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Objectives and proficiency levels in the gradebook

Overview​

The gradebook is built on two foundations: learning objectives (what you want students to learn) and proficiency levels (how well they demonstrate proficiency on each objective). By linking assignments to objectives and rating work at different proficiency levels, you create a detailed picture of each student's progress.

Before you start​

  • Create Objectives in Course Settings → Objectives (see Manage course objectives).
  • Create or select a Proficiency Scale in Course Settings → Proficiency Scales.
  • Create Assignments and link them to objectives.

Learning objectives in the gradebook​

What is an objective?​

An objective is a learning goal — a specific skill or knowledge area you want students to master. Examples:

  • "Multiply fractions correctly"
  • "Explain key themes in American literature"
  • "Analyze data using appropriate statistical methods"

Organize objectives in benchmark groups​

Objectives are grouped into Benchmark Groups for grade calculation purposes:

  • A benchmark group might be "Content Knowledge" (containing objectives about facts and concepts).
  • Another might be "Communication" (objectives about writing, speaking, or presenting).
  • In the gradebook, each group has its own column section showing proficiency counts.

See Gradebook settings to create and manage benchmark groups.

Proficiency levels​

What are proficiency levels?​

A proficiency scale defines a range of performance levels. Common examples:

ScaleLevels
Letter GradesA, B, C, D, F
ProficiencyAdvanced, Proficient, Developing, Beginning
Skill progressionMastered, Proficient, Developing, Beginning
CustomYour own scale (e.g., "Exceeds", "Meets", "Approaching", "Below")

When you rate an assignment, you select one level from the scale to indicate how well a student demonstrated that objective.

Create or select a proficiency scale​

  1. Open your course.
  2. Select Course Settings → Proficiency Scales.
  3. Choose an existing scale or create a new one:
    • Enter a Scale Name (e.g., "My Custom Scale").
    • Add Proficiency Levels with names and optional descriptions (e.g., "Developing" = "Shows emerging understanding").
  4. Select Save.

Once created, the scale is available for all assignments and ratings in the course.

Rating assignments by objective and proficiency level​

When you create or edit an assignment:

  1. In the Objectives or Skills section, select the learning objectives this assignment assesses.
  2. Save the assignment.

When students submit work for this assignment, you'll rate them on those objectives.

Rate student work​

When reviewing a submission:

  1. Open the assignment and the student's submission.
  2. Locate the Rating section (often labeled "Proficiency" or "Objectives").
  3. For each objective linked to the assignment, select a proficiency level from your scale.
    • If unsure, select "Developing" or a middle level; you can update it later.
  4. Optionally add feedback comments.
  5. Select Save or Publish (depending on whether you want the rating visible to students immediately).

Understanding rating symbols in the gradebook​

In the Gradebook table:

  • Numbers (e.g., "3") = count of ratings at that proficiency level
  • Dashes (–) = no ratings yet at that level
  • ? = student has no ratings for that objective/group yet

Typical workflows​

First week: set up objectives and proficiency​

  1. Create your Objectives and assign them to Benchmark Groups.
  2. Select or create a Proficiency Scale that matches your grading philosophy.
  3. Create your first Assignment and link it to 1–2 objectives.
  4. See Create and edit assignments for more details.

During the unit: rate and review progress​

  1. Students submit assignments.
  2. You rate each submission on the linked objectives, selecting a proficiency level.
  3. Open the Gradebook and check proficiency counts:
    • High counts at "Developing" = students still building the skill.
    • High counts at "Proficient" or above = most students have learned it.
  4. Use this data to decide: do students need more practice, or can you move on?

Reassessing and updating ratings​

  1. A student resubmits work after feedback.
  2. Open the previous rating and update it to reflect the new proficiency level.
  3. The gradebook updates in real-time; grade distinctions recalculate if thresholds are affected.

Interpreting ? (unknown distinction)​

If a student shows ? in the Grade Distinction column:

  • They don't yet have enough ratings to meet any threshold.
  • Or, benchmark groups required by your thresholds are missing ratings.
  • Fix it: Rate work on the missing objectives; the distinction updates when thresholds are met.

Proficiency level guidance for students​

You may want to explain to students what each proficiency level means:

  • Advanced / Exceeds = Goes beyond the objective; shows exceptional proficiency.
  • Proficient / Meets = Demonstrates the objective fully and independently.
  • Developing / Approaching = Shows progress but has gaps; needs more practice.
  • Beginning / Below = Little or no evidence of the objective yet.

Consider adding these descriptions to your syllabus or course announcements so students understand what to aim for.

Troubleshooting​

SituationWhat to try
Objectives missing or not showing in assignment formCreate or enable objectives in Course Settings → Objectives.
Can't select a proficiency level when ratingConfirm a Proficiency Scale is created and selected for the course.
Gradebook shows empty cells or all dashesNo ratings exist yet for that objective/level. Rate a few assignments and refresh the gradebook.
Student shows ? for grade distinctionConfirm objectives are linked to assignments, rate some work, and check threshold requirements.
Benchmark group missing from gradebookCreate the group under Course Settings → Grade Calculations → Grade Benchmarks.
Can't edit a ratingYou may have published it; check if a "draft" or "edit" option exists, or delete and re-rate.