Matrix & Rubrics

Matrix

A matrix is used in the classroom just like a Rubric would be. The main difference is that a Matrix is used for behaviors and not scoring a specific assignment. Student's should learn how to be respectful to each other and to their teacher at an early age. Using such a guideline would help students in being more aware of their own behavior as of that of their classmates. I would rate this strategy with a 4/5. I believe that behavior is very important in a classroom setting and that children should be learning positive behaviors not only at home but in the classroom.

Rubrics

Rubrics are used to outline the expected criteria of an assignment. Rubrics include a number score which is then used to determine a student's grade. There can be specific rubrics used for specific assignments or specific subjects. You can alter rubrics to be more accurate for the students you have and the outcome you expect to see. These are important to have in the classroom as they are a great way for students to be aware of how they are going to be graded, and easy for the teacher or person doing the evaluation to score each student accurately and fairly.  I would rate this strategy a 5/5. I like how rubrics outline what is expected of a student in assignments. In doing this everyone (teacher, student, parent) are all on the same page.

Here is a Rubric I made for Special Education:

	Right on track	A Little More to Go	Needs More Time	Showing No Progress
Socializing with classmates	Interacts with classmates easily	Has one or two issues with interaction	Usually unable to interact with classmates	Unable to interact with classmates
Answering questions verbally	Answers 95% of questions verbally	Answers 90% of questions verbally	Answers 80% or less of questions verbally	Answering 0-50% of questions verbally
Staying focused on topic	Stays focused on topic every time	Stays focused most of the time	Stays focused only occasionally	Unable to focus on the topic
Independent learning skills	Showing independence in learning	Showing 90% independence in learning	Showing less than 80% independence in learning	Showing 50% or less independence in learning