How do I use a rubric?

A rubric is a tool used to evaluate a project, writing, or assignment. It outlines the expectations for a paper and is used for grading and feedback for revision. It is similar to a rating. Use the characteristics outlined in the rubric as you read the paper to help you evaluate. Follow the instructions below to help you to use a rubric effectively.

1. Read the rubric thoroughly.
2. Read the paper through slowly and carefully.
3. Scan through the rubric again.
4. Reread the paper and as you read make note of the characteristics of the paper and where they fit on the scale in the rubric.
5. The rubrics range from an excellent score of "5" to a weak score of "1". A description of characteristics for scores of 5, 3, and 1 are outlined in the rubric. After reviewing the characteristics, make a determination of where most of the common characteristics fall on the rubric. If most fall within the score of "3", then that would be the paper's score. If some fall within the score of "5" and some fall within the "3", then you would average the overall score for that trait as a "4".
6. Last, but not least, be careful not to let characteristics from other traits lower a score in a different trait area. For example, a paper could have many misspelled words, but still have excellent word choice or ideas. It would score lower perhaps, in the trait of conventions, but that would not affect the scores for other trait areas.

***Please be careful not to associate the writing trait scores with a letter grade. Your child should be shooting for a score of "5" but don't be discouraged if your child is earning scores of "3, 2, or 1". Read through the rubrics with your child and use them together to improve your child's writing.