by mlicausi | Feb 12, 2022 | Assessment, Grading, Growth Mindset, Learning Goals and Scales, Marzano Scales, Proficiency Scales
What is standards based grading? First of all what is standards based grading? Standards Based Grading is a shift in focus. Students track mastery in the standards, instead of earning points toward a subject grade. In traditional grading systems, the final grade is a...
by mlicausi | Jan 25, 2022 | Assessment, ELA (English Language Arts), Grading, Grading, Learning Goals and Scales, Marzano Scales
What’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;...
by mlicausi | Nov 5, 2021 | Grading
Classroom time always feels too short to do everything we know we’re supposed to do! Connect to students’ prior knowledge, scaffold learning, repeat vocabulary, give multiple opportunities for practice, give students think time, engage with manipulatives, and of...
by mlicausi | Aug 3, 2020 | Grading
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...
by mlicausi | Apr 4, 2020 | Differentiation, goal setting, Grading, Learning Goals and Scales, Math, Parent Communication
Are you a parent, figuring out what to work on with your child at home? Are you a teacher trying to teach online? The COVID-19 experience has revolutionized distance learning and created an even greater need for parent-teacher communication! My name is Melanie...
by mlicausi | Feb 9, 2020 | Common Core Math, Free Resources, Grading, Motivation, Visual Problem Solving
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...
