Curriculum Matters at UES S.01 E.003: Proficiency-Based Learning and Report Cards

Описание: In this episode of "Curriculum Matters," Principal Rachel Aldrich-Whalen of Union Elementary School (UES) and Michael Berry, Director of Curriculum and Technology, discuss the connection between proficiency-based learning (PBL) and the upcoming first UES report cards.
Key Discussion Points:
Reconciling PBL and Traditional Reporting: The conversation addresses the common confusion among caregivers about how proficiency scales fit with traditional report cards. UES uses numbers on the report card (e.g., a "two" for "developing") to bridge this gap, even though a purist PBL model might not use them.Understanding the "Two" Rating: Rachel Aldrich-Whalen clarifies that a student scoring in a lot of "twos" is typical at this point in the year because the rating is based on what has been taught and where a student currently lands on the proficiency scale, not a guess at their future proficiency. A "two" often indicates a student is exactly where they should be in their learning progression.Proficiency Scales: Proficiency scales are explained as a learning roadmap built on "reporting measures" (or "buckets") that group together various Common Core standards related to a specific skill, such as decoding. The "two" level (developing) includes foundational skills and crucial vocabulary.Report Card Components: Families can expect report cards to be mailed home in the first week of February and will include:Comments and narratives on the student's progress, focusing on "glows and grows" in math and literacy.A new set of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) standards, which replace the previous Kindness, Responsibility, and Safety (KRS) standards.In some cases, a curriculum overview showing what has been covered in the first half of the year.
Communication: The report card is presented as a form of communication meant to start a dialogue. Families with questions are encouraged to first reach out to their child's classroom teacher or other support staff.Analogy: Michael Berry offers a video game analogy to explain the concept of proficiency-based learning, contrasting it with the traditional model where students advance a level even if they haven't "beat the boss."