What is a rubric? A rubric is a coherent set of criteria for student work that describes levels of performance quality. Sounds simple enough, right? Unfortunately, rubrics are commonly misunderstood and misused.
The good news is that when rubrics are created and used correctly, they are strong tools that support and enhance classroom instruction and student learning. In this comprehensive guide, author Susan M. Brookhart identifies two essential components of effective rubrics: (1) criteria that relate to the learning (not the "tasks") that students are being asked to demonstrate and (2) clear descriptions of performance across a continuum of quality. She outlines the difference between various kinds of rubrics (for example, general versus task-specific, and analytic versus holistic), explains when using each type of rubric is appropriate, and highlights examples from all grade levels and assorted content areas. In addition, Brookhart addresses
* Common misconceptions about rubrics;
* Important differences between rubrics and other assessment tools such as checklists and rating scales, and when such alternatives can be useful; and
* How to use rubrics for formative assessment and grading, including standards-based grading and report card grades.
Intended for educators who are already familiar with rubrics as well as those who are not, this book is a complete resource for writing effective rubrics and for choosing wisely from among the many rubrics that are available on the Internet and from other sources. And it makes the case that rubrics, when used appropriately, can improve outcomes by helping teachers teach and helping students learn.
Preface
Acknowledgements
Part I: All Kinds of Rubrics
Chapter 1: What Are Rubrics and Why Are They Important?
Chapter 2: Common Misconceptions About Rubrics
Chapter 3: Writing or Selecting Effective Rubrics
Chapter 4: General Rubrics for Fundamental Skills
Chapter 5: Task-Specific Rubrics and Scoring Schemes for Special Purposes
Chapter 6: Proficiency-Based Rubrics for Standards-Based Grading
Chapter 7: Checklists and Rating Scales: Not Rubrics, but in the Family
Chapter 8: More Examples
Part II: How to Use Rubrics
Chapter 9: Rubrics and Formative Assessment: Sharing Learning Targets with Students
Chapter 10: Rubrics and Formative Assessment: Feedback and Student Self-Assessment
Chapter 11: How to Use Rubrics for Grading
Afterword
Appendix A: Six-Point 6+1 Trait Writing Rubrics, Grades 3-12
Appendix B: Illustrated Six-Point 6+1 Trait Writing Rubrics, Grades K-2
References
Index
About the Author
Overview
What is a rubric? A rubric is a coherent set of criteria for student work that describes levels of performance quality. Sounds simple enough, right? Unfortunately, rubrics are commonly misunderstood and misused.
The good news is that when rubrics are created and used correctly, they are strong tools that support and enhance classroom instruction and student learning. In this comprehensive guide, author Susan M. Brookhart identifies two essential components of effective rubrics: ...