Instructional Playbook

A proficiency-based approach to reporting achievement communicates precisely how students are performing in the school setting on specific academic and behavioral standards in order to guide key stakeholders such as students, parents, teachers, and principals in making important educational decisions. In addition to accurate reporting, providing adequate time and support is crucial. A proficiency-based approach emphasizes the importance of allowing students to progress at their own pace, ensuring they fully grasp each concept before moving on. This requires flexible scheduling, personalized instruction, targeted interventions, and support systems, including regular and timely feedback, opportunities for reflection, and additional help for those who struggle. Best Practices in Grading The following pages outline a few proficiency based approaches (Fedlman, 2019) to grading and outline the purpose, description, and best practice/outdated practices for each of the following approaches:

Increase Your Impact

OPPORTUNITY

Communicate student performance in relation to grade level content standards. Work in PLC teams/school to establish a common practice for retakes and late work that follows proficiency guidelines. Allow students multiple opportunities to demonstrate proficiency of a content standard. Give students adequate time to practice new content and language skills. Use the Can Do Descriptors when grading students who are ML.

ACCESS

practice work deadlines & late work retakes

Collectively, these approaches foster an environment where ALL students (i.e. multilingual learners, students with disabilities) can experience academic success and continuously improve (Staehr, 2023).