Independence Through Post-It Notes

I value student independence. Sometimes, though, it is a struggle for students to independently hold themselves to higher-level thinking. This Rate Your Post It chart from Ms. R's clasroom provides a way for students to independently evaluate their own work. She even provided examples of each score so that students have a benchmark to reference. When students are proud of their responses, they can post them on the Jot Lot.

Imagine how much more meaningful book clubs would be if all students came with level 3 and 4 Post It notes to discussions.  Conversations would be less superficial and more based on evidence and inferences.

How do you allow your students to hold themselves accountable to higher-level thinking?