Edward Little High School teacher Evan Cyr has two daughters in Auburn schools, one in pre-kindergarten and one in first grade. As a teacher, Cyr likes the premise behind proficiency-based education.
Proficiency Based Learning
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Bill Gates, Paul LePage among those supporting elements of proficiency-based education
Who supports proficiency-based learning? The list includes Microsoft founder and billionaire Bill Gates, Maine Gov. Paul LePage and at least 16 states, four in New England. MAINE’S PUSH FROM THE TOP LePage has long been a supporter, and that has continued as the Legislature currently deals with proposals to change the state’s existing PBL law. […]
advertisement
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Proficiency-based learning: Some Maine schools seeing success
For Regional School Unit 2 Superintendent William Zima, the simplest way of describing proficiency-based education is that it provides clear expectations to students, teachers and parents. If a student does not understand something, he or she is given support to learn it before moving on. “Proficiency-based, in its simplest form, is just about being transparent,” […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn, sj-web
Proficiency-based learning: Lewiston-Auburn teachers and students see pros, cons
AUBURN — To pass civics class at Edward Little High School, freshmen no longer have to achieve a grade of 70 or better. They now receive grades of 1 to 4, with 1 indicating they have not met the standards, 2 meaning they’re getting there, 3 meaning they have met expectations and 4 that they […]
Posted inMaine
What is proficiency-based learning (PBL)?
Hidden behind the “proficiency-based learning” lingo is a simple idea: that students should master the basics in a number of subjects, including math, science and social studies, before they receive a diploma that ought to signal their readiness for college or a career. How to pull that off, though, is where a lofty idea gets […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Proficiency-based learning: State mandate stirs up parents, teachers, students
AUBURN — A state law now under scrutiny in the Legislature that requires a new way of granting high school diplomas worries Auburn mother Barbara Howaniec, who has seen her two high-achieving children struggle under the new system. “I have two very bright kids who are very unmotivated right now,” said Howaniec, who has children […]
Posted inMaine
Lawmakers hear hours of testimony on proficiency-based learning
AUGUSTA — For close to six hours Monday afternoon, the Joint Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs at the State House heard arguments from an overflow crowd of concerned teachers, parents and students on the pros and cons of proficiency-based learning. In 2012, state legislators passed a law that requires high school students to show […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn, sj-web
Auburn school budget sails through quick hearing
AUBURN — After two principals stood up in support and one parent raised concerns about proficiency-based learning, school board Chairman Tom Kendall closed a half-hour public hearing on the school department’s $44.1 million budget Wednesday night. He added that it might have been record timing. Superintendent Katy Grondin started the hearing by walking through the […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
State seeks public input on dropping proficiency-based graduation standards
AUGUSTA — The public will get the chance to weigh in on a proposal to eliminate proficiency-based diplomas, state lawmakers said Tuesday. The idea, which surfaced as an amendment to a bill that would delay the diplomas a year, will be brought forward as its own bill so there can be a public hearing, said […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Auburn teachers defend learning system under fire
Auburn teacher Diana Carson and other teachers tell the Auburn School Committee on Wednesday night that proficiency-based learning, which is under fire from parents, is improving lessons. Several parents, however, complained about the new system. Superintendent Katy Grondin said she is forming a task force to improve the new system. AUBURN — Teachers told the […]