Sample of scoring tools in Empower in a document used for our student and parent audience. 

This document serves as a foundational guide for onboarding new teachers into recording and reporting component of our competency-based education system. It reflects the comprehensive planning and scoring processes used within our district while recognizing that new teachers will not master everything immediately.

To prioritize the most critical elements, green text identifies the core functions that instructional coaches focus on during a teacher’s first year, ensuring a strong start and steady growth in our system. This resource is designed to provide clarity and targeted support as teachers acclimate to their roles.

Three Levels of Scoring in Westminster’s Personalized Competency-Based System at the PK-8 Level

Westminster Public Schools’ assessment framework is built on three interconnected levels of scoring, designed to accurately reflect student learning and progress:

1. Evidence Scores: Learning begins with evidence gathered from classwork, observations, assignments, and assessments. These scores provide a detailed snapshot of student performance on specific tasks.

2. Proficiency Scale Scores: Evidence scores are aligned to proficiency scales, creating a comprehensive view of a student’s mastery of individual learning targets.

3. Overall Level Score: Proficiency scale scores are combined to determine the student’s overall performance level within a course or subject area, offering a clear and holistic measure of academic achievement.

This three-tiered approach ensures that assessments focus on what students know and can do, providing an accurate and transparent picture of their academic progress.

Four Levels of Scoring in Westminster’s Personalized Competency-Based System

Westminster Public Schools’ assessment framework is built on four interconnected levels of scoring, designed to accurately reflect student learning and progress:

1. Evidence Scores: Learning begins with evidence gathered from classwork, observations, assignments, and assessments. These scores provide a detailed snapshot of student performance on specific tasks.

2. Proficiency Scale Scores: Evidence scores are then aligned to proficiency scales, creating a comprehensive view of a student’s mastery of individual learning targets.

3. Overall Level/Course Score: Proficiency scale scores are combined to determine the student’s overall performance level within a course or subject area, offering a clear and holistic measure of academic achievement.

4. Cumulative GPA: At the high school level, all Overall Level/Course Scores are averaged to generate a GPA. This GPA is used for college applications, scholarships, and class rank, providing students with opportunities for post-secondary success.

This four-tiered system ensures a clear, fair, and comprehensive evaluation of student progress while supporting their future academic and career goals.