Coping with Complexity Rubric —Middle School

Created Feb. 7, 2024 by Clarity Innovations

	4	3	2	1
Seeking Challenges	I seek out challenging problems because I learn from them. Working on difficult tasks gives me pleasure and satisfaction.	I usually like to work on challenging problems because I feel good when I solve them.	I can work on challenging problems if I have a lot of direction and help.	I get frustrated and want to quit when I work on challenging problems.
Approaching Open-Ended Tasks	I continue to work enthusiastically on meaningful problems, even when I know that they may not have simple, correct answers.	I work hard on meaningful problems even when I know that they may not have simple, correct answers.	I have difficulty working on meaningful problems unless I know they have simple correct answers.	I will not work on meaningful problems that do not have simple correct answers.
Using Strategies	When I have to solve a really confusing problem, I use some strategies that will help me start and keep going.	When I have to solve a really confusing problem, I know how to start.	Usually when I have to solve a really confusing problem, I do not know what to do, and I have to ask someone to tell me how to start and how to keep going.	I will not try to solve a problem if I do not have directions on how to do it.
Analyzing	On my own, I can break a big problem into smaller parts and work on the pieces in the best order to complete the task efficiently and well.	I can break a big problem into smaller parts and work on the pieces in a logical order.	With help, I can break a problem into smaller parts and work on the pieces.	I am usually overwhelmed by complex problems and cannot figure out where to start.
Persisting	If I do not get an answer right away, I just try a different strategy.	I keep working when I do not get an answer right away.	With encouragement, I can continue working if I do not get an answer right away.	If I do not get an answer right away, I get frustrated and often quit working.
Working on Multiple Tasks	I can quickly and easily switch from doing one kind of task or activity to another without losing track of what I am doing.	I can switch back and forth between doing two different tasks or activities without losing track of what I am doing.	I get confused if I have to work on more than one task or activity at a time.	I cannot work on more than one task or activity at a time.
Dealing with Distractions	I can concentrate on one task when a lot is going on around me.	I can usually concentrate on one task when a lot is going on around me.	I get distracted when a lot is going on around me, and I have a hard time concentrating.	I can only work when the area is very quiet and I have no distractions.