System Level Performance Assessment
We help districts design systems that capture authentic evidence of learning, track growth over time, and create powerful moments—like defenses, student-led conferences, and exhibitions—so every learner's progress is seen, celebrated, and supported.
What this supports...
System level performance assessments
give
learners the chance to demonstrate competencies or skills beyond tests, connect their learning to real-world skills, and reflect on who they are becoming as learners. For
educators, these systems provide a clear picture of the learner experience and growth across K–12, empowering them to make meaningful instructional decisions.
We support schools and districts to...
build systems aligned to your Portrait of a Learner that capture evidence of authentic learning across K–12.
develop or reignite system level performance assessments like defenses, student-led conferences, and learner round tables that showcase growth.
analyze evidence
of learning from system-level performance assessments to inform instructional decisions.
design feedback tools that help learners reflect on growth and give educators insight to guide instructional decisions.
See this in action!
At Maurice Bowling Middle School in Owen County, every 8th grader stepped into the spotlight for their first Defense of Learning, sharing who they’re becoming as learners. Students reflected on their growth, families and community members filled the audience, and the experience built confidence, pride, and lasting traditions.
Why this matters...
When schools adopt system-level performance assessments, they create a coherent picture of learning across the learner experience. This consistency builds trust among families, educators, and communities, ensures that what is most valued in the Portrait of a Learner is measured and celebrated, and helps leaders make learner-centered decisions.
Our Design Supports
building systems that capture authentic learning and reflection
How can we systematically measure the competencies our Portrait of a Learner promises — from kindergarten through graduation?
System-level performance assessments create structures for collecting evidence of learning in competencies over time.
We help districts design systems to capture evidence and artifacts of learning, build processes for students to regularly reflect on and make meaning of that evidence, and embed these practices into the everyday learning experience—not just at the end, before a defense or exhibition.
designing vibrant system performance assessments
How might we ensure every learner has meaningful chances to showcase growth, reflect deeply, and share their learning with authentic audiences from kindergarten through graduation?
When students share their learning through system-level performance assessments—such as defenses, student-led conferences, and exhibitions—they build ownership and confidence while giving educators a powerful window into the learner experience. We help districts and schools design these moments to be authentic and meaningful, rather than cookie-cutter presentations.
creating reflective systems to guide instruction
How might system-level performance assessments become a cycle of reflection, ideation, and iteration that makes learning more vibrant and meaningful?
Reflection and feedback turn system-level performance assessments into tools for both student growth and instructional decision-making.
We help by designing feedback tools and reflective protocols that equip system leaders to act on evidence of learning and continually create more vibrant student experiences.
