This Artifact provides evidence of the following Indicators:

Standard D.1:  Encourages all students to believe that effort is a key to achievement.

 Introductory Statement

           This is a poster created by a group of students that says, "Be willing to take risks."  I asked my students to create posters that explain what it means to be a good math student.  This was one of many that I posted on my wall above the white-board. 

              Every day when my students walk in, they see posters that remind them that effort is greatly important to succeed in a math class.  Other things I do to encourage effort is grade homework based on effort, and give extra points for corrected work.  This reinforces the idea that with effort comes understanding. 

 Reflective Statement

        Although students bring their attitudes to class with them, I try to have some positive effect on them anyway.  Hopefully, when they walk into my room they know right away that they are free to be themselves, they are safe and free to learn.  I communicate this with posters, but also in my words and actions.  Some of them realize for the first time that their effort does directly affect their grade.

          I grade homework mostly on effort as well, and that is another way I communicate the importance of effort.  There are always ways to improve, but I don't want to go too far.  Grading solely on effort would be a mistake.