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Rubrics
What is it? 
A rubric is a system of grading that consists of a criteria chart outlining exactly what is to be evaluated in a piece of work. A rubric is often used in the evaluation of actions, procedures, performances, or complex projects and assignments. A rubric includes a defining criteria, the levels of the quality of work done, and the points awarded based on each level of quality.
Rubrics
What are the educational uses and benefits?
Assessment
- When given to students prior to a project or assignment, a rubric is a good way to convey expectations.
- A group of students can use a rubric to peer evaluate projects or assignments.
- A rubric gives an educator a consistent and specific tool to measure complex student performances, projects, and assignments.
Rubrics
Can I see an example?
The following rubric is an example of a possible rubric for a writing assignment:
| CATEGORIES | 1 Point | 3 Points | 5 Points |
| Presentation | No thesis statement or conclusion. Introduction and background is insignifcant. Thoughts are poorly presented. Writing and grammar is poor. | Has some form of thesis statment and conclusion. Introduction and background is somewhat significant to the thesis. Thoughts are fairly well presented. Uses adequate grammar. | Thesis statement and conclusion significantly relates to the question. Provides a clear introduction and background. Thoughts are well-structured and logical. Uses correct grammar. |
| Conceptual Understanding | Does not demonstrate understanding of the ideas and issues. Uses little or no information to support arguments. | Demonstrates partial understanding of ideas and issues. Uses a limited amount of information to support arguments. | Observations go above and beyond. Uses a broad range of information to support arguments. |
| Argument Structure | Provides unclear statements and observations. Does not relate thoughts to issues. Does not provide evidence to support conclusions. | Provides statements that relate thoughts and observations to the issues. Provides adequate evidence to support conclusions. | Provides strong, clear, convincing statments and observations. Provides relevant evidence and synthesizes evidence with ideas, observations, and original thoughts. |
| Resources and Documentation | Does not make use of available resources. Does not cite references. | Resources used are sufficient but not extensive or thorough. | Thorough and extensive use of resources. |
Rubrics
How do I get started?
- Determine the categories that you wish to assess based on the concepts that you are teaching. Ask yourself, “What are the essential learning objectives?”
- Choose the criteria that will be evaluated for each category.
- Write the evidence of what will be produced for each level of mastery.
- Assign a point value for each category.
- Place the information in a grid.
- Give the students the rubric in advance so that they are aware of what will be assessed.
- Compare student work with the rubric.
- Read more on how to create a rubric from Dr. Jon Mueller from North Central College.
Rubrics
Where can I learn more?
- Creating Rubrics: Considerations for creating effective rubrics.
- Creating Rubrics – Inspire Your Students and Foster Critical Thinking: Five articles on how to create and use effective rubrics.
- Creating Rubrics – Tools You Can Use: An article on rubrics from Education World.
- How to Create a Rubric: Tips and resources on how to create an effective rubric for grading.
- Rubistar: Create, print, and save rubrics online.
- Teacher Created Rubrics for Assessment: Examples of rubrics from the University of Wisconson.
