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Sunday, February 26, 2012

Learning Scales for Kids

My school district has adopted the Marzano evaluation system, and we teachers have had to whip up more "things" to hang on the walls.  I'm anti-sensory overload, so I'm very choosy when it comes to deciding what warrants a big anchor chart.  One of the necessary items, as per the Marzano system, is a visual of the overall rubric (called "learning scales") for academic tasks.  I knew that I didn't want my learning scales to be boring, and I didn't want it to be wallpaper.


So, I created a Snoopy-themed set of scales that can be easily hung vertically from the top of my whiteboard down to the ledge.  I plan to get smallish magnets and put the kids' names on them.  As a recognition, a student who has met a 3.0 or 4.0 will get to move their magnet to the appropriate position on the board.  (A move to 4.0 would definitely get a hand-clap, too!!)






Here's the link to the PDF on Teachers Pay Teachers...it's my first post, so it's FREE!  http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Jill-Esposito

11 comments:

Jill Esposito

Thank you so much, Sydney! I'm really learning from all of the amazing bloggers on TBA!

Christi

I'd love to hear how the Marzano Evaluations are going for your school. We've used several of Marzano's ideas but haven't made that jump yet.

I'm your newest follower and would love it if you'd click over to my blog and do the same.
Christi =)
Ms. Fultz's Corner

Jill Esposito

Hi Christi, thanks so much -- I've signed on to follow your (adorable) blog!

It's my district's first year using Marzano, and it's considered to be a "work in progress." You know how it goes when things are defined as a "work in progress"....shaky and sometimes confusing. We're all trying to adjust and find ways to do the DQs. Most DQs are just things that good teachers do every day. There are other components that require creation: rubrics/learning scales that follow a certain format, learning goals for every lesson/every benchmark that are also written in a specific way, etc. I'm sure it'll become second nature by the end of next year.

The teacher evaluation system is based on how many DQs the Principal sees when she comes into your room for the observation. Some of us were confused when we received low marks for things like "use of visuals" or "smooth student transitions." Well, in our case at least, the Principal only gave high(er) ratings on things that she saw during the 15 or so minutes in the room. If my students didn't directly interact with an anchor chart or visual within that time...oh well. Same goes for a transition to centers or another class. My next observation is coming up, so it will be interesting to see if she has adjusted that facet of the system. :)

Holly

Very cool - thanks so much. I'm your newest follower. Found you over at TBA. Welcome to blogging - you'll LOVE it!!!!

Holly
Crisscross Applesauce in First Grade

Jill Esposito

Thank you so much, Holly! I'm following your site -- it's a great one!

Rebecca

Welcome to Blogland! I'm your newest follower. Come by when you get a chance.

Chatterbox Blessings,
Rebecca

Jill Esposito

Rebecca -- thank you so much! Your blogs are lovely, and I've added them.

Unknown

Love these, thanks so much for sharing them! I'm also a new follower! Welcome to blogging!
Amy
TheResource(ful)Room!

Jill Esposito

Thank you, Amy! I'm following you too!

Heather's Heart

Hi Jill! I am so excited to have a new blog to follow. I am a word study nut so I have lots of *freebies* that I hope you can use. I just shared an inspirational poem that I would love for you to come read! =)

Heather
Heather's Heart

Jill Esposito

Thanks, Heather. I'm going to check it out!!