Grading Guide

RUBRICS

Lets face facts, most students have little or no idea why they get a particular grade. A student may think they worked hard ( I stress think!) or they may know they were pretty much correct in an essay or question, but for the most part grading remains a mystery to most students. In order to take some of the mystery out of the process teachers often use a device called a rubric. A rubric is essentially a grading guide that tells you how your work will be assessed.

The guide below is a basic rubric which you may use as a guide to how I will assess work throughout the year. By giving you this guide you should have a better understanding of what is expected of you and of how you will be graded. If a project has a different rubric it will be provided to you in advance.

Rubric for a DBQ

Rubric for a thematic essay

General Rubric
	Excellent 100 - 90 A+, A	Very Good 90-80 B+, B	Good 80-70 C+, C	Satisfactory 70-65 D	Unsatisfactory 64 and under F
Accuracy	No mistakes, scholarly and accurate. Excellent knowledge of the topic shown	Few if any mistakes, any mistakes must be minor in nature, very good knowledge of the topic shown.	Some, but not many, mistakes made, good knowledge shown.	Several mistakes made, fair knowledge of the topic shown.	Many mistakes made. Does not show an adequate knowledge of the topic.
Use of historical details	Used many details in a thorough and expert manner.	Used many details to illustrate topic.	Used some details to illustrate topic	Used one or two details, alluded to details vaguely.	Used no historical details. Made factual errors.
Demonstrated learning and understanding	Applied integrated concepts; made connections between facts and ideas.	Clearly understood topic well.	Understood topic.	Followed directions, had a basic knowledge of the topic.	Thinking not justified; no evidence that knowledge was acquired.
Mechanics (Grammar or Art)	Grammar and/or art work were without flaws and professional in nature.	Grammar and/or art work are quality in nature.	Occasional errors but not enough to distract.	Distracting errors, difficult to read.	Fragmented sentences and grammar. Art completed in a haphazard manner. Very difficult to understand
Neat and orderly	Professional appearance	Quality appearance	Neat and orderly, easy to follow.	Moderately neat, almost distracting.	Lacks neatness and orderliness. Hard to understand
Word Usage	Word choice and usage are professional.	Word choice makes piece interesting.	Word choice simple but acceptable.	Some mistakes in word choice and usage. Could be clearer.	Word choice is inadequate or inappropriate.
Message	Message flows and is passionate.	Message is clear and easy to understand.	Message can be understood.	Message not easily understood.	Very hard to understand message.
Creativity	Very clever; creatively designed	Displays creative thinking	Shows some creative thinking	Lacks creativity	Copied from another source.

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General Rubric