Competency-based performance assessments position learners as developing experts. They integrate the learning and application of new skills and content as learners undertake meaningful performance tasks and explore important content knowledge.

A performance assessment is designed as a flexibly structured pathway that makes visible the learning moves toward the final product and builds the skills and strategies needed to get there. It follows reDesign’s Creative Pathway structure so learners can easily recognize and navigate each stage of learning.

Formative checkpoints are the milestones of embedded performance assessments.  Each one gives students a chance to show progress through an authentic product, receive timely feedback, and reflect on their learning using readiness criteria. These checkpoints help both students and teachers see where support is needed before gaps appear.

Thinking Blocks break down each formative task into the smaller skills and strategies required to complete it. They act as scaffolds—offering targeted guidance and resources to build specific skills that appear across many types of performance assessments.

When designing your assessment, use formative checkpoint to shape the learning arc and add the Thinking Blocks that help students build the skills they’ll need to successfully engage with the content and complete the final product.