Teaching and Learning Department

Advanced Learning/Dual Immersion

2500 South State Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84115
385 646-4620

385 646-5000
Fax: 385 646-4128
www.graniteschools.org

August 7, 2018

Dear Advanced Learning Center Parents,

During the last five years Granite School District has been researching proficiency-based grading (PBG)
and how students in the district might benefit from a grading system that focuses on their ability to
demonstrate their learning and accurately reflects areas of academic strength and weakness. Proficiency-
based grading is based on the premise that grades are intended to communicate progress toward mastery
of the standards that are prescribed for a course of study and indicate at a moment in time what a student
knows and can do in relation to the standards that have been explicitly taught. Over the last two years
more than 300 Granite District teachers have been beta-testing PBG and utilizing the PBG Gradebook to
report student proficiency on grade level standards.

PBG allows teachers to adjust and individualize instruction for students and allows the students to act on
feedback. The individualized attention to student proficiency on standards leads to increased opportunities
for learning and provides an enriched education experience for students. Beginning this year elementary
report cards will no longer report letter grades. Each elementary school has the option to transition to
PBG or continue traditional grading utilizing a 1-4 scale. In PBG the 1-4 scale corresponds to a level
proficiency on the standards in each content area. Because we are committed to providing the best
educational experience possible for advanced learners in our ALC programs, all ALC programs will begin
implementing PBG during the 2018-19 school year.

We have provided an informational packet with specific details on PBG which outlines PBG practices
and answers many frequently asked questions. We are committed to providing your child with an
exceptional educational experience and believe PBG will foster high levels of student achievement for
your child.

For more information or to address questions or concerns, please contact your child’s teacher, principal,
or the Gifted Department.

Sincerely,

Sheri Sorensen
Associate Director
Advanced Learning Programs