Big Idea

Science teachers are now reporting on the science skills students can do – like planning and conducting, analyzing and processing data, evaluating methods, communicating scientific knowledge and conclusions. In BC, when we report on skills, we use a 4-level proficiency scale known as Emerging, Developing, Proficient, and Extending.

The problem for teachers is, what do these proficiency levels – Emerging, Developing, Proficient, and Extending look like and how can we use it in the science classroom?

In general, I tell my students I use the proficiency scales to mark for sophistication, depth, and complexity of thought.

When answering a question, I assess student proficiency with these general ideas at each level:

• Emerging = response is very vague or simplistic.
• Developing = response contains some partial details but lacks some scientific understanding.
• Proficient = response is complete
• Extending = response is sophisticated and draws in details and connections from outside the defined context.

Resources

Handout(s): Handout – First 4 Point Proficiency Scale

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