Rubrics - Academics
Transcription
Rubrics - Academics
Rubrics: When? Why? How? Connecting the Pieces fo t or s lio P t en m ss d ion e ss anuat A al v E s ic br Ru e c an rmsks o f a er T P PRODUCED BY: Saskatchewan Professional Development Unit Acknowledgements I would like to thank the following people for their assistance and guidance in the planning and production of this document: • Jane Macleod, Saskatchewan Professional Development Unit • Assessment and Evaluation Unit, Saskatchewan Learning Writer/Developer, Cheryl Erlandson, Saskatchewan Professional Development Unit Design/Layout: Desktop Publishing Department, Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation Table of Contents Introduction ....................................................................2 What Are Rubrics? ..............................................................3 Holistic Writing Rubric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Analytical Rubric for Data Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Why Use Rubrics? ..............................................................7 How Could I Use Rubrics? .....................................................9 Where Can I Find Rubrics? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 How Do I Develop A Rubric? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Rubric Forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Sample Rubrics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Persuasive Writing Rubrics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Collaborative Work Skills Rubrics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 How Do I Use Rubrics In Grading? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Problem Solving Rubrics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Unweighted Rubric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Weighted Rubric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Reference List Rubrics: When? Why? How? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 1 Introduction This document has been written in response to teacher interest in gaining increased understanding of the use of a variety of assessment methods. Connecting the Pieces encompasses a series of three documents focused on assisting teachers in developing a repertoire of skills in authentic assessment: Performance Assessments: A Wealth of Opportunities; Portfolios: More Than Just a File Folder; and Rubrics: When? Why? How? Each of the documents in the series is designed to present literature based information on the assessment method, provide a framework for assisting teachers in putting the topic into practice, and provide teachers with concrete examples of the method under discussion. Throughout the document, teachers are invited to clarify their understandings and connect the ideas presented to their own practice. These opportunities are indicated by the puzzle piece graphic. ios fol Port nt e sm sesand ion s A at u l Eva 2 Rubric s ance m r o Perf Tasks Rubrics: When? Why? How? What Are Rubrics? From the perspective of student assessment and evaluation, a rubric is simply a scoring guide for evaluating student work. A rubric lists the important criteria on which a product or a performance will be judged and specifies the levels of quality for each of those criteria. As the educational community has become increasingly interested in the use of assessment to support the learning process, rubrics have become instrumental in informing students about “what counts” in completing a particular task. Rubrics clarify learning goals and outcomes for students and support them in making choices and decisions with respect to improving the quality of their work (Andrade, 2000; Montgomery, 2000; Jamison, 1999; Popham, 1997). Whenever students are asked to demonstrate their ability to carry out a particular skill or to create a certain product, teachers have expectations of quality they use to assess that work. In some cases, these expectations are shared with the students, but at times, students are not clear on exactly what is expected of them. Rubrics make explicit to students, teachers and parents the criteria on which products and performances will be judged. Rubrics can provide a framework for teachers to evaluate the complex skills, products, and performances integral to the Core Curriculum in Saskatchewan. Rubrics are criterion-referenced tools. That is, they are used to evaluate student performance against a standard of mastery, not just to compare students. When the criteria are accurately delineated, a rubric has the capability of providing a fair, reliable, and valid method of measurement. Of course, the reliability and validity of the tool depends very much on how well the rubric developer was able to identify the important criteria and then differentiate between the levels of performance that could be expected from a particular group of students along those criteria. There are two types of rubrics—holistic and analytical. A holistic rubric (see p.4) provides a guide to scoring a product or performance on the basis of the overall impression it creates and the effectiveness of the work as a whole. An analytical rubric (see p.5) breaks down a product or performance into its essential features and then describes levels of performance relative to each of those features or criteria. The power of the analytical rubric is that it provides detailed information to students, teachers and parents on individual student strengths and areas for improvement. Whether holistic or analytical, rubrics should: • contain the essential criteria (traits, qualities, descriptors) by which a product or a performance is judged. • describe clearly observable features of the product or performance that focus, as much as possible, on what the student response demonstrates, rather than what is missing. • use descriptive rather than comparative language to make distinctions. • clearly differentiate levels of performance with each level containing parallel criteria or descriptions. • be based on a wide range of exemplars or work samples so that all potential products or performances, for a particular group of students, would fit within the rubric. • focus on the purpose and impact of the work in addition to content and appearance. (Volk, 2002; McTighe & Wiggins, 1998) Rubrics: When? Why? How? 3 Sample Holistic Writing Rubric 5/5 Ideas are insightful and well considered. This writing has a strong central focus and is well organized. The organizational pattern is interesting, perhaps original, and provides the piece with an introduction which hooks the reader and carries the piece through to a satisfying conclusion. The writer has chosen appropriate details and established a definite point of view. Sentences are clear and varied. Word choices are vivid. The writer’s voice and tone consistently sustain the reader’s interest. If there are errors in mechanics, they are the result of the student taking a risk with more complex or original aspects of writing. 4/5 Ideas are thoughtful and clear. This writing has a clear and recognizable focus. A standard organizational pattern is used, with clear introduction, transitions, and conclusion. A point of view is established and a sense of audience is clear. The writer has used appropriate details, clear and correct sentence structures, and specific word choices. The writer’s voice and tone maintain the reader’s interest. The few errors in mechanics do not impede communication or annoy the reader unduly. 3/5 Ideas are straightforward and clear. This piece of writing has a recognizable focus, though there may be superfluous information provided. The organizational pattern used is clear and includes a basic introduction and conclusion though it may be formulaic or repetitive. The point of view is clear and consistent. The word choices and sentence structures are clear but not imaginative. The writer’s voice and tone establish, but may not maintain, the reader’s interest. The mechanics show less effort and attention to proofreading than needed. 2/5 Ideas are limited and overgeneralized but discernible. This piece of writing has an inconsistent or meandering focus. It is underdeveloped and lacks clear organization. Incorrect or missing transitions make it difficult to follow. There may be an introduction without a conclusion, or the reverse, a conclusion with no introduction. The point of view is unclear and there are frequent shifts in tense and person. The writer exhibits superficial and/or minimal awareness of the reader. Mechanical errors interfere with the reader’s understanding and pleasure. 1/5 Ideas are elementary and may not be clear. This piece of writing lacks focus and coherence. The organizational pattern and development of the topic are confusing. Point of view may shift in a confusing way. Mechanical errors are abundant and interfere with understanding. The piece must be read several times to make sense of it. Awareness of the reader is not apparent. (From Saskatchewan Learning (1998), English Language Arts 20: A Curriculum Guide for the Secondary Level). 4 Rubrics: When? Why? How? Analytical Rubric for Data Management Criteria Displaying and Organizing Summarizing and Interpreting Mechanics 4 3 2 1 Labels and Titles Graph is titled appropriately. All labels are correct and properly placed. Graph is titled appropriately. Most labels are correct and properly placed. Graph is not titled. Some labels are correct and properly placed. Graph is not titled. Most labels are incorrect and improperly placed. Proportions (Numerical, Geometrical) All of the numerical data is correct and the graph is proportional to the data. Graph appears proportionally without bias. Most of the numerical data is correct and the graph is proportional to the data. Graph appears proportionally without bias. Some of the numerical data is correct and the graph appears mostly proportional to the data. Graph appears mostly proportional with a small degree of bias. Some of the numerical data is correct and the graph appears somewhat proportional to the data. Graph is not proportioned and contains a glaring bias. Visual Presentation Graph displays appropriate use of colour or patterns and labels. Graph is very neat in appearance. Graph displays appropriate use of colour or patterns and labels. Neatness could be improved. Graph displays colour or patterns and labels, they are not used in an appropriate way. Neatness needs much improvement. Graph displays no colour, or patterns or labels. Graph is not neat. Patterns and Trends Clearly states the trends or patterns. Very apparent that understanding of the meaning of data has been reached. Goes beyond just summarizing and interpreting to synthesis of the data. States the trends or patterns. Apparent understanding of the meaning of data has been reached. Somewhat states the trends or patterns. Unclear understanding of the meaning of data. Patterns and trends unclear. Little or no understanding of the meaning of the data collected. Measures of Central Tendency Correctly displays all measures of central tendency. Displays all measures of central tendency, but one of the measures is incorrect. Displays all measures of central tendency, but two of the measures are incorrect. Displays one or two of the measures of central tendency. Prediction Clearly and thoroughly explained how the prediction compared to actual data collected. Explained how the prediction compared to actual data collected. Somewhat explained how the prediction compared to actual data collected. Difficulty in explaining how the prediction compared to actual data collected. Explanation of Method Clearly and thoughtfully explains why they displayed data in the way they did. Clearly explains if the data had any bias in it or why it was bias free. Explains why they displayed data in the way they did. Explains if the data had any bias in it or why it was bias free. Somewhat explains why they displayed data in the way they did. Somewhat explains if the data had any bias in it or why it was bias free. Difficulty in explaining why they displayed data in the way they did. Difficulty explaining if the data had any bias in it or why it was bias free. Spelling No spelling mistakes. A few spelling mistakes. Some spelling mistakes. Frequent spelling mistakes. Grammar No grammatical errors. A few grammatical errors. Some grammatical errors, that do not significantly affect meaning. Frequent grammatical errors which significantly affect meaning. Mathematical Terminology Confidently uses and understands the mathematical terminology in this Module. Uses and understands the mathematical terminology in this Module. Somewhat uses and understands the mathematical terminology in this Module. Inappropriately uses and has difficulty understanding the mathematical terminology in this Module. (Cote (2001), Rubric for Evaluating Reports/Presentation) Rubrics: When? Why? How? 5 What are some of the products or performances I currently use in my classroom for which a rubric might clarify expectations and assist in the assessment of that work? Eg. Creative writing Math problem solving Oral presentations • • • Which kind of rubric (holistic or analytical) would be best suited to that performance or product? Which kind of rubric would be best suited to my students? 6 Rubrics: When? Why? How? Why Use Rubrics? The primary reasons for using rubrics are to assist teachers in evaluating complex skills and products and to aid student understanding and mastery of those skills and products that are present in all Saskatchewan curricula. Stiggins (2001) points out that there are five kinds of objectives in any curriculum: knowledge, reasoning, skills, the ability to create products, and values. He asserts that the only way to assess a student’s ability to perform a skill or their ability to create a product is to actually observe the performance of the skill or the creation of the product. When we “observe” these products or skill performances, one of the most effective (and simplest) ways to assess them is to use a rubric that clearly describes what we can expect to see in a quality performance or product. For students, rubrics provide clear targets they can use to assess and improve their own work. For teachers, the benefits of using a well-constructed rubric are numerous. A good scoring rubric: • helps teachers define excellence and plan instruction so students can achieve it. • aligns curriculum objectives and evaluation. • assists teachers in being accurate, fair, and consistent with scoring. • reduces the time teachers spend assessing student work. • can promote consistent expectations between and among teachers in a school, at a particular grade level, and/or within a department. • documents the procedures used and decisions made with respect to evaluating student work. For students, a well-constructed rubric: • clarifies teacher expectations. • creates a high level of expectations with a quality performance clearly indicated. • supports the process of self and peer assessment. • provides the student with focussed feedback about how to improve performance. Finally, there are also benefits for parents. A rubric: • clearly communicates teacher expectations. • provides a more objective assessment of student performance. • supports parent understanding of significant curricular objectives. • focuses discussions with teachers on student work rather than on the teacher’s decisions. (Jamison, 1999; Volk, 2002) Of course, these benefits are only realized with a well-constructed rubric that is communicated and understood by teachers, students, and parents. In order to support students in becoming responsible for their own learning, information about the rubric must be provided to students prior to beginning the product or performance. A rubric that is applied at the completion of a product or task may simplify the assessment or evaluation process and may support student understanding of what s/he could do the next time, but does little to assist student understanding of the steps necessary to create a quality product or performance during the process of creation. Rubrics make transparent the process of student assessment and evaluation and allow students to take control of their own learning through the application of rubrics. Stiggins reminds us that the most effective way to maximize learning is to assist students in assessing themselves. Rubrics support students in that process. Rubrics: When? Why? How? 7 As I think about using rubrics, what might be the benefits for… … me? … students? … parents? What might be some possible challenges for… …. me? … students? … parents? How might I overcome those challenges? 8 Rubrics: When? Why? How? How Could I Use Rubrics? Most experienced teachers have already developed a mental list of the criteria they like to see in a particular product or performance that they often ask of students. However, curricular changes and additional expectations (or being new to teaching or to a grade level or subject) may demand that we evaluate a product or performance with which we are unfamiliar. It is for this kind of product or performance that using an existing rubric may be most supportive. Rubrics can support the teaching and learning process when we ask students to complete any kind of performance assessment such as: • Written Assignments • Stories • Plays • Poems • Paragraphs • Essays • Research papers • Demonstrations (live or taped) • Role playing • • Debates • • Reading • • Recital • Retelling Experiments Cooperative group work Performance stations (mathematics, science) • Presentations (live or taped) • Oral—song, choral speech, report • Visual —slide shows, puppet play, news program • Dance • Science fair • Projects • Seminars • Portfolios If you are considering the assignment of one of these complex tasks or performances where there are a variety of ways of demonstrating understanding, a rubric clarifies for you and the students appropriate expectations with respect to that task. Rubrics can also be used to assess student readiness to learn. Saskatchewan Learning has developed two rubrics that relate to student preparation and commitment to learn. These rubrics contain criteria including preparation for class, participation in class activities, work ethic, motivation and persistence. These rubrics could serve as a useful starting point in establishing criteria and descriptors for these important student behaviors that significantly impact student learning and progress toward achieving curricular objectives. Rubrics: When? Why? How? 9 A course or subject area in which I can see myself using rubrics is… What are the central skills and product objectives outlined in the curriculum guide for this subject or course? What products or performances do I currently ask students to complete in that subject area? What are my expectations with respect to the completion of those products and the demonstrations of those skills? 10 Rubrics: When? Why? How? Where Can I Find Rubrics? Rubrics exist for literally hundreds of performance tasks and products and may become a starting point for you and your students in the use of rubrics. There are print resources devoted to understanding and constructing rubrics; however, the best resource for locating specific rubrics is the Internet. A caution though is that the quality of rubrics available is variable and you will need to examine them carefully and may need to modify them to suit your needs and the needs of your students. Print resources available from the Stewart Resources Centre: • Burke, K., Fogartry, R. & Belgrad, S. (2002). The portfolio connection: Student work linked to standards. Arlington Heights, IL: Skylight Professional Development Because portfolios are performance based, the authors provide a number of rubrics related to the specific work that might be included in a portfolio as well as rubrics for the portfolio as a whole. • Jasmine, J. (1993). Portfolios and other assessments. Huntington Beach, CA: Teacher Created Materials, Inc. This resource provides dozens of blackline masters for performance assessments and portfolios. Holistic rubrics are provided for language arts, science, and math. Suitable for KGr. 6. • McTighe, J. & Wiggins, G. (1999). The understanding by design handbook. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. The intent of this handbook is to assist educators in developing units of study that focus on student understanding. One of the three components in the framework examines the design stages for performance tasks and includes information on developing rubrics to score the tasks. • Taggart, G., Phifer, S., Nixon, J. & Wood, M. (1998). Rubrics: A handbook for construction and use. Lancaster, PA: Technomic Publishing Company, Inc. This edited book provides information on how to construct rubrics and includes samples of rubrics from a variety of subject areas at different grade levels. Internet resources: Education Services Center Region 20 • http://www.esc20.k12.tx.us/etprojects/rubrics/Default.htm The rubrics provided on this site have been developed by teachers and are specifically related to a particular grade. Kathy Schrock’s Guide for Educators • http://school.discovery.com/schrockguide/assess.html There is a comprehensive list of general and subject-specific rubrics provided on this site in addition to background information on creating and using rubrics with students. Rubrics: When? Why? How? 11 Instructional Internet from Chicago Public Schools • http://intranet.cps.k12.il.us/Assessments/Ideas_and_Rubrics/ideas_and_rubrics.html In addition to providing background information on creating rubrics, this site contains a rubric bank related to different subject areas. RubiStar • http://rubistar.4teachers.org/templates.shtml#first This site is designed to assist teachers with creating their own custom rubrics. Criteria and descriptions at each level of performance are provided related to a variety of different tasks. The teacher can select those criteria related to curricular and student needs; each of the cells in the rubric can also be modified. Saskatchewan Learning • http://www.sasked.gov.sk.ca/docs/subject.html Many of the curriculum guides provide rubrics. They are generally located in the assessment and evaluation section of the curriculum. In addition, there are links from the web site to other teacher developed rubrics. • http://www.sasked.gov.sk.ca/k/pecs/ae/docs/plap/math/math2001/otlrubrics.pdf This site includes rubrics focused on student readiness. Criteria include: preparation for class; participation in class activities; work ethic; motivation; and persistence in solving math problems. These rubrics are specifically related to math, but could readily be modified for other curricular areas. The Staff Room for Ontario’s K-12 Teachers • http://www.odyssey.on.ca/~elaine.coxon/rubrics.htm This site provides dozens of printable rubrics for use in a wide variety of different subject areas at a variety of grade levels. Teachnology • http://teach-nology.com/web_tools/rubrics/ The site provides ready to print rubrics as well as a template for creating your own rubrics from scratch. Note: Internet sites disappear or move with alarming frequency. If these sites are no longer available, try conducting a search using the search terms “rubric” and the subject and grade level you are interested in. Eg. “Rubric” AND “Grade 7 Science”. Google is an excellent search engine to use with respect to topics of educational interest. 12 Rubrics: When? Why? How? How Do I Develop A Rubric? Although there is no one “right” way to develop a rubric, there are a number of areas you will want to pay attention to as you go about developing rubrics for use in your own classroom. If you have been completing the reflective pieces and have articulated the expectations (criteria) you hold when assessing the products and performances you use in your classroom, you are well on your way to developing a rubric for use in your classroom. Remember to consider the guidelines provided earlier for effective rubrics. The rubric should: be focused on the important elements of a performance; provide clear descriptions of observable features; and differentiate among levels of performance from beginning to mastery levels. Additionally, the literature clearly points out that developing rubrics with your students is the most effective way to support understanding about and use of rubrics during the creation phase. Steps in developing a rubric: 1. Look at models of the performance or product. Along with your students, examine examples of student work at that grade level. Consider the characteristics that distinguish “good” work from the other samples provided. 2. Establish the criteria. The criteria to be used in assessing the performance or product should emerge out of the discussion of the models. It is the characteristics evident in the exemplary work that will become the criteria. 3. Determine the number of levels in the rubric. For younger students, you will probably only want to have three levels in the rubric. For older students, the literature recommends using four or five levels. Although four levels is desirable because it prohibits choosing the middle, five levels allow for more precision and support the idea of growth. A caution you may want to consider with the number of levels is that having a greater number of levels increases the opportunity to discern between different responses; however, it creates some additional challenges for users in ensuring consistency between assessors. 4. Develop descriptions of quality for each level of the criteria. Examining work samples creates an understanding of the descriptions that correspond to each of the levels. Begin by describing the highest and lowest levels of quality and then fill in the levels between. Remember to use parallel language among the levels and focus in on the observable elements that demonstrate understanding. Be as specific as possible in your word selection—try to avoid evaluative words such as creative opening, boring presentation, etc. Rather, use specific descriptions of what could be observed. Finally try to avoid making the lowest level sound bad; it should merely describe an ineffective performance or product. 5. Practice using the rubric. Provide copies of the rubric to each member of the class. Have them practice using the rubric on the samples you examined in Step 1. Students can also practice using the rubric on their own and peer work. 6. Revise the rubric as necessary. As you use the rubric throughout the year, you may discover revisions that need to be made. Ensure that once again you involve students in a discussion about the need to revise in order to clarify your expectations. Although this process sounds time-consuming (and is, initially), it becomes easier the more students work with rubrics. The payoff for this time spent is that teachers, students and parents have a clear understanding of the important learning goals in a project and students can begin to take ownership in the assessment and evaluation process. Rubrics: When? Why? How? 13 Rubric Form (Elementary) Title: Criteria 14 Terrific OK Not Yet Rubrics: When? Why? How? Rubric Form (Middle Level and High School) Title: Criteria Rubrics: When? Why? How? 4 – Excellent 3 – Good 2 – Fair 1 – Poor 15 Sample Rubrics The following samples will provide a framework for you in clarifying criteria and descriptors for levels of performance in a product (persuasive writing) and in a skill (working with others). Please note the changes that take place in the criteria and in the descriptors used in the rubrics to make the rubric useable for students at a particular level. In general, older students are capable of responding to larger numbers of criteria; however, you still want to ensure that you don’t overwhelm students with information. Popham (1997) reminds us that while it is necessary to provide sufficient detail to support understanding, he also recommends that a rubric not exceed two pages. Finally, you will note that many of these rubrics contain descriptive words such as always, usually, some, etc. As you are clarifying the levels of performance with colleagues, students and parents, it will be necessary to reach consensus about how you define those words. Understandings about those descriptors may vary depending on a number of variables including: age and grade level of students; intent and extent of the assignment; previous learning opportunities; and school setting. Persuasive Writing Rubric Criteria (Elementary) Terrific OK Not Yet Opening Statement I stated my opinion very clearly. I stated my opinion. I did not state my opinion. Reasons for My Opinion I gave at least three reasons for my opinion. I gave two reasons for my opinion. I gave one or no reason for my opinion. Explanation of My Reasons I explained each of my reasons very clearly. I explained one or two of my reasons. I did not explain my reasons. Closing Statement I made a final statement that will convince people my opinion is right. I made a final statement, but it is not too strong. I did not make a final statement. Sentences I wrote in full sentences. My sentences start with a capital and end with a period. Most of my writing is in full sentences. Most of my work is not in full sentences. (Adapted from Hibbard et al., 1996) 16 Rubrics: When? Why? How? Persuasive Writing Rubric Criteria (Middle Level) 4 – Excellent 3 – Good 2 – Fair 1 – Poor Position The position is introduced and clearly stated. The position is supported by at least three main points. The position is introduced and stated. The position is supported by two main points. The position is clear, but there is a need for more supporting information. The position is not clear. There is a seemingly random collection of information. Support for Position Each main point is supported by at least three relevant, accurate and specific pieces of information. Supporting details and information are relevant, but one key issue or portion of the position is unsupported. Supporting details and information are relevant, but several key issues or portions of the position are unsupported. Supporting details and information are typically unclear or not related to the position. Sources All sources used for quotes and facts are credible and cited correctly. All sources used for quotes and facts are credible and most are cited correctly. Most sources used for quotes and facts are credible and cited correctly. Many sources used for quotes and facts are less than credible (suspect) and/or are not cited correctly. Opposing Arguments The writer successfully identifies and refutes all opposing arguments. The writer successfully identifies and refutes one or two opposing arguments. The writer attempts to identify opposing arguments. The writer made no attempt to identify opposing arguments. Conclusion The conclusion is strong and leaves the reader with a feeling that s/he understands and is convinced of the writer’s opinion. The conclusion is recognizable, but the reader is not convinced. The conclusion is recognizable, but does not tie up several loose ends. There is no clear conclusion, the paper just ends. Mechanics There are no spelling or punctuation errors in the final draft. There is one spelling or punctuation error in the final draft. There are 2-3 spelling and punctuation errors in the final draft. The final draft has more than 3 spelling and punctuation errors. (Adapted from Rubi-Star & Hibbard, et al., 1996) Rubrics: When? Why? How? 17 Persuasive Writing Rubric Criteria (High School Level) 4 – Excellent 3 – Good 2 – Fair 1 – Poor Position The position is introduced and clearly stated. The position is supported by at least four main points. The position is introduced and stated. The position is supported by three main points. The position is clear, but there is a need for more supporting information. The position is not clear. There is a seemingly random collection of information. Support for Position Each main point is supported by at least three relevant, accurate and specific pieces of information that go beyond the obvious or predictable. Supporting details and information are relevant, but one key issue or portion of the position is unsupported. Supporting details and information are relevant, but several key issues or portions of the position are unsupported. Supporting details and information are typically unclear or not related to the position. Sources All sources used for quotes and facts are current, credible and cited correctly. All sources used for quotes and facts are credible and most are cited correctly. Most sources used for quotes and facts are credible and cited correctly. Many sources used for quotes and facts are less than current, not credible (suspect) and/or are not cited correctly. Analyzing Positions and Needs The writer successfully identifies and states the needs underlying their own and all other alternate positions. The writer successfully identifies and states the needs underlying their own and one other alternate position. The writer attempts to identify alternate positions. The writer did not identify alternate positions. Comparing and Contrasting Needs The writer accurately identifies and describes the important differences between the alternate needs and positions, and identifies areas of common ground. The writer identifies and describes the important differences and similarities in positions, but does not find areas of common ground. The writer identifies some differences between the positions. The writer does not compare and contrast the differing needs underlying the positions Identifying Alternatives The writer proposes and supports creative alternatives that are convincing and appear workable to the reader. Alternatives are suggested, but not enough detail is provided to convince the reader of the workability. Alternatives are suggested, but would only meet the needs of the writer. There are no alternatives identified. Presentation There are no spelling or punctuation errors in the final draft. The paper is wordprocessed. There is one spelling or punctuation error in the final draft. The paper is wordprocessed There are 2-3 spelling and punctuation errors in the final draft. The final draft has more than 3 spelling and punctuation errors. (Adapted from Rubi-Star & Hibbard, et al., 1996) 18 Rubrics: When? Why? How? Working With Others Criteria (Elementary) Terrific OK Not Yet Contribution to the Group I always offer my ideas and suggestions to the group in polite, respectful ways. I usually offer ideas and suggestions to the group. I rarely make suggestions or I make suggestions in inappropriate ways. Listening and responding to others I always listen and respond to other people and encourage the members of my group to work together. I usually listen to and respond to the other people in my group. I rarely listen to other people in my group. Completing Tasks I always do my part of the group tasks and my part of the work is done on time. I usually do my part of the group task. Other members of my group sometimes have to complete my part of the group task for it to be done on time. Use of Time I am on task all the time. I am on task most of the time. I need frequent reminders to stay on task. Effort My work is always very high quality, neatly completed, and reflects my best effort. My work is usually good quality, but may not always be the best I could do. My work needs to be checked over by others or sometimes be redone. (Adapted from Rubi-Star) Rubrics: When? Why? How? 19 Collaborative Work Skills Rubric Criteria 4 – Excellent 3 – Good (Middle Level) 2 – Fair 1 – Poor Contributions Routinely provides useful ideas when participating in the group. A definite leader who contributes a lot of effort. Usually provides useful ideas when participating in the group. A strong group member who tries hard. Sometimes provides useful ideas when participating in the group. A satisfactory group member who does what is required. Rarely provides useful ideas when participating in the group. May refuse to participate. Quality of Work Provides work of the highest quality. Provides high quality work. Provides work that occasionally needs to be checked or redone by other group members to ensure quality. Provides work that usually needs to be checked or redone by others Time-Management Is consistently focused on the task and uses time well throughout the project to ensure things get done on time. Usually task focused; the group does not have to adjust deadlines or work responsibilities because of this person. Tends to procrastinate, but usually gets things done by the deadlines. Group may have to adjust deadlines or work responsibilities because of this person. Rarely gets things done by the deadlines AND group has to adjust deadlines or change work responsibilities because of this person. Problem-Solving Actively looks for and suggests solutions to problems. Refines solutions suggested by others. Does not suggest or refine solutions, but is willing to try out solutions suggested by others. Does not try to solve problems or help others solve problems. Lets others do the work. Working with Others Almost always listens to, shares with, and supports the efforts of others. Tries to keep people working well together. Usually listens to, shares with, and supports the efforts of others. Does not cause “waves” in the group. Often listens to, shares with, and supports the efforts of others, but sometimes is not a good team member. Rarely listens to, shares with, or supports the efforts of others. Often is not a good team player. (Adapted from Rubi-Star) 20 Rubrics: When? Why? How? Collaborative Work Skills Rubric Criteria 4 – Excellent 3 – Good (High School Level) 2 – Fair 1 – Poor Contributions Routinely works toward clarifying common goals and provides useful ideas and positive suggestions. A definite leader who contributes a lot of effort. Usually works to identify common goals. A strong group member who tries hard. Sometimes works to attain shared goals. A satisfactory group member who does what is required. Rarely provides useful ideas when participating in the group. May refuse to participate. Quality of Work Provides work of the highest quality. Provides high quality work. Provides work that occasionally needs to be checked or redone by other group members to ensure quality. Provides work that usually needs to be checked or redone by others. Time-Management Is consistently focused on the task and uses time well throughout the project to ensure things get done on time. Assists group with planning and time management. Usually task focused; the group does not have to adjust deadlines or work responsibilities because of this person. Tends to procrastinate, but usually gets things done by the deadlines. Group may have to adjust deadlines or work responsibilities because of this person. Rarely gets things done by the deadlines AND group has to adjust deadlines or change work responsibilities because of this person. Problem-Solving Actively looks for and suggests solutions to problems. Refines solutions suggested by others. Does not suggest or refine solutions, but is willing to try out solutions suggested by others. Does not try to solve problems or help others solve problems. Lets others do the work. Working with Others Consistently provides encouragement, support and constructive feedback. Usually provides encouragement, support and feedback. Provides some encouragement, minimal support and little feedback. Is discouraging and non-supportive. Provides destructive feedback. (Adapted from Rubi-Star) Rubrics: When? Why? How? 21 How might I use rubrics in my subject area and my grade level? What modifications would I need to make before I could use rubrics with my students? 22 Rubrics: When? Why? How? How Do I Use Rubrics In Grading? If necessary, there are a number of different ways that rubrics can be used in the grading process. At the elementary school level, if you have a limited number of report card categories (3 or 4) you can use those categories to describe the levels of performance. There are two advantages to this approach: it simplifies the process of translating rubric scores onto the reporting document and it supports student and parent understanding about the meaning of those indicators. For example, the rubric that follows corresponds with the report card indicators: Independent, Developing, and Beginning (Skill Levels). Math Problem Solving Rubric Criteria Independent (Grade 1) Developing Beginning Understanding the Problem I get the right answer to the problem and can work it out with no mistakes. I use math words correctly. I understand how to solve the problem, but I may make mistakes. I try to do the problem, but I don’t understand it. Knowing How to Solve the Problem I can show more than one way to solve the problem. I show most of how I solve the problem. I show some of how I solve the problem. Explaining What You Did I can explain exactly what I did to solve the problem and why I solved it that way. I can explain what I did to solve the problem. I can explain some of what I did to solve the problem. (Adapted from VanderKloot, 2001) Rubrics: When? Why? How? 23 If you are teaching in the upper elementary grades and your report card categories are: Exceeding, Meeting, Beginning to Meet, or Not Yet Meeting (Expectations), a rubric for problem solving could be formatted this way in order to align the rubric and the report card. Problem Solving Rubric Criteria (Grade 8) Beginning to Meet Not Yet Meeting Exceeding Meeting Mathematical Accuracy Solutions are accurate and demonstrate understanding of the structure of the problem. Solutions to problems are accurate. Solutions are only slightly inaccurate, resulting from errors in calculations. Solutions contain many inaccuracies. Organization of Information Organization demonstrates recognition of the patterns in problem solving. Information is organized in a fairly systematic fashion. Some attempt is made to organize the information, but the system is ineffective. Information is not organized. Method of Solution Methods used are highly elegant and efficient, revealing comprehensive understanding of the problem. Appropriate methods used to solve problems; likely to yield correct answers. Appropriate method used, but either not fully executed or possibly based on rote application only. Either no method used or method used was inappropriate. Description of Procedure The description describes a systematic approach. The explanation is efficient and clear, revealing complete understanding of the problem. Description adequately describes a systematic approach. Description reveals limited attempt to use a systematic approach, but is not entirely successful. Description is missing or reveals a trial and error approach to the problem. (Adapted from Danielson, 1997) 24 Rubrics: When? Why? How? Unweighted Rubrics If you are teaching at a level where you must provide numerical grades, you can use a mathematical formula to arrive at a score: number of criteria X number of levels = total possible score. To calculate an individual score, you add up the points a student received. In the rubric on page 26 there are 3 criteria X 4 levels = 12 total possible score. If a student scored (as highlighted) a 4 in Mathematical Knowledge and 3s in Strategic Knowledge and Explanation, their score would be 10/12. Weighted Rubric A rubric can also be weighted. Weighted rubrics are used to explicitly demonstrate to students and parents which criteria take precedence over others. This emphasis can occur over the course of an entire term or year, or at different points in the year as one concept or another is highlighted. So, if you determine that Mathematical and Strategic Knowledge are twice as significant in scoring problem solving, you can weight them that way. Thus, the rubric remains the same, but the scoring is different. To calculate the grade in the rubric on page 27 with weighted criteria: (Criteria A x Number of levels x Weight) + (Criteria B x Number of levels x Weight) + (Criteria C x Number of levels x Weight) = Total Possible Score In this example the total possible score would be 20. If the student responded as highlighted, the student would score 17/20. Rubrics: When? Why? How? 25 Problem Solving Rubric Category (Grade 10) 4 3 2 1 Mathematical Knowledge Shows complete understanding of the problem’s mathematical concepts and principles. Uses appropriate mathematical terminology and notation (e.g., labels as appropriate). Executes algorithms completely and correctly. Shows nearly complete understanding of the problem’s mathematical concepts and principles. Uses nearly correct mathematical terminology and notation. Executes algorithms completely. Computations are generally correct, but may contain minor errors. Shows understanding of some of the problem’s mathematical concepts and principles. May contain serious computational errors. Shows very limited understanding of the problem’s mathematical concepts, and principles. May misuse or fail to use mathematical terms. May contain major computational errors. Strategic Knowledge Identifies all important May use relevant outside information of a formal or informal nature. Identifies the most important elements of problem and shows general understanding of the relationships between them. Solution process is nearly complete. Identifies some important elements of the problem but shows only limited understanding of the relationships between them. Gives some evidence of a solution process. May attempt to use irrelevant outside information. Fails to identify important elements or places too much emphasis on unimportant elements. May reflect an inappropriate strategy for solving the problem. Gives minimal evidence of a solution process. Process may be difficult to identify. elements of the problem and shows understanding of the relationship between them. Reflects an appropriate and systematic strategy for solving the problem. Gives clear evidence of a solution process, and solution process is complete and systematic. Explanation of Solution Gives a complete written explanation of the solution process employed. Includes appropriate and complete diagram with explanation of elements. May provide examples and counter examples if appropriate. Gives a fairly complete written explanation of the solution process employed. May contain some minor gaps. May include a nearly complete diagram with some explanation. Gives some explanation of the solution process employed, but communication is vague or difficult to interpret. May include diagram that is flawed, unclear, or not explained. Provides minimal explanations of solution process. May fail to complete or may omit significant parts of the problem. Explanation missing or difficult to follow. May include a diagram which incorrectly represent the problem situation or diagram may be unclear and difficult to interpret. (Illinois Rubric for Mathematics K-12) 26 Rubrics: When? Why? How? Problem Solving Rubric Category Mathematical Knowledge (Criteria A) Weight = 2 Strategic Knowledge (Criteria B) Weight = 2 Explanation of Solution (Criteria C) Weight = 1 (Grade 10) 4 3 2 1 Shows complete understanding of the problem’s mathematical concepts and principles. Uses appropriate mathematical terminology and notation (e.g., labels as appropriate). Executes algorithms completely and correctly. Shows nearly complete understanding of the problem’s mathematical concepts and principles. Uses nearly correct mathematical terminology and notation. Executes algorithms completely. Computations are generally correct, but may contain minor errors. Shows understanding of some of the problem’s mathematical concepts and principles. May contain serious computational errors. Shows very limited understanding of the problem’s mathematical concepts, and principles. May misuse or fail to use mathematical terms. May contain major computational errors. Identifies all important elements of the problem and shows understanding the relationship between them. Reflects an appropriate and systematic strategy for solving the problem. Gives clear evidence of a solution process, and solution process is complete and systematic May use relevant outside information of a formal or informal nature. Identifies the most important elements of problem and shows general understanding of the relationships between them. Solution process is nearly complete. Identifies some important elements of the problem but shows only limited understanding of the relationships between them. Gives some evidence of a solution process. May attempt to use irrelevant outside information. Fails to identify important elements or places too much emphasis on unimportant elements. May reflect an inappropriate strategy for solving the problem. Gives minimal evidence of a solution process. Process may be difficult to identify. Gives a complete written explanation of the solution process employed. Includes appropriate and complete diagram with explanation of elements. May provide examples and counter examples if appropriate. Gives a fairly complete written explanation of the solution process employed. May contain some minor gaps. May include a nearly complete diagram with some explanation. Gives some explanation of the solution process employed, but communication is vague or difficult to interpret. May include diagram that is flawed, unclear, or not explained. Provides minimal explanations of solution process. May fail to complete or may omit significant parts of the problem. Explanation missing or difficult to follow. May include a diagram which incorrectly represent the problem situation or diagram may be unclear and difficult to interpret. (Illinois Rubric for Mathematics K-12) Rubrics: When? Why? How? 27 Reference List Andrade, H. (2000). Using rubrics to promote thinking and learning. Educational Leadership 57 (5), 1318. Cote, B. (2001). Rubric for evaluating reports/presentation rubric. Retrieved June 11, 2003 from Saskatchewan Learning Web site: http://www.sasked.gov.sk.ca/curr_content/elemath/Lesson7/printrubric.htm Danielson, D. (1997). A collection of performance tasks and rubrics: Middle school mathematics. Larchmont, NY: Eye On Education, Inc. Hibbard, K. M., Wagenen, L., Lewbebel, S., Waterbury-Wyatt, S., Shaw, S., Pelletier, K., et al. A teacher’s guide to performance-based learning and assessment. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. Illinois Rubric for Mathematics. (n.d.). Retrieved June 13, 2003 from: http://intranet.cps.k12.il.us/Assessments/Ideas_and_Rubrics/Rubric_Bank/MathRubrics.pdf Jamison, P. (1999). Student evaluation a staff development handbook. Regina, SK: Saskatchewan Education and Saskatchewan Professional Development Unit. McTighe, J. & Wiggins, G. (1998). The understanding by design handbook. Alexandria, VA Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. Montgomery, K. (2000). Classroom rubrics: Systematizing what teachers do naturally. The Clearing House 73 (6), 324-328. Popham, J. (1997). What’s wrong—and what’s right—with rubrics. Educational Leadership 55 (2), 72-75. Saskatchewan Education. (1998). English Language Arts 20: A Curriculum Guide for the Secondary Level. Regina, SK: The author. Stiggins, R. (2001). Student-involved classroom assessment. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall, Inc. VanderKloot, C. (2001). K-5 Mathematics assessment. Retrieved June 13, 2003 from Springfield Public School District Web site: http://www.springfield.k12.il.us/resources/math/assessment.html Volk, J. (2002). Assessment strategies. Regina, SK: Saskatchewan Learning—Region 3. 28 Rubrics: When? Why? How?