Make learning visible

Performance Assessment

Assessment and reporting of student progress includes evidence of how learners have grown and developed whole-learner and academic outcomes through competency-based and authentic performance assessments. This could include exhibitions of learning, student-led conferences, portfolios, defenses of learning, and competency-based reporting.

Six key structures for community school design arranged around clear identity

Bostonia Global High School

Bostonia Global is a competency-based learning community. Scholars are not assessed through traditional points on assignments or an A-F grade, but rather through evidence that demonstrates growth towards a set of 24 competencies. Growth is measured by material evidence scholars provide to advisors, observations made by advisors or through project work, and through conversation with advisors.

A sample Growth Transcript by One Stone, showing competency bar charts across categories like Be Curious & Investigate the World, Think Deeply, and Express Ideas

Each competency is assessed from 9th-12th grade and documented in the Growth Transcript, by One Stone, each semester to show growth over time from emerging to mastering, with the goal of reaching proficiency. You can read more about this assessment and reporting model here.

School for Examining Essential Questions of Sustainability (SEEQS)

At SEEQS, 8th-grade students build a comprehensive portfolio and participate in a Defense of Learning that shares their growth on the Sustainability Skills. Students reflect on their understanding of the skills and how they have grown in them over their middle school careers.

Portfolio Defense in Action: SEEQS

Juab School District

In Juab School District, in addition to Standards-Based reporting on academic subject areas, learners can earn badges towards their Portrait of a Wasp (or Portrait of a Learner). In the example here, learners are asked to demonstrate evidence of design thinking, one of the elements of being a Critical Thinker. Learners track their evidence and badges in Canvas.

A Juab School District Design Thinking badge example, listing artifacts that count as evidence of design thinking

High Tech High

At High Tech Elementary, Middle, and High Schools in San Diego, students participate in exhibitions of learning where they share their learning with a public audience. See this toolkit to think about implementing this practice.

High Tech High Performance Assessment

Conway Academy of Expeditionary Learning

At Conway Academy of Expeditionary Learning, an EL school, students participate in a student-led conference (SLC) where students share their learning and progress with their families 2 times a year.

Conway Performance Assessment

More Resources

Continue exploring the ideas and examples behind this structure.