What Is Rubric?
A scoring guide that defines criteria and quality levels for evaluating student work, making expectations transparent and grading consistent.
A rubric is a scoring tool that defines the criteria for evaluating student work and describes what performance looks like at different quality levels. Rubrics make expectations transparent for students and make grading more consistent and efficient for teachers.
There are two main types: analytic rubrics (which score each criterion separately) and holistic rubrics (which assign a single score based on overall quality). Analytic rubrics provide more detailed feedback but take longer to use. Holistic rubrics are faster but less specific.
Effective rubrics include clear criteria aligned to learning objectives, specific descriptions of what each performance level looks like (not just 'good' vs. 'poor'), and language that students can understand. The best rubrics are shared with students before the assignment so they know exactly what's expected.
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Standards-Based Grading
A grading system that measures student mastery of specific learning standards rather than averaging points from assignments, tests, and participation.
Formative Assessment
Ongoing, low-stakes assessments used during instruction to monitor student learning and adjust teaching in real time.
Learning Objective
A clear, measurable statement of what students should know or be able to do by the end of a lesson, using specific action verbs.
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