Competency-Based Education

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• Buder
• Iveland
• Kratz
• Marion
• Marvin
• Wyland
• HMS
• RMS
• RHS

Learn more about Empower

In traditional grading, students are often given a single letter or number for their overall performance in a class. This can sometimes be confusing because it’s a mix of their test scores, homework, participation, and other factors. 

View this flyer to learn more about Ritenour’s Competency-Based Education.

Competency-based grading is a bit different. Instead of one grade for the whole class, it focuses on whether a student has mastered specific skills or knowledge. Think of it like this:

1. Clear Goals: Each subject or course has a set of proficiency scales or skills that students need to learn. For example, in math, this might be solving problems with fractions or understanding geometric shapes.

2. Mastery Matters: Students are assessed on whether they have mastered each of these proficiency scales, not just their overall performance. They might get different grades or levels of achievement for different proficiency scales. This way, if a student excels in one area but needs more practice in another, it’s reflected separately.

3. Learning at Their Own Pace: Students can take the time they need to really understand each proficiency scale. If they don’t get it the first time, they can keep learning and trying until they do. This means there’s no rush, and they aren’t penalized for needing more time.

4. Focused Feedback: Instead of just getting an overall grade, students receive specific feedback on each proficiency scale. This helps them know exactly what they’re doing well and what they need to improve.

5. Better Support: Teachers can provide more personalized help based on the specific proficiency scales each student needs to work on. This ensures that each student gets the support they need to succeed.

In summary, Competency-Based grading helps ensure that students truly understand and can apply what they’ve learned. It’s about focusing on learning and growth, rather than just a single grade.

“CBE allows myself and my students to constantly know where they are and where they are heading.  CBE gives students the power to guide their learning.  I have seen so much growth in my students since taking data and entering it into Empower.  These two components together allow students to be their best selves and for me to be a better teacher.”

- Chelsea Forste, 2nd-grade teacher at Buder Elementary 

What’s the difference between Traditional Grading and Competency-Based Grading: 

In a traditional system, you would receive an overall letter grade for one course.  For example, in Pre-Algebra, your child has a B+.    This doesn’t tell you much about your child’s performance. 

In a Competency-Based Grading System, you will get a detailed grading report that says how your child is performing on each proficiency scale in Pre-Algebra.  This is similar to the report you get when you bring your car in for service.  

Each class/course has an ‘Instructional Progression” that shows the topics students will learn in class.  Each topic has a “Proficiency Scale” that shows what they will be responsible for learning.  

Here is a sample Instructional Progression for 5th Grade Math. 

You can see the 14 topics (Proficiency Scales) that a 5th grader will learn. 

Proficiency scales are tools used by teachers to show where a student is in their learning of a specific skill or concept. Think of them like a ladder with steps, where each step represents a different level of understanding or mastery.

Here’s how it works:

1. Level 1.0 – Beginning: Your child is just starting to learn a new skill or concept. They might need a lot of help from their teacher or you, but they’re giving it a try.

2. Level 2.0 – Developing: Your child is starting to understand more of the skill but still makes some mistakes. They’re making progress and need a bit of support to succeed.

3. Level 3.0 – Proficient: Your child understands the skill or concept and can do it on their own without needing help. This is the level we aim for by the end of learning a topic.

4. Level 4.0 – Exceeding: Your child not only knows the skill but can use it in more challenging or creative ways. They might even help others understand it!