Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

3.0 Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

Students demonstrate critical thinking by drawing reasoned conclusions based on information and evidence.

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving may take the form of data analysis, textual analysis, metacognition and reflection, evidence-based problem-solving, scientific reasoning and methodology, cognitive skills, effective reasoning, using systems, making judgments and decisions, and problem-solving.

Performance Indicators with Rubrics

The student explains the meaning of graphical information.

Performance Indicator Minimal Proficiency Partial Proficiency Proficient
Explains Graphical Information The student does not provide an accurate or clear explanation of graphical information, missing or misinterpreting key trends and patterns in the presented visual data. The student identifies relevant and accurate information, capturing some key details but missing others, indicating developing skill in discerning and prioritizing information relevant to the given topic, issue, task, or problem. The student explains the accurate meaning of graphical information by identifying key trends or patterns and aligning the explanation with the presented visual data.

The student explains the meaning of graphical information.

Performance Indicator Minimal Proficiency Partial Proficiency Proficient
Identifies Information Relevant to the Issue or Problem The student does not identify relevant and accurate information to the given topic, issue, task, or problem. The student identifies relevant and accurate information, capturing some key details but missing others, indicating developing skill in discerning and prioritizing information relevant to the given topic, issue, task, or problem. The student identifies relevant and accurate key details, showcasing skill in discerning and prioritizing information essential to the topic, issue, task, or problem at hand.

The student demonstrates understanding of a phenomenon by connecting multiple relevant information and data representations.

Performance Indicator Minimal Proficiency Partial Proficiency Proficient
Demonstrates Understanding of a Phenomenon The student does not connect multiple relevant information and data representations to demonstrate a clear and accurate understanding of a phenomenon. The student demonstrates a fundamental understanding of a phenomenon by connecting multiple relevant information and data representations, though with occasional lapses in clarity, accuracy, or depth. The student demonstrates an accurate and in-depth understanding of a phenomenon by integrating various sources of data or information in a clear and coherent demonstration of their comprehension.

The student analyzes data or other evidence using relevant methods, resulting in an accurate interpretation of the presented data or evidence.

Performance Indicator Minimal Proficiency Partial Proficiency Proficient
Analyzes Data Using Relevant Methods The student does not analyze the data presented by applying relevant methods, generating unclear, incomplete, or inaccurate interpretations. The student analyzes data presented using relevant methods to generate accurate interpretations, but some interpretations may lack depth or sophistication. The student effectively analyzes and interprets data, demonstrating a solid understanding of relevant concepts, utilizing appropriate methods, and offering clear and coherent interpretations that align with the presented data.

The student solves problems or defends claims using logical or quantitative reasoning.

Performance Indicator Minimal Proficiency Partial Proficiency Proficient
Solves Problems or Defends Claims Using Logical or Quantitative Reasoning The student does not solve problems or defend claims by using logical or quantitative reasoning and may demonstrate a limited conceptualization of the problem or employ flawed logic, reasoning, or numeracy. The student shows some skill in solving problems or defending claims using logical or quantitative reasoning but may demonstrate limited conceptual understanding of the problem or minor flaws in logic, reasoning, or numeracy. The student demonstrates skill in solving problems or defending claims by using logical or quantitative reasoning, demonstrating an understanding of relevant concepts, by applying an observably reasoned approach, and presenting few or no minor flaws in logic, reasoning, or numeracy.

The student synthesizes evidence to justify a conclusion or solve a problem.

Performance Indicator Minimal Proficiency Partial Proficiency Proficient
Synthesizes Evidence to Support a Conclusion or Solve a Problem The student does not synthesize evidence, relying on one piece of evidence or irrelevant evidence to justify or draw a conclusion that is unclear, incomplete, or inadequately supported. The student synthesizes multiple pieces of evidence to justify their conclusion or solution but may rely too heavily on one or two pieces or types of evidence, or the relevance of the evidence to the conclusion or the problem solution is not established with clarity or depth. The student effectively synthesizes evidence, demonstrating an understanding of relevant information and providing a clear and well-supported justification for their conclusion or problem solution.