Vertical Differentiation QUICK Guide
Vertical Differentiation QUICK Guide

5th ELA Leveled Google Forms for Assessment

“This resource has helped my online students understand their learning expectations. They have started using the proficiency scales with pictures and they are recognizing what they need to do to progress upward on the scale. This was a huge time saver for me and helped my students better understand what a power standard is.” – August 31, 2020

6th Grade ELA Posters with Learning Goals and Scales - EDITABLE

8th Grade Math Bundle with Proficiency Scales

4th Grade Math Assessment with Learning Goals & Scales

“These scaled assessments are great! I love that the questions show a progression of skills so I can see where students may be struggling, and it also gives the kids the opportunity to see that they can do something, even if they’re not quite “on level” yet. Thanks.” – Robert R.
December 1, 2018

5th Grade ELA Posters with Learning Goals and Scales

“Saving my sanity every week!” – Miss Beasley’s Bookworms (TPT Seller)
November 26, 2018

2nd Grade Math Assessment with Marzano Scales

“THIS HAS BEEN A LIFESAVER! Thanks for offering exactly what I was looking for. I was already to make it and wha-la there it is. Perfect! Thank you for your hard work. I appreciate it so much. I am a follower now!” – Beth Marlatt
November 30, 2018

5th Grade ELA Assessment Reading Literature RL with Proficiency Scales

“I am so grateful for this resource! It makes transitioning to standards based grading so much easier!! Thank you for your incredibly hard work!” – Katt F. November 26, 2018

3rd Grade Math Bilingual Proficiency Scales - English & Spanish

This is a perfect resource for my dual language classroom, especially since my students can rate themselves as we work through each skill.”  Socorro F. December 2, 2018

Meet Melanie LiCausi

Melanie is the original creator of Leveled Assessments for Math and ELA.  Leveled Assessments take Marzano’s research to a whole new LEVEL, by adding clear and objective tasks to proficiency scales. Melanie’s experience with differentiation comes from twelve years in the classroom teaching 1st grade, 2nd grade, 6-8 math, and several years of Gifted Resource in a multi-age classroom for grades 3-5.  She has mastered the art of aligning content at multiple grade levels to give students a smooth and defined path for progress. 

Need help Getting Started?

Melanie has written, taught and presented proficiency scales at multiple conferences. Walk through the process of creating, presenting, organizing, and assessing learning objectives in this EASY GUIDE to SCALES with TIME-SAVING tips from her own experience!

More Questions??? Contact melanie.licausi@mrslsleveledlearning.com

Mrs. L’s Blog

Fun Non-Fiction Writing Activity with Holiday Recipes!

Fun Non-Fiction Writing Activity with Holiday Recipes!

Do you struggle to get your students into nonfiction writing? Recipes are one of those informational forms that is very specific and easy to imitate. Your students will get to explore the importance of descriptive titles, step by step instructions, appealing images, and accurate descriptions. I even include 4 sets of directions for differentiating the activity to the levels of a proficiency scale. This Holiday Recipe writing activity is one of my favorites because it is FUN and relies directly to the writing nonfiction standards. Read on to get a link to a free Holiday Writing Activity Template with ready to print directions! No Prep Required!!

Ideas for Celebrating Student Success

Ideas for Celebrating Student Success

In this post, we will examine Element 3 in Domain 1, which is all about ‘Celebrating Student Success.’ Below, you will find practical explanations of what is expected of you, and also a handy list of ways, that are both teacher and student-friendly, to celebrate student success. This is kind of a fun area of the Marzano platform to explore because, well, who doesn’t like celebrating and being recognized for a job well done!? After you’ve had a chance to look at the information below, let your imagination run wild

Proficiency Scales Simplify Differentiation in Elementary Classrooms

Proficiency Scales Simplify Differentiation in Elementary Classrooms

What are your beliefs about differentiation?
When you look at the diversity in your classroom, does it seem possible to reach every student? What if differentiation was just based on a naturally logical path of learning?
Start with background knowledge and end with opportunities for in-depth application.
I like to call this vertical differentiation. This means that students are working on the same topic or standard, at different levels of cognitive difficulty. If you are familiar with Blooms or Marzano Taxonomy of Higher Order Thinking skills, then you already have an idea of vertical differentiation.

Classroom Art and Science Activity for Halloween

Classroom Art and Science Activity for Halloween

Halloween is such a fun time to do special projects in your classroom. I am not one for wasting classroom time. I LOVE to find hands-on activities that integrate curriculum content! This idea combines the physical science concepts of light and shadows, with and an...

Assessment that Saves Classroom Time

Assessment that Saves Classroom Time

Do you feel like WAY too much of your classroom time is spent completing standardized assessments? What if it were possible to develop an assessment that saves classroom time instead? Seriously! Read on to see the simple two-page leveled assessments that I’ve used to...

Ultimate Growth Mindset Tool for Standards Based Grading

Ultimate Growth Mindset Tool for Standards Based Grading

Standards Based Grading is the Ultimate Growth Mindset Tool! A simple shift in focus. Students track mastery in the standards, instead of earning points toward a subject grade. Students are assessed according to their level of PROFICIENCY. Standards Based Grading can be more helpful in targeting student strengths and weaknesses. Teachers are able to plan more specifically, i.e. “DIFFERENTIATE”, to support students level of understanding. It gives teachers the feedback they need to modify instruction. It also tells students exactly what to work on next!

Rubrics verses Proficiency Scales

Rubrics verses Proficiency Scales

s the difference between a Rubric and a Proficiency Scale? In the examples below I’m going to share with you how each classroom tool can vary in structure and purpose. A rubric can look like a four-point scale with one crucial difference; a proficiency scale is focused on one learning objective. A rubric often includes a variety of skills that are related to different standards. Let’s look at some examples for elementary and middle school language arts and writing!

Distance Learning and the Homeschool Connection

Distance Learning and the Homeschool Connection

Have you figured out what to work on with your child at home?

My name is Melanie LiCausi, and I am a mom of three, a classroom teacher, and trying out home-schooling for the very first time!

Having the unique experience of being on both sides of online learning has given me the chance to notice a few things.
Read on to see the simplest way to communicate your standards to students and parents in 4 easy steps!

Differentiate Eighth Grade Equations with Proficiency Scales

Differentiate Eighth Grade Equations with Proficiency Scales

Proficiency Scales are all about helping students show growth in small steps instead of being overwhelmed by a year-end goal that seems way over their head. This video will walk you through one way to get your students understanding a scale. In this eighth grade equations and expressions standard, students must know and apply the properties of integer exponents to generate equivalent numerical expressions.

Valentine’s Day Origami Projects

Valentine’s Day Origami Projects

Kids LOVE origami, at least my students always have. In an effort to get kids working together as a team, here is a fun way to assign groups and 'solidify' partnerships using one simple origami fold. Students can leave their group piece in a special place to indicate...

How to Implement Standards-Based Grading in a Fourth Grade Elementary Classroom

How to Implement Standards-Based Grading in a Fourth Grade Elementary Classroom

Adopting a standards-based grading approach and differentiation in fourth grade elementary classroom offers significant benefits; including clearer learning targets, fairer assessments, and personalized learning experiences. By developing clear rubrics, using formative assessments, and creating flexible grouping strategies, teachers can effectively implement standards-based grading to foster a growth mindset. Especially in first grade math and reading instruction, these strategies can transform the learning experience, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to develop cognitive skills from one manageable level to the next!

How to Implement Standards Based Grading in a Third Grade Elementary Classroom

How to Implement Standards Based Grading in a Third Grade Elementary Classroom

Adopting a standards-based grading approach and differentiation in a third grade elementary classroom offers significant benefits; including clearer learning targets, fairer assessments, and personalized learning experiences. By developing clear rubrics, using formative assessments, and creating flexible grouping strategies, teachers can effectively implement standards-based grading to foster a growth mindset. Especially in first grade math and reading instruction, these strategies can transform the learning experience, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to develop cognitive skills from one manageable level to the next!

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