Proficiency Based Learning
Proficiency Based Learning (PBL) is an approach to education that combines the rigor of high academic standards for all students with personalized instruction that strives to support the progress of each learner by connecting to individual interests, goals, and learning styles.
With Education Rule 2000, Vermont requires Proficiency Based Learning as part of the state's Education Quality Standards:
"Demonstration of proficiency is now the sole means for determining progress and graduation" (EQS Annotated, 2014, p. 11).
"Personalization and proficiency will complement and reinforce each other" (Introduction to EQS, 2014, p. 1)
Work over the past years in aligning to state standards provides a strong foundation for our shift to Proficiency Based Learning, as does our commitment to personalized instruction and individual attention and relationships with students at each school across the SU. At our WSWSU-wide in-service sessions, grade level teams in preK-12 have collaborated to share strategies for implementing PBL approaches to grading, assessment, unit/lesson planning, and instruction.
PBL Resources:
PBL Simplified from Great Schools Partnership
PBL in K-8 Contexts professional development site from WSWSU-wide session 11-18-15
The Why and What of PBL professional development site from WSWSU-wide K-5 session 1-27-16