Give me an "A", Give me a "B", Give me a Rubric

We all grew up with the standard grading systems of A, B, C, and so on including the dreaded F. Later E, S, N, and U were added; usually for elective classes or for measuring the progress of younger children. Well, move on over letter grades--welcome the "rubric".

A rubric is rather like a way of measuring progress on a project or writing assignment based on specific criteria. For example, instead of giving a composition written by a student an overall grade such as "B", the paper would be graded with a simple number--usually from one to 5 or 6.

Sounds too simplistic and don't the numbers merely equate to the letter grades we normally use? Actually a rubric is a grid of skill expectations that more clearly indicate the specific things being measured as a paper is evaluated. On that same composition that would have gotten a letter grade and a few comments and corrections; the teacher using a rubric would have systematically reviewed all aspects of composition writing including grammar, vocabulary and word choice, spelling, creative use of language, mechanics, margins, format as well as other specifics focused on in that particular assignment.

The value of using a rubric for an assignment is that it provides a blueprint for the students to develop their paper or project. Each skill expectation is laid out clearly and sample models of teacher expectations at the various numerical levels of ranking are reviewed. Students learn the component parts and skills that make up the project and have samples at each level of performance so that they quickly grow able to measure and edit their own work. Back to the idea that students who accept personal responsibility for their learning succeed. Back to the simple fact that builders use architectural drawings and scale to produce their final product. Arming students with not only the skills to perform assignments, but specific models of what is expected--what does the difference between 'average' and 'above average' look like--these experiences prepare students to be self sufficient learners as they grow and develop.

You can link to some sample rubrics for various grade levels and subject areas at http://www.rubrics4teachers.com/. Remember that even when rubrics are used to teach process and evaluate certain assignments, teachers will still provide grades for overall work in each subject area. We do that because the world still uses A, B, C to rank and measure academic achievement; even in college. But using rubrics on certain assignments provides a dynamic teaching and evaluative tool that clearly provides students with the ability to see models of and understand performance expectations. Using a rubric while teaching a certain skill or assigning a project or paper provides clear outlines of what is to be achieved and how it will be measured. Once again, students are empowered to be a part of their own learning and see for themselves how they can learn and grow!