Completing the Proficiency Checks

We have written these proficiency checks to be short (~5 minutes each), but there is no (real) time limit. Gradescope has a time limit of two hours per check, but that limit is there so that you will get a splash screen to confirm that you're ready to start the check—we do not expect you to use that much time!

However, you must start and end each proficiency check in a single sitting without interruption by other activities that would expose you to another person. No email, checking your phone, going to the dining hall, etc. Eating, resting, stretching, and other activities are encouraged if it helps you do your best!

Once you open a proficiency check assignment in Gradescope, your session has started. You may not leave and come back to it at a different time. So be sure not to open it until you're ready to complete it!

Grading

Each proficiency check will be graded either “demonstrated” or “not demonstrated” to indicate whether you have met expectations for that topic. If you have not passed a check, that means we all have more work to do! That's an indication that you should study that topic more intensely and take advantage of office/grutoring hours to fill any gaps in your understanding.

We believe that grading should reflect and reward learning and growth, so your first proficiency check is not your only chance to prove your proficiency. You will have two additional opportunities to demonstrate proficiency in this topic by answering different questions:

• A second try later in the semester (see the Schedule)
• A third try during final exam week

Resources

You may not use any resources while you are completing this assignment, including course webpages, textbooks, your own notes, a compiler, Internet resources, and so on.

A Note on Academic Integrity

We believe that these untimed proficiency checks, which you are allowed to take at any point during the week, allow each student to best demonstrate their learning through frequent, low-stakes assessment at the time that works best for them. This flexibility is only possible if we all truly commit to meeting our community's academic-integrity expectations. You may study for this proficiency check with other people in the class. You must complete this proficiency check on your own. You cannot share or distribute this proficiency check with anyone. You cannot discuss the check question(s) with anyone in the class until after the due date (including the optional late day). You can never discuss the exam with anyone who is not in CS 70. You cannot use resources (e.g., notes, a computer) not explicitly described above.

If you have any questions about the rules, ask before you start the proficiency check.