K-12 Learning Progressions

The K to 12 Learning Progressions demonstrate a continuum of proficiency from K to 12. They highlight what a thinking or communication skill may look like for a proficient student. The teacher development team also placed importance in using language that was applicable to all learning areas to emphasize their cross-curricular nature. In some instances, there is grade banding where the skill is still being developed but the context and complexity of the way the skill is being practised and developed is changing. For example, the text used in grade 7 may be more complex and require deeper analysis than the text used in grade 6.

The teacher development team piloted the use of the K-12 Learning Progressions to plan and deliver lessons and activities, to provide formative assessment to students, and to communicate student learning to students, parents, and caregivers. The teacher development team reflected that using the K-12 Learning Progressions helped them to purposefully incorporate the development of key literacy and numeracy skills into their teaching practise.  

The Quick Scales provide a snapshot of literacy and numeracy learning, organized by grade. The circle format represents multiple entry points, that each aspect is of equal value for the learner, and that learning is ongoing. 

Literacy Learning Progressions

Literacy is the ability to understand, critically analyze, and create a variety of communication forms, including oral, written, visual, digital, and multimedia, to accomplish one’s goals.

Literate students can make meaning from text and express themselves in a variety of modes; they are able to comprehend, make connections, critically analyze, as well as create texts and communicate for a variety of purposes.

Numeracy Learning Progressions

Numeracy is the ability to interpret and apply mathematical understanding to solve problems in a variety of contexts and to analyze and communicate these solutions in ways relevant to the given context.

Numerate students can interpret information within a given situation through the application of mathematical understanding to solve an identified problem, and then analyze and communicate a solution.

K-12 Learning Progressions in literacy and numeracy describe proficient cross-curricular skills linked to the Core Competencies (thinking, communication and personal social skills) found in all areas of learning. Similar to the BC Performance Standards (2009), the K-12 Learning Progressions are a tool to support classroom assessment; they also focus on planning, teaching, and assessing literacy and numeracy.

The BC Performance Standards (2009) focus on foundational skills of reading, writing, and math found primarily in the Language Arts and Math curricula. While these skills are fundamental to literacy and numeracy learning, the K-12 Learning Progressions build from these key skills. The K-12 Learning Progressions support teachers in purposefully creating opportunities for students to develop these skills in a variety of contexts and help students develop and demonstrate thinking and communication competencies that support a wider definition of literacy and numeracy.