Member-only story

Handbook for Developing and Using Proficiency Scales in the Classroom

Rudyard Kipling

·4.9k Followers· Follow

Published in A Handbook For Developing And Using Proficiency Scales In The Classroom: (A Clear Practical Handbook For Creating And Utilizing High Quality Proficiency Scales)

5 min read

728 View Claps

48 Respond

Save

Listen

Proficiency scales are a type of assessment tool that can be used to measure student learning. They are based on the idea that students can demonstrate their learning in different ways and at different levels. Proficiency scales can be used to assess any type of learning, but they are particularly well-suited for assessing complex skills and knowledge.

This handbook provides guidance on developing and using proficiency scales in the classroom. It includes information on the different types of proficiency scales, how to develop them, and how to use them to assess student learning.

A Handbook for Developing and Using Proficiency Scales in the Classroom: (A clear, practical handbook for creating and utilizing high-quality proficiency scales)

by Jan K. Hoegh

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	20445 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	248 pages

Types of Proficiency Scales

There are many different types of proficiency scales, but they all share some common features. First, proficiency scales are based on a set of criteria that define what students need to know and be able to do to demonstrate proficiency. Second, proficiency scales are typically divided into levels, with each level representing a different level of proficiency. Third, proficiency scales are used to assess student work against the criteria and levels.

The most common type of proficiency scale is the analytic scale. Analytic scales are divided into levels, and each level is defined by a set of criteria. Students are assessed against each criterion at each level, and they are given a score that reflects their overall level of proficiency.

Another type of proficiency scale is the holistic scale. Holistic scales are not divided into levels, and students are assessed against the overall criteria for proficiency. Students are given a score that reflects their overall level of proficiency, but they do not receive feedback on their performance on specific criteria.

The type of proficiency scale that you choose will depend on the purpose of the assessment and the nature of the learning that you are assessing.

Developing Proficiency Scales

When developing a proficiency scale, it is important to consider the following factors:

The purpose of the assessment
The nature of the learning that you are assessing
The students who will be assessed

Once you have considered these factors, you can begin to develop the criteria for your proficiency scale.

The criteria should be clear, specific, and measurable. They should also be aligned with the learning goals and objectives for the course.

Once you have developed the criteria, you can begin to develop the levels for your proficiency scale.

The levels should be defined by the criteria, and they should represent different levels of proficiency.

Once you have developed the criteria and levels, you can begin to use the proficiency scale to assess student learning.

Using Proficiency Scales

Proficiency scales can be used to assess student learning in a variety of ways.

One way to use proficiency scales is to assess student work against the criteria and levels.

This can be done by using a rubric, which is a scoring guide that aligns with the criteria and levels of the proficiency scale.

Another way to use proficiency scales is to track student progress over time.

This can be done by using a portfolio, which is a collection of student work that shows their progress towards proficiency.

Proficiency scales can also be used to provide feedback to students.

This feedback can help students to understand their strengths and weaknesses and to identify areas for improvement.

Proficiency scales are a valuable tool for assessing student learning.

They can be used to assess any type of learning, and they can provide valuable feedback to students.

By following the guidance in this handbook, you can develop and use proficiency scales to improve student learning in your classroom.

References

Stiggins, R. J. (2001). Student-involved assessment for learning. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Brookhart, S. M. (2013). How to create and use rubrics for formative assessment and grading. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Wiggins, G. P., & McTighe, J. (2005). Understanding by design. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

A Handbook for Developing and Using Proficiency Scales in the Classroom: (A clear, practical handbook for creating and utilizing high-quality proficiency scales)

by Jan K. Hoegh

4.8 out of 5