MATH PROBLEM SOLVING RUBRICS
CATEGORY 4 3
Explanation shows complete
understanding of the
Mathematical Concepts mathematical concepts used to
solve the problem(s).
Mathematical Uses complex and refined
Reasoning mathematical reasoning.
90-100% of the steps and
Mathematical Errors solutions have no
mathematical errors.
Student always listens and
follows directions and only
Use of Manipulatives uses manipulatives as
instructed.
Student was an engaged
partner, listening to
Working with Others suggestions of others and
working cooperatively
throughout lesson.
Explanation is detailed and
Explanation clear.
The work has been checked
Checking by two classmates and all
appropriate corrections made.
The work is presented in a
Neatness and
neat, clear, organized fashion
Organization that is easy to read.
2 1
Explanation shows substantial
understanding of the
mathematical concepts used to
solve the problem(s).
Uses effective mathematical
reasoning
Almost all (85-89%) of the steps
and solutions have no
mathematical errors.
Student typically listens and
follows directions and uses
manipulatives as instructed
most of the time.
Student was an engaged
partner but had trouble listening
to others and/or working
cooperatively.
Explanation is clear.
The work has been checked by
one classmate and all
appropriate corrections made.
The work is presented in a neat
and organized fashion that is
usually easy to read.
Explanation shows some
understanding of the mathematical
concepts needed to solve the
problem(s).
Some evidence of mathematical
reasoning.
Most (75-84%) of the steps and
solutions have no mathematical
errors.
Student sometimes listens and
follows directions and uses
manipulatives appropriately when
reminded.
Student cooperated with others, but
needed prompting to stay on-task.
Explanation is a little difficult to
understand, but includes critical
components.
Work has been checked by one
classmate but some corrections
were not made.
The work is presented in an
organized fashion but may be hard
to read at times.
Explanation shows very limited
understanding of the underlying
concepts needed to solve the
problem(s) OR is not written.
Little evidence of mathematical
reasoning.
More than 75% of the steps and
solutions have mathematical errors.
Student rarely listens and
often \"plays\" with the manipulatives
instead of using them as instructed.
Student did not work effectively with
others.
Explanation is difficult to understand
and is missing several components
OR was not included.
Work was not checked by classmate
OR no corrections were made based
on feedback.
The work appears sloppy and
unorganized. It is hard to know what
information goes together.
 Diagrams and/or sketches are
clear and greatly add to the
Diagrams and Sketches reader\'s understanding of the
procedure(s).
Completion All problems are completed.
Mathematical Correct terminology and
notation are always used,
Terminology and making it easy to understand
Notation
what was done.
Typically, uses an efficient and
Strategy/Procedures effective strategy to solve the
problem(s).
Diagrams and/or sketches are
clear and easy to understand.
All but one of the problems are
completed.
Correct terminology and
notation are usually used,
making it fairly easy to
understand what was done.
Typically, uses an effective
strategy to solve the problem(s).
Diagrams and/or sketches are
somewhat difficult to understand.
All but two of the problems are
completed.
Correct terminology and notation are
used, but it is sometimes not easy to
understand what was done.
Sometimes uses an effective
strategy to solve problems, but does
not do it consistently.
Diagrams and/or sketches are
difficult to understand or are not
used.
Several of the problems are not
completed.
There is little use, or a lot of
inappropriate use, of terminology
and notation.
Rarely uses an effective strategy to
solve problems.