Proficiency Scales

*Questions and answers pertain only to grade levels using proficiency scales and standards-referenced grading.

When will the middle school proficiency scales be available? Specifically the scales for exploratory courses?

Please see the timeline below:

Will teachers be asked to create proficiency scales?

No. Teams of teachers and curriculum specialists have worked, and will continue to develop, pilot, and refine scales.

Will there be a parent-friendly format for teachers to use with parents?

We have created documents to support parents in understanding our system at the elementary level. Documents for middle and high school will be posted when available. All documents will be posted on the Parent and Family Engagement pages.

Will there be student-friendly formats for teachers to use with students?

We know feedback is effective with scales only if students understand the levels of the scale. This understanding is built by introducing the scale in ways that make sense to the students. This may look differently depending on each class/student. Ideas for introducing the scale could include having students participate in rewriting the scale or explaining their understanding for each level. Teachers and students should use the scale as a point of reference during instruction, and spend time reflecting on their level of proficiency throughout the instruction. When introducing a scale to students, it is important to use the academic language on the scale. Teachers may also use sentence starters such as "I can...", "On my own, I can...", or "I will..."

Are there guidelines to follow when making scales easier for students to understand?

Do: Use “I can” or "I will" statements before listing the target

Do: Continue to use and teach the academic language

Do not: Reduce the rigor of the standard/target

On a proficiency scale, what does "With Help" mean?

With help means the student needs prompts, supports, or probing questions in order to demonstrate what they know and can do.

Will teachers have to determine where/when to use proficiency scales with their current curriculum resources?

After determining priority standards and developing proficiency scales, the scales are aligned to current curriculum resources. Instructional Unit Guides will reflect this information.

Will elementary have scales for science and social studies?

Yes, there will be a few scales for both social studies and science at each grade level developed at the district level. The number of targets and scales will increase over the next few years.

Will proficiency scales be available for parents? Will they also be translated?

Parents currently have access to examples of the proficiency scales on our district website: www.usd259.org/Grading. The scales on this website are translated. Only those with access to our www.bit.ly/259SRG site will have access to all our scales.