Effort, participation, and behaviour are important learning attributes, but they are not included in a letter grade (See O’Connor 2007, 19.) One exception is when there is a specific reference to one of these attributes, and it is stated as a prescribed learning standard, such as participation in physical education (“participate in a variety of physical activity that support their health and physical activity goals”  [Physical and Health Education 7-9 British Columbia Ministry of Education draft curriculum, 2013]).

Although effort is not a component of arriving at letter grades, it is definitely something we report on. In fact, some schools make sure that this important aspect has a prominent spot on their report cards.

A reference worth reading related to your question is Carol Dweck’s research. In her book Mindset, Dweck emphasizes the importance of effort and its effect on learning. Another book, Drive, by Daniel Pink, looks at the importance of effort in everything we do in our lives.