Grades 3-5 Math Problem Solving in Action_ Getting Students to Love Word Problems

72 ◆ Structures to Scaffold Success

Rubrics

Rubrics are another way for students to check their work and the work
of others. They should be made with the students. Rubrics should give
students a clear picture of what they are supposed to be doing. A rubric
should be the springboard for an ongoing conversation about the math.
What is being done well and what needs to be improved and what are
the immediate next steps. For example, if a student gets a 1, we discuss
what they need to get a 2. Even the big kids like the ice cream rubric and
they totally get it. They understand, “Well I have 2 scoops, and I need
another scoop. My plan isn’t clear enough. I only got some of the answer
correct. So, I am going to go back and work on my plan first.”
Rubrics list all of the things that are being counted for that work (see
Figures 4.19, 4.20, 4.21 and 4.22). So students know and understand exactly
what it is they have to do. They should be given the rubrics before they
are given the task. I highly encourage teachers to use these rubrics as
examples (always make them student friendly because the point is that
students use them). Also, and just as important, align your rubrics to your
state testing rubrics so that students are honing the required skills through-
out the year.

Figure 4.19 Word Problem Rubric

Student’s Name:

Date:

Need

Work

4

Ok

3

Good

2

Great

1

Score

Make a plan

(stated the plan)

Draw a model

Write a set-up equation

Pick a strategy to do the

math

Explain your thinking

Write a solution equation

and write the answer

with the units