A proficiency scale is a defined learning progression for a specific topic of study
that shows teachers and students what proficiency looks like. Content is articu-
lated in elements (statements of knowledge or skill) at the target (3.0), simpler
(2.0), and more complex (4.0) levels, with elements at the target level describ-
ing what students should know or be able to do to demonstrate mastery.
GUARANTEED AND VIABLE CURRICULUM
The target (3.0) content establishes a guaranteed and viable curriculum
across schools in the NAD. This provides a set of essential content in each
grade level or course that all students will learn (guaranteed) and that can
be taught within the amount of time provided (viable). Having a guaran-
teed and viable curriculum makes curriculum manageable and eliminates
variance between classrooms across the NAD.
NAD CUSTOMIZATION OF THE SCALES
The 2.0 and 4.0 levels of the Marzano Critical Concepts proficiency scales
were designed as a menu of content that could be customized to fit the
unique needs and circumstances of schools and districts. A team of ed-
ucators from across the NAD worked together to customize the Critical
Concepts proficiency scales for use in our schools. Content area teams
selected the most important vocabulary terms and 2.0 content that would
be directly taught and assessed. These consist of approximately three to
five elements at the simpler (2.0) level for each target (3.0) element, along
with the necessary vocabulary terms not already taught at a lower grade
level. On some of the scales, the 4.0 element was modified to better meet
the needs of learners or more clearly articulate an extension of the level
3.0 target.
CONFERENCE/SCHOOL CUSTOMIZATION OF THE SCALES
For schools or conferences that wish to engage in the work of customizing
the scales, a full version of each scale is available. The process of cus-
tomization can be beneficial to teachers as they collaborate to determine
the most important content to teach and how to best meet the needs of
learners. Through the customization process teachers will gain a clear and
common understanding of the knowledge and skills at each level of the
scale.
The final version of a proficiency scale for a school or conference should
be agreed to by all educators teaching the content contained within it,
and all educators teaching that content at a specific grade level should
use the same version of the proficiency scale. It is important to remember
that the target (3.0) content establishes our NAD guaranteed and viable
curriculum; the content at this level must remain unchanged. For further
guidance on the customization process, please see the document titled
Customizing the Marzano Critical Concepts Proficiency Scales.
STUDENT-FRIENDLY VERSION
A student-friendly version of each proficiency scale has been developed
to assist teachers in providing feedback to students about their levels on
the proficiency scale throughout a unit of instruction. Students can use the
student-friendly scale to track their own progress and set goals for their
learning.
FAITH AND LEARNING
The proficiency scales are aligned with the NAD education standards and
are grounded in our Adventist worldview. There are faith and learning con-
tent components in the 2.0 foundational elements and some scales that
are dedicated faith and learning scales.
Seventh-day Adventist educators have the privilege and responsibility of
developing and sharing learning opportunities that will encourage stu-
dents in a biblical and Seventh-day Adventist worldview and deepen their
relationship with Jesus and our Heavenly Father. It is the intention that
teachers will integrate faith and learning as they utilize the proficiency
scales to plan units of instruction and daily lessons and select materials
and activities to engage students.
COPYRIGHT AGREEMENT
The Critical Concepts proficiency scales are copyrighted documents and
have been purchased for the sole use of NAD Adventist Educators. Marza-
no Resources grants NAD Adventist education entities the right to refine,
adapt, and modify tools and materials presented in trainings and as de-
liverables, unless otherwise noted on said tools and materials, so long as
NAD education entities
- provide appropriate credit to Marzano Resources for the original works from which derivatives were created;
- use the derivative materials solely within the School/District; and
- does not attempt to distribute, sell, or otherwise profit from the original works and any derivative material