Assessment
How do I write a rubric?
Write a rubric by listing the 3–5 criteria that define quality for the task, then describing what each criterion looks like at each performance level in concrete, observable language.
Write a rubric in three moves:
- Name the criteria — the 3–5 dimensions that actually define success for this task (e.g., for an argument essay: claim, evidence, reasoning, organization, conventions). Resist grading everything; pick what matters most.
- Choose performance levels — typically 3–4 (e.g., Beginning, Developing, Proficient, Exemplary).
- Describe each cell concretely. The difference between levels should be observable, not evaluative adjectives. "Uses two pieces of text evidence, each explained" beats "good use of evidence."
Keep the language student-facing so the rubric doubles as a target: students should be able to read it before they start and know exactly what proficient looks like. Share it before the assignment, not just after.
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