Math Resources

Rubrics

Exemplars math rubrics are excellent tools for assessing student work and for encouraging student self- and peer-assessment. Our performance material includes standards-based rubrics that define what work meets today's standards, allowing teachers (and students) to distinguish between different levels of performance. We also provide tips on how to introduce your students to rubrics.

See all Exemplars math rubrics »

Sample Tasks

math task on laptop

Our differentiated, problem-solving tasks promote critical thinking and reasoning, and call on students to practice and apply mathematical ways of thinking to real-world issues. Material can be used for instruction, assessment, and/or professional development.

Try Our Free Sample Tasks

Anchor Papers

In addition to rubrics for teachers and students, Exemplars performance material in mathematics also includes student anchor papers and scoring rationales.

Samples of student work are provided at each of the four performance levels of the Exemplars rubric: Novice, Apprentice, Practitioner (meets the standard), and Expert. Our scoring rationales identify important distinctions for teachers to look for when assessing students. Learn more »

Assessment Tutorial

scoring tutorial on various devices

The more you practice, the stronger your skills become. That's why we've launched the interactive K–5 Exemplars Scoring Tutorial. This online tool lets you hone your assessment skills in problem solving through practice as you score sample student work in accordance with the Exemplars Standards-Based Rubric. The time you spend reinforcing your assessment skills pays off in gaining a clearer picture of where your students stand and where your instruction should take them next. So put yourself to the test and give it a try!

GET STARTED WITH THE TUTORIAL

Student Communication

Communication is fundamental. It is not only the vehicle by which we convey our thinking to others, but it is the way in which we process information. As we organize our thoughts to communicate, we learn content – understanding how to communicate that content must be considered a basic skill in our schools today.

Asking your students to communicate their thinking or to write about their problem-solving process on a particular math task encourages them to analyze their work more closely. Student's work must include communication, or it will not meet the (Exemplars) standard. Learn helpful techniques for encouraging communication in math »

Getting Started

For 30 years, Exemplars has worked with schools and districts to integrate performance-based assessment and instruction into math curriculum. To help your school or district get started, check out our Administrator's Tools for Success

Administrators, teachers, and coaches can also read our 5 Days of Exemplars blog series to see what classroom application looks like.

Tips for Using

Exemplars makes it possible for schools, districts, and teachers to implement excellent performance-based assessment and instruction. Below are some suggestions from experienced Exemplars users and workshop participants to assist with your success. 

  • Select an Exemplars math task of the month
  • Select several Exemplars math tasks to do in common and then get together to assess the work and discuss students' performance
  • Correlate Exemplars math tasks with your textbooks, frameworks, and/or curriculum
  • Use the Exemplars assessment rubrics
  • Share anchor papers and kid-friendly rubrics with students
  • Refer to the "Getting Started" section of the Math Library
  • Be sure your teachers are aware that Exemplars math tasks are available and readily accessible for use in their classrooms
  • Support your staff with professional development
  • Select and train "mentor teachers."
  • Read Exemplars Math Blogs
  • Check out Exemplars YouTube Channel to see and learn how schools/districts are implementing our material.

K-5 Printables

Classic Math Integration

Exemplars Getting Started Guide offers suggestions on how to integrate our classic "Best of Math" products.

Learn more »

Tech Support

Find support and instructions for installing, using, and maintaining our classic "Best of Math" products.

Learn more »