Mrs. L's Blog

Find ideas, free resources and examples of student work with proficiency scales.
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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!

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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!

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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!!

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Inclusion – The Goal of Proficiency Scales

What's the most important reason to use proficiency scales? One word. INCLUSION. The goal of proficiency scales is not to be one more complicated thing on your to-do list, but to accommodate your students at ALL LEVELS at the same time. Four Levels of Differentiation...

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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!

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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.

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Differentiate Seventh Grade Ratios with Proficiency Scales

Differentiate Seventh Grade Ratios with Proficiency Scales

In this seventh grade standard for ratios and proportions, students are expected to compute unit rates associated with ratios of fractions including lengths and areas with different measurements.

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