Proficiency Based Learning - Vermont

PROFICIENCY-BASED LEARNING “One consistent finding of academic research is that high expectations are the most reliable driver of high student achievement, even in students who do not have a history of successful achievement.” -Doug Lemov Proficiency-Based Learning is a key component of flexible and personalized pathways set forth in Act 77 and the State Board of Education’s Education Quality Standards. Vermont public schools must provide students with flexible and personalized pathways for progressing through grade levels and to graduation. These resources can help educators and families understand some of the changes that are taking place in Vermont schools. What is Proficiency-Based Learning? The focus of proficiency-based learning is on students’ demonstration of desired learning outcomes. Students gain the skills, abilities, and knowledge required in an area of study, along with those necessary to be successful in college, career and civic life. Proficiency-based learning is designed to identify and address gaps to provide equitable learning opportunities for every student. This is in contrast to traditional systems which advance students based on seat time. Read more about “What is proficiency-based learning?”. Proficiency-Based Learning Team Proficiency-Based Learning and Project-Based Learning Connections Project-based learning is a “teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging, and complex question, problem, or challenge” (PBL Works). Learn more about the approach and how it aligns with proficiency-based learning through the documents below: Project-Based Learning: A Path to Proficiency Project-Based Learning: An Interdisciplinary Approach in Blended Environments Essential Components for Implementing Project-Based Learning Proficiency-Based Learning Commentaries/Articles Are Your Students Ready For Their Graduation Handshake? CVU Learns: One School's Journey to Standards Based Learning Education Secretary Says Proficiency Deadline Not 'Hard-and-Fast" Rule Hitting Targets, but Missing the Point? Take Stock and Make Adjustments...but Don't Delay!) How to Argue with Standards-Based Learning Proficiency-Based Learning is Best Practice Taking the Pulse of Proficiency: What's the Future of This Learning Model in Vermont? The Importance of Proficiency-Based Learning Proficiency-based Learning 101: A Vermont Primer This Powerpoint-based video primer gives an overview of proficiency-based learning in Vermont. The primer addresses equity, standards and proficiencies, curriculum, instruction and assessment, reporting, structure, organization and scheduling, as well as an acronym glossary and an FAQ. Powerpoint Presentation Links shown in the video can be found on Proficiency-based Learning 101: A Vermont Primer Hyperlinks.