Progression Boards: The Secret to Managing Self-Paced Learning Studios

Plus: Download a FREE Progression Board Template to Get Started

One of the most exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) parts of launching blended learning studios is giving students the freedom to move at their own pace. But with that freedom comes a big question for teachers: How do I manage it all?
That’s where progression boards come in—and they’re a game-changer.

What is a Progression Board?

A progression board is a simple but powerful tool that helps students visually track their progress through the learning studios. Whether it's a paper-based checklist, a whiteboard tracker, or a digital dashboard, the goal is the same:
✅ Show what has been completed
⚠️ Highlight what still needs attention
🎯 Give both students and teachers a real-time pulse on the learning
In the video I recently shared, I showcased a one-day progression board in action. Students were moving at their own pace through four stations: Small Group, Independent Practice, Digital Content, and Future Ready. As they completed each studio, they checked it off on their board.

What the Progression Board Revealed

Let’s talk about two students from the video:

• Student A had all four studios checked off. Was she truly finished? Did she rush through the work? Did she need enrichment or extension activities? Was the task too easy?
• Student B had zero boxes marked. Was he absent? Did he get stuck on one studio? Did he struggle to stay focused? Or did he just forget to update the board?

In both cases, the progression board gave me, the teacher, instant insight into what was happening in the room—without constantly hovering or calling students out. It helped me know who to check in with and why.

Adding a Layer of Accountability

To make the progression board even more effective, I added a completion percentage system. Before students leave for the day, they log how many studios they completed:

• 4/4 = 100%
• 3/4 = 75%
• 2/4 or less = time for a check-in

Not only does this give me data, but it opens the door for gamification. You can create leaderboards, weekly progress goals, or even studio completion badges. Students start to take more ownership of their time and choices when they see progress as part of the learning journey.

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The Progression Board Bundle. 
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Progression Boards Work

When you're just starting to allow self-paced learning, the structure of the progression board helps keep the classroom grounded. It's not about chaos or losing control—it's about building student agency with built-in support and visibility.
Progression boards…

• Keep students accountable
  
• Give teachers real-time data
  
• Highlight patterns and barriers to learning
  
• Allow for targeted conferencing and support
  
• Encourage independence and time management
  

If you're thinking about trying progression boards in your blended learning studios, start simple. Even a whiteboard and a few sticky notes can get the job done. And remember, it's not about perfection—it's about creating systems that allow both students and teachers to thrive.
Want to see how I set it up? Watch the full video and grab your free Progression Board Template and other blended learning resources at blendedlearningpd.com.

🚀 Ready to Go Deeper? Join Us This Summer or Book Onsite Coaching!

If you’re looking to take blended learning to the next level, we’re here to support you. This summer, we’re offering hands-on workshops focused on:

• Increasing Student Engagement
  
• Getting Started with Blended Learning Studios
  
• Making Data-Driven Small Groups simple and sustainable
  

And we’re now booking onsite coaching opportunities for the upcoming school year! Whether you're looking for full-day workshops, instructional coaching cycles, or customized PD plans, our team will work with you to design impactful, classroom-ready support for your staff.
📍Explore all the options and reserve your spot at blendedlearningpd.com
Let’s make this your best teaching year yet!