Rubric

A Rubric is a document that articulates the expectations for an assignment by listing the performance criteria (for example, a typical writing rubric might include argumentation, syntax and grammar, organization and style, etc.) AND describing levels of quality (i.e. below expectations, approaching expectations, meeting expectations, or exceeding expectations).

Rubrics are often used to grade student work but they can serve another, more important, role as well: Rubrics can teach as well as evaluate. When used as part of a formative, student-centered approach to assessment, rubrics have the potential to help students develop understanding and skill, as well as make dependable judgments about the quality of their own work. Students should be able to use rubrics in many of the same ways that teachers use them—to clarify the standards for a quality performance, and to guide ongoing feedback about progress toward those standards.

A useful site for creating your own rubrics is RubiStar.

Samples:

• For a sample of an 11-12 common core writing rubric, click here
• For a sample of a 1st grade common core writing rubric, click here

For more information about Rubrics, see:

• Using Rubrics to Promote Thinking and Learning
• What are rubrics and why are they important? from ASCD