyze and critique music performances.
  - Honors Band
    - Ensemble Skills:
      - By the end of the course, students will be able to set goals and work as members of a group to create successful ensemble performances.
    - Individual Performance:
      - By the end of the course, the students will be able to demonstrate technical mastery of their instrument through performance.
    - Performance Critique:
      - By the end of the course, the students will be able to apply musical knowledge to analyze and critique music performances.
    - Making Connections:
      - By the end of the course, the student will be able to apply musical knowledge to investigate musical topics and demonstrate service to the music community.
  - Jazz Ensemble
    - Technique & Style:
      - By the end of the course, the student will demonstrate a knowledge of musical notation and jazz styles of music through performance.
    - Ensemble Skills:
      - By the end of the course, the student will be able to set goals for improvement and work as members of a group to create successful ensemble performances.
    - Critique:
      - By the end of the course, the students will be able to apply musical knowledge to analyze and critique music performances.

Rutland Middle School

- - RMS Band
    - Technique:
      - By the end of the course, the student will demonstrate technical mastery of their instrument as appropriate for their grade level.
    - Expression:
      - By the end of the course, the student will demonstrate effective use of identified expressive elements of music in their performance.
    - Ensemble Skills:
      - By the end of the course, the student will be able to critique a performance, set goals for musical growth, and collaborate in an ensemble to create successful music performances.

Within each overarching standard, there are also more specific concepts or "priority standards" that work toward the bigger goals. Please note, however, that scores on report cards and listed within JumpRope are only given under each broad heading or overarching standard.

For more information on Proficiency Based Grading at RHS, please visit

http://rhs.rutlandcitypublicschools.org/academics/proficiency-based-learning-practices/

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