Mrs. L's Blog

Find ideas, free resources and examples of student work with proficiency scales.
Sign up for Email Updates
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.

read more
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!

read more
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!

read more
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!!

read more
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!

read more
Black History Month Biography Research Project

Black History Month Biography Research Project

Some kids have a clear idea of what kind of future they're working towards, and others may not have any good ideas, or any good examples of happy and successful adults in their lives. Helping kids connect with and claim a Hero can define their vision for the future...

read more
Proficiency Scales for Language Development Goals – Spanish Immersion, ESL, ELL

Proficiency Scales for Language Development Goals – Spanish Immersion, ESL, ELL

Can Proficiency Scales work outside of core subject matter? Yes! One of the Phoenix schools I worked with adapted scales to their special circumstances, their Spanish Immersion program. Think ESL, ELL. Together we brainstormed a few ideas during our professional development session. Read on to see what we came up with!

read more

Subscribe To My Free Sample Bank!

Grades 1-8, Math & ELA 

You will receive Immediate Access through a dropbox link,

and become part of my mailing list for tips and new product updates.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This