By the middle of the third marking period, 90% of my students were independently persevering through Exemplars tasks. They approached problems with greater confidence and were more willing to share their reasoning. They learned that getting the correct answer on the first try was not the ultimate goal; growth came from explaining their thinking, learning from peers, and refining their understanding. Most importantly, they began to extend grace to themselves and strive to reach the “Practitioner” level in at least three of the five criteria.
Watching this transformation has been one of the most rewarding parts of my year. Exemplars not only strengthened my students’ problem-solving skills but also helped cultivate resilience, confidence, and a deeper appreciation for mathematical thinking.
Lancaster, PA
United States