WLC introducing competency-based grading

The state requires a new way of grading for high school students based on competencies. Wilton-Lyndeborough Cooperative Middle/High School has decided to pilot a few classes using the new system, competency-based grading, this year, Principal Brian Bagley explained in a letter to parents. Five high school and two middle school teachers are a part of this program to see how well the system works for the students in the school. Teachers involved in the program are Dolores Neilan, William Fox, Shirley Schneider, Joyce Bourassa, David Shelsky, Eric Yannone and Josef Lambert. Competency-based grading assesses the students’ overall learning in particular categories relating to that class. A competency is a long-term course goal – what the teacher wants the student to learn by the end of the course. For example, Neilan, an English teacher, uses competencies such as writing, research, text analysis and critical thinking. This year, the school is having only a few classes use the system. Next year, each teacher will be piloting the new way of grading in one of his or her classes. Then in three years, this new grading system will be in full effect. Neilan said each student must reach a certain understanding level or grade of the specific competencies within that class’ subject matter; otherwise, he or she won’t pass the course.