Dan Bowdoin's Portfolio

Artifacts Overview

Proficiency Grading & Ninja Tracker

During the 2012-2013 school year, our math department adopted a proficiency based grading model. Students in my classes tracked their progress using a series of 'ninja' levels as they moved towards showing mastery of each of the standards.

Meeting The Standards

Standard 2
b. Develop technology-enriched learning environments that enable all students to pursue their individual curiosities and become active participants in setting their own educational goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress

Introducing proficiency grading into our math classrooms at Linus Pauling was a big step in the direction of empowering students to monitor their own progress and set goals towards reaching proficiency of their math standards.

The first panel, shows a set of students using ninja stickers to track their progress on assessments throughout the quarter. Beneath that panel is one that contains a rubric using a number system of 0-5 with descriptions of each level. Embedded at the bottom is a section from our math department grading scale. Assessments can be taken again, until mastery is shown. Students used Google Forms to submit requests for re-takes.

Students Tracking Progress of Standards

Proficiency Rubric System with Ninja Ratings

Embed of Grading Policy from Class Website

The math department at Linus Pauling uses a proficiency-based grading system that follows a 90/10 format.
  • 90% of overall grade is based on skills and proficiency of the common core state standards for mathematics.
    • Assessments include Quests (quizzes/tests) and Projects
  • 10% of overall grade is based on participation and daily assignments.

90% of Grade     (Quests and Projects)
Each of our lessons is directed towards providing students engaging and rigorous activities that help develop their mastery of standards. Students will be assessed each week on a standard(s) that we have been focusing on. Every assessment will be graded using a four point rubric. A copy is inserted below:


A standard may be assessed multiple times.


10% of Grade     (Participation and Assignments)
Homework is assigned on average of 3-4 nights per week and is to be completed in your math notebook. Unless stated otherwise, it is due the following day. You are responsible for correcting the assignment before class. When you come to class, check in their HW under the following categories:

0 = not finished
1 = finished and corrected
1 = already shown mastery of the math standard; worked on another math assignment/project

Pinnacle is usually updated twice a week.

Note: Missing assignments still need to be completed and should be checked in with Mr. Bowdoin during Morning Break time. If three or more assignments are missing, students will be asked to come in during lunch to work on the missing work.