Proficiency-Based Education (PBE) General Information

Proficiency-Based Education in RSU 24

Upon careful reflection of student performance data, RSU 24 believes that a change is necessary in our educational system. Proficiency-Based Education (PBE) is a shift from the traditional model of school, which is based on requiring a certain amount of attendance in a prescribed set of classes, to one that focuses on the attainment of specific skills and knowledge (competencies). We believe this change will better prepare our students for college and/or career readiness.

What is a standard?

Standards-Based? Proficiency-Based? Mastery-Based?

Competency-Based? What does it mean?

All of these terms used around the country - standards-based education, proficiency-based education, mastery-based education, and competency-based education - refer to systems of academic instruction, assessment, grading and reporting that are based on students demonstrating mastery of the knowledge and skills they are expected to learn before they progress to the next lesson, get promoted to the next grade level or receive a diploma.

The graphic below does a great job of explaining the process within a proficiency-based classroom. Again, the focus in these classrooms moves from exposure to concepts measured by calendar-based seat time, to attainment of specific skills and knowledge (competencies) for all students, regardless of pace.

Why Proficiency-Based Education (PBE)?

We believe:

Students are living in a world of rapid change

The relevancy of learning isn’t always clear, therefore resulting in a disinterest and disengagement in school

Students thrive on instant gratification in learning situations, making deep connections with the technological and entertainment culture

Student performance data verifies to us that our traditional education system is broken

Therefore:

An institutional re-design is needed to prepare students for the ever-changing world ahead of them

We need to take the risk in making transformational change

We need to capitalize on student interest and passions to create relevancy and a customized instructional model

Schools need to move from measuring seat time to attainment of competencies

Students need to be engaged and inspired to succeed and become lifelong learners

Our students deserve this - we have a sense of urgency in our work

Cornerstones of Our Philosophy:

Within RSU 24, we believe a focus on four cornerstones will move us away from an outdated model of education, and allow us to further achieve our mission of creating engaged, competent, life-long learners. These cornerstones are critical in 21st-century classrooms, and include:

Proficiency-based instruction, assessment and reporting;
Personalized learning situations that address student interest and needs;
Collaborative measures that allow both students and teachers to engage in the teaching and learning process; and
A strategic focus on data that allows teachers and administrators to identify student proficiencies, target students for intervention, and evaluate teaching and learning within our schools.