Performance-Based Measurement (PBM)

A Performance-based Measurement (PBM) is a CTE POL that provides teachers with a tool to evaluate student achievement and mastery of course concepts. A PBM measures a student’s ability to apply the skills and knowledge learned from course standards. The PBM challenges students to use higher order thinking skills to create a product or complete a process.

CTE courses for which the CTE POL is identified as a PBM provide students multiple opportunities to demonstrate proficiency in course standards and objectives. The PBM is an authentic assessment that may consist of a defined project, portfolio, or other performance-based tasks. PBM requirements are included in the course PBM Guide and are unique to each CTE course. PBMs are administered within the enrollment term.

Credential

The mission of CTE is to prepare students for career pathways in the global marketplace by offering experiential learning, post-secondary credits, and industry certifications. CTE courses for which the CTE POL is identified as Credential allow students to earn the approved industry-recognized credentials aligned to the course standards. Some courses may require students to earn multiple credentials to demonstrate proficiency in the course. Credentials are administered within the enrollment term.

Credentials are incorporated in CTE courses as both the POL and aligned credentials. If the CTE Proof of Learning is identified as a credential, the selected credential assesses a minimum of 80% of the course standards. It is the expectation that all students are given the opportunity to take the credential.

Local

CTE courses with a Local POL require individual PSUs to develop and administer the Local POL to students within the enrollment term. The format of a Local POL for state courses is determined by the PSU and must be aligned to the course standards and objectives. For courses that are shared with program areas outside of CTE, including AP and IB courses, PSUs determine locally how students are assessed. These results are not reported.

Local POLs may take the form of any other CTE POL type outlined in this guide.

CTE State Assessment

CTE courses for which the CTE POL is identified as CTESAs are assigned a secure test to be administered to students at the end of the enrollment term. CTESAs consist of 100 multiple-choice items aligned to the course standards and objectives. Results from CTESAs for courses in standard status are used in the educator effectiveness model, when available. State Board Policy TEST-015 requires CTESAs to be administered within the final 5 instructional days of the semester for semester courses

CTE State Assessments (CTESAs) are used to improve curriculum and to meet requirements of NC CTE’s federal plan under the Strengthening Career and Technical Educational for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V).