This is the BC Proficiency Scale:

The challenge for many families is figuring out what these brief descriptions mean, especially because they differ by only a single word. Here is a clearer breakdown that may help you develop a more complete understanding of what your child's proficiency level means on their report card:

How does my student's performance measure up against the learning goals of the course?

EMERGING	DEVELOPING	PROFICIENT	EXTENDING
There are significant gaps between the student's current understanding and the expected learning outcomes of the course.	The student's understanding is approaching the learning goals of the course.	The student's achievement meets the provincial standards for the course. This is the target for the majority of students in BC.​	The student demonstrates a deeper, more complex understanding of the provincial standards for the course, but this does not necessarily mean that the student has exceeded course or grade-level expectations.

What does this mean on individual assignments?

EMERGING	DEVELOPING	PROFICIENT	EXTENDING
The student found this assignment difficult. They need more practice with the skills involved and/or they misunderstood some of the material. Next steps: The student should get help in FIT if they misunderstood something. They should do all practice activities before completing the next assignment and they should ask for help in class when working on the next assignment.	The student understands some of the skills and material involved in the assignment, but has trouble with other parts. Sometimes what is there is accurate, but a lack of detail may mean that they haven't shown clear understanding of the topic. Next steps: The student should pay careful attention to their feedback to see what they can do to improve. The should ask for help if they feel confused or if they aren't sure what they can do to improve.	The student shows good understanding of the material and can effectively use course skills. They may have tried to bring in some original thinking or personal style, but may still need to work on developing these elements more fully for greater impact. ​ Next steps: The student should carefully reflect on their feedback and look for ways to refine their skills and understanding.​ They can seek feedback mid-way through the next assignment and make adjustments before handing their work in.	The student demonstrates highly effective use of course skills, combining deep understanding with original thinking. Their work incorporates their personal creativity, style, and ideas. Next steps: The student can choose more challenging tasks when given choices in class. They can also ask their teacher for ideas on how to refine their skills and understanding further.

What does it mean if my student receives this mark on their mid-semester report card?

EMERGING	DEVELOPING	PROFICIENT	EXTENDING
A student receiving an EMERGING partway through the course should reflect on their progress and identify any strategies and work habits that are not working well for them. They should identify new strategies to try and set goals to improve work habits where needed. To improve their understanding of course materials and skills, they should regularly seek extra support to address any misunderstandings or confusion they may be experiencing. Attending FIT weekly is essential for getting the help and the extra time they need to improve.	A student receiving a DEVELOPING partway through the course should reflect on their learning and identify the work habits that are working for them--and which aren't--and make adjustments. To improve their skills and understanding, they should review feedback to identify their learning gaps and take steps to address them, such as asking more questions during class or seeking extra support with learning tasks in these areas. Attending FIT to get feedback on assignments BEFORE handing them in may also help them improve.	A student receiving a PROFICIENT partway through the course should review feedback and seek opportunities to refine their skills and deepen their understandings such as completing a retake of an assessment or taking on a more challenging task.​	A student receiving an EXTENDING partway through the course should seek opportunities for enrichment and take on more challenging tasks to push their learning further.

What does it mean if my student receives this mark on their final report card?

EMERGING	DEVELOPING	PROFICIENT	EXTENDING
A student receiving an EMERGING at the end of the course has significant learning gaps to address. They should take a remedial or preview course in summer school to be better prepared for the next grade level. If it is an option for the family, they could work with a tutor who can provide more personalized support to help them improve.	A student who receives a DEVELOPING at the end of the course is ready for the next grade level, but will have some learning gaps to address. Taking a preview course in summer school may help them feel more prepared. They should also seek extra help in their next course whenever they have an assignment related to material or skills they found challenging in the past.	A student who receives an PROFICIENT at the end of the course is prepared for future learning in this subject area.​	A student receiving an EXTENDING at the end of the course is well-prepared for future learning in this subject area and may want to ask future teachers for opportunities to challenge themselves in the course.