What is a learning progression?

A learning progression is best understood as a series of steps that students take to develop a skill or concept. This concept emphasizes the gradual and sequential nature of learning, demonstrating how students build upon prior knowledge and skills to achieve higher levels of understanding or proficiency over time. In practice, learning progressions help educators design instruction that carefully aligns with students' developmental stages, allowing tailored support that is appropriate for each learner's journey.

Understanding learning progressions is essential for creating effective teaching strategies, as they enable educators to identify clear milestones and benchmarks for students, facilitating targeted interventions when necessary. This approach is focused on the process of learning as a continuum, rather than viewing performance through isolated evaluations or assessments. It recognizes that learning is an evolving process where students may move through various stages at different rates.