Scott Benedict

I've come up with my go-to sub plans that don't require any work by the sub except for time-keeping, yet a day in the target language is not lost for the students. My go-to sub plans include writing, reading, listening, and speaking in a stress-free environment that is fun for the students.

Our new name puts the heart of what we do—immediately immerse students in language—front and center and by focusing on immersing our students in language, we can further their path to proficiency.

Power Grading is my grading system and it’s a proficiency-based grading and assessment system that aligns with student ability. It is based on standards-based-grading practices, sound assessment design, and Bloom’s Taxonomy.

This year, I found that one thing. It took me all these years and lots of books on reading, blogs, and discussions with experts on reading and FVR for it to finally become clear. What was that one thing? What is that magic pill? Let me tell you.

When you use tests, quizzes, projects, homework, and participation as grade-book indicators, you are unable to clearly see a student’s strengths and weaknesses.

There are so many different philosophies when it comes to grading and I’m not going to debate the merits of each today. Suffice it to say that for most, grades rarely have any true meaning. And for me, therein lies the problem. Proficiency-based grading can give grades the meaning they deserve.