Mathematical Reasoning and Insight Rubric—Middle School

Created Feb. 7, 2024 by Clarity Innovations

	4	3	2	1
Mathematical Knowledge	I grasp the essence of the problem and show an advanced level of understanding the subject matter.	I grasp the essence of the problem, and I show an understanding of the subject matter.	I somewhat grasp the problem, and I show a limited understanding of the subject matter.	I do not grasp the problem, and I show no understanding of the subject matter.
Use of Tools	I flexibly and thoughtfully apply the most powerful tools to solve the problem.	I apply the correct tools to solve the problem.	I sometimes use the correct tools to solve the problem.	I often use incorrect tools to solve the problem.
Plan	I create and follow a methodical, logical, and thorough plan for solving the problem.	I create and follow a reasonable plan for solving the problem.	I create and follow a somewhat flawed plan for solving the problem.	I create and follow a very limited plan for solving the problem.
Mathematical Understanding	My concepts, evidence, and arguments are insightful and well-developed. The qualifications I make, the questions I pose, and the methods I use are expert, going well beyond the grasp of the topic typically found at this level of experience.	My concepts, evidence, arguments, qualifications made, questions posed, and methods are accurately used.	My concepts, evidence, arguments, and methods are used sporadically and with some inaccuracy.	I do not use evidence, arguments, or methods.
Mathematical Insights	My work shows that I am able to make subtle distinctions, and to relate the particular problem to more significant, complex, or comprehensive mathematical principles, formulas, or models.	My work shows that I make some connections to mathematical principles, formulas, or models.	My work shows that I make few connections to mathematical principles, formulas, or models.	My work shows no connection to mathematical principles, formulas, or models.
Mathematical Reasoning	My approach and answers are clearly detailed and reasonable throughout my explanation. I justify all claims with thorough argument. I fully explicate counterarguments, questionable data, and implicit premises.	My approach and answers are reasonable. I justify most claims with logical argument. I explicate counterarguments, questionable data, and implicit premises.	My approach and answers are somewhat reasonable and contain minor flaws. I justify few claims with logical argument. I do not explicate counterarguments, questionable data, or implicit premises.	My approach and answers are not reasonable and contain major flaws. I do not justify claims.