We believe that the effort grade should measure personal responsibility, motivation, and initiative. The following descriptions are general measures of these qualities and not intended as a checklist for  assigning grades.

How to earn extra effort in Mrs. Williams' class.

Four                Superior Effort

The student makes a sincere effort to extend his or her understanding of mathematical processes and concepts. The student has an excellent record on daily homework assignments. The student comes to class on time with appropriate materials and a positive attitude. The student is an active, constructive participant in class discussions and activities. The strong student investigates problems beyond those required and willingly helps classmates. The struggling student takes the initiative to get extra help when needed and goes the extra mile to learn the material.

Three              Good Effort

The student makes an effort to understand mathematical processes and concepts. The student has a good record on daily homework assignments. The student comes to class with appropriate materials and a cooperative attitude.  The student is an active, constructive participant in class discussions and activities. The student works cooperatively with peers and the teacher.

Two                 Marginal Effort

The student shows sporadic effort to understand mathematical processes and concepts. The student has poor to fair record on daily homework assignments. The student often disrupts the learning environment by not following instructions, socializing inappropriately, or generally displaying a negative attitude. The student makes little or no effort to work cooperatively with classmates.

One                 Poor Effort

The student fails to accept responsibility for his or her own learning of mathematics.

Ways to earn extra effort in Mrs. Williams' class:

Extra Effort- You can receive extra effort points towards your effort grade and challenge yourself in several ways.

Website challenges:

·    Brain Teasers –Pick from 7-8  and email the answer to the question to me. Each problem is worth 1 point. ( http://eduplace.com/math/brain/index.html )

·    Middle School Weekly Problem - http://math.missouristate.edu/mathed/MSPOW.htm

·    MathCounts:  Go Figure- http://www.mathcounts.org/gofigure/mainPage.asp

·    Figure This:  Math Challenges for Families - http://www.figurethis.org/index.html  

Pick a Brain Challenger from the Brain Challenger binder. Email or write the solution to the Brain Challenger and turn in to me.