The Grade 6 Order of Operations Rubric is designed to assess students’ understanding and application of the PEMDAS/GEMDAS rules (Parentheses/Grouping; Exponents; Multiplication and Division; Addition and Subtraction) when solving mathematical expressions. This rubric evaluates students on four key criteria: accuracy; procedural fluency; explanation; and problem-solving. By using this rubric; teachers can provide clear feedback on student performance while helping students identify areas for improvement. Accuracy measures whether students correctly apply the order of operations to arrive at the right solution. Procedural fluency assesses their ability to follow the steps systematically without skipping or misapplying rules. Explanation evaluates whether students can justify their steps in writing or verbally; demonstrating conceptual understanding. Problem-solving examines their ability to apply the order of operations in real-world or multi-step word problems. Using this rubric benefits students by reinforcing the importance of precision in math. It encourages them to think critically about each step rather than relying on memorization alone. Teachers can use the rubric to differentiate instruction; targeting specific skills where students struggle. Parents can also use it to understand their child’s progress and support practice at home. The rubric promotes a growth mindset by breaking down complex skills into manageable components. Students learn to self-assess and set goals for improvement. Over time; consistent use of this rubric helps build confidence and mastery in solving mathematical expressions; laying a strong foundation for higher-level math concepts. By focusing on both procedural and conceptual understanding; the rubric ensures students develop a deep and lasting grasp of the order of operations.
