From Standards to Student Owned Learning using Proficiency Scales

Monett Intermediate SchoolMelissa Powers, Kari Cox, Amber Bledsoe, Sonya Kewhttp://monett.intermediate.schoolfusion.us/

Essential Learning Outcomes

● Standards are narrowed and revised yearly

● Standards are unwrapped & underpinnings were identified

● Students did not see the unwrapping

ELO Venn Diagram

ELO Selection Chart

adapted from Marzano Research www.marzanoresearch.com

Sample Math Unwrapping Form

Sample ELA Unwrapping Form

What we did...

What Our Teachers Did to Create Units: ELOs → Unwrapping → Summative →Formative→Lessons

What Our Teachers Do Now:ELOs → Unwrapping → Proficiency Scale →Summative →Formative→Lessons

Proficiency Scales

Proficiency Scales ARE Proficiency Scales ARE NOT● ideally used with standards-based

grading● able to be modified for traditional

(%) grading scales● focused on one standard indepth● guides for teacher instruction● guides for student learning & goal

setting

● rubrics● scoring guides● a checklist

Creating a Proficiency Scale (Monett Style)

Level Criteria Questions to Ask Yourself

4 extends grade level standard ● How can students take the standard to a higher DOK level?

3 in-depth, unwrapped standard ● What does grade level work look like? ● How do you know? ● What resources or examples have you used? ● How would you explain this to the students? ● Will the students understand the requirements

to meet the standard?

2 underpinnings Examples: basic process, simpler procedures, vocabulary, isolated details, foundational knowledge needed for 3

● What is the standard leading up this standard?● What vocabulary is needed for this standard?

Proficiency Scale Example - ELA

adapted from Marzano Research www.marzanoresearch.com

Proficiency Scale Example - Math

adapted from Marzano Research www.marzanoresearch.com

Proficiency Scale Example - Science

adapted from Marzano Research www.marzanoresearch.com

Tests based on Proficiency Scales

ELA Tests Math & Science Tests

Questions are written at a 3 level. Students written responses determine if it is a 2, 3, or 4 level.

Questions written to each level 2, 3, and 4Some answers determine the level

All Tests Include:● Constructed Response● Multiple Choice● Multiple Response

Optional Formats (now being included on some formatives):● True/False● Yes/No● Matching● Fill in the Blank

Introducing the Proficiency Scale to Students

Share the scale (paper, class chart, etc)Students make sense of scale● Teacher provides examples (anchor papers)● Class discussion● TQLS chart● Vocabulary activities● I wish the proficiency scale gives more information

about...

What Kids did...

What Kids did…Pre-test → vague smart goal → learn →post-test

What kids do now…Pre-test → compare test to proficiency scale →set very specific goal → learn →formative → evaluate,set,record → learn → summative

What kids say...I like proficiency scales because I know what I’ve got and what I need to work on.- Kaylee

I like proficiency scales because I know exactly what I need to learn. - John

Proficiency scales tell me what I need to work on and then I can go home and work on that skill to improve. - Tyler

I like proficiency scales because they give me examples. -Elizabeth

I like proficiency scales because I know what to work on to move up a level. - Leo

Examples of Student Goals

● charts & graphs● post-it● track data on bulletin boards● identify experts in specific areas● target specific areas of the scale to work on

How do we help students reach goals?

● Usually focus on mastering level 2 criteria first

● Create small groups, with-in regular class, based on specific area

● Effective feedback ● Peer Tutoring - experts used● RTI - groups based on specific criteria ● Technology used to address specific area

Other Benefits

● Guides common lessons & data conversations● Feedback is easier because it is based on the proficiency

scale. ● Students feel more successful because they can see growth,

even if only .5 point● Students who make little-to-no progress are easier to spot,

track, and reteach● No gray areas for students- they know exactly what to do● Individualized student learning - accommodations are easier