Parts of a rubric
Rubrics are generally comprised of four essential parts: a scale, descriptors, criteria, and standards.
A scale indicates points to be assigned in scoring a piece of work on a continuum of quality. High numbers are typically assigned to the best work. Scale examples:
- “Needs Improvement (1)... Satisfactory (2)... Good (3)... Exemplary (4)”
- “Beginning (1)... Developing (2)... Accomplished (3)... Exemplary (4)”
- “Needs work (1)... Good (2)... Excellent (3)”
- “Novice (1)... Apprentice (2)... Proficient (3)... Distinguished (4)”
- “Poor (1)… Fair (2)… Average (3)… Very good (4)… Excellent
(5)”
Criteria that describe the conditions that any performance must meet to be successful
- Five categories to consider:
- Impact – the success of performance, given the purposes, goals and desired results
- Work quality/Craftsmanship – the overall polish, organization, and rigor of the work
- Methods – the quality of the procedures and manner of presentation, prior to and during performance
- Content – the correctness of the ideas, skills or materials used
- Sophistication of the performance – the relative complexity or maturity of the knowledge used.
- Should describe both strengths and errors (errors should be described particularly in lower levels of performance).
Descriptors for each level of performance that describe criteria and standards by which the performance will be judged. Indicators are often used in descriptors to provide examples or signs of performance in each level.
Standards that specify how well criteria must be met.
Example
Task: Solve calculus problem
- Scale: 1 to 3
- Criteria: Solve the problem with clear and appropriate logic (method) and substantiation (content)
- Indicators for “Clear and appropriate logic”: provides an explanation, includes a diagram, identified elements of the problem
- Standard for “Clear and appropriate logic” score of “3”: Gives a complete response with clear, coherent, unambiguous and elegant explanation; includes a clear and simplified diagram; identified all the important elements of the problem
