Student Assessment - Creating Effective Rubrics

Effective rubrics are important because they inform students of teacher expectations and assist them in adapting their work and learning to satisfy specific educational goals. In creating these assessment tools, educators are forced to focus each writing assignment, presentation, or project into relevant criterion and elements expected at various levels of proficiency. Teachers will, in essence, be able to plan the appropriate project processes, assess difficulties in advance, and form a better procedure for directing students through each step. On the flip side, using these tools as a road map, students will be informed of and understand what work and components are necessary to perform at their desired level.
Because they provide a great tool for both students and teachers, Tom Wolsey, educator and Suite101 contributor, has compiled a wonderful resource for teachers who wish to create or improve their assessment rubrics. He discusses design tools that can be used to create the rubric, including online resources like Teach-nology and Rubistar, and describes the important elements of an effective rubric which include determining proficiency levels, categories, and descriptors. Be sure to check out this great resource!

Creating a Classroom Rubric: Guidelines for Designing an Assessment Rubric