In EMSD teachers use learning targets and scales to convey academic expectations to students. Each scale breaks one standard into smaller "targets" or chunks that make teaching the standard more age appropriate. Anything listed as a level 3 is a grade level expectation. Targets listed as a level 2 on the scale are skills and targets that need to be mastered before the grade level content can be mastered. Level 4 targets are extensions of the grade level target. Below is a 3rd grade ELA example of a scale.

Grade level scales for all ELA and Math essential standards can be found here. Grade level scales for all core middle school classes can be found here. Parents can use these scales to better understand grade level academic expectations.