Over the last few years, I have seen a significant impact on student learning from improving and adapting my instruction in three main areas: backward designing instruction for target proficiency levels, transitioning to standards-based grading, and implementing performance-based assessments that focus on proficiency. These strategies have not only moved my students further along the path to proficiency but have also had the added benefit of increasing student ownership in the learning process, thereby improving student behavior in the classroom. This article offers practical steps to implement the strategies that have revolutionized my classroom and had the greatest impact on my students' learning.