Proficiency-Based Education (PBE) is a system of instruction, assessment, grading, and academic reporting that makes learning goals and expectations clear and easily understood by teachers, students, and families. This transparency ensures that all students and their support teams have access to monitor progress towards proficiency and offer appropriate supports as needed.

Essential Standards: The 10-15 key standards for each grade level and content area that the NUSD teachers have identified as most critical for students to master in order to be successful in the next grade level. 

Proficiency Scale: A tool used by teachers and students to define what proficiency of each essential standard includes. Proficiency scales also allow students and teachers to monitor growth and progress towards meeting the standard.

• Essential Standards are the focus of each grade level and content area
• Proficiency Scales are used to communicate rigorous, common, and clear expectations for learning.
• Relevant, varied instruction, and support based on each student’s individual learning needs.
• Strategies embedded in each proficiency scale to provide equitable access and appropriate, meaningful support for every student.