Rubrics are performance-based math and science assessments which evaluate student performance on any given task or set of tasks.
Rubrics use specific criteria as a basis for evaluating or assessing student performances as indicated in narrative descriptions that are separated into levels of possible performance related to a given task.
Starting with the highest level and progressing to the lowest, these levels of performance are used to assess the defined set of tasks as they relate to a final product or behavior. Each level describes degrees of proficiency and each level is assigned a value that rates the degree of proficiency or student performance.
Rubric Rating Scales
Rating scales are used; they can be numerical, qualitative, or a combination of numerical and qualitative. Generally rubrics specify the level of performance expected for several levels of quality. These levels of quality may be written as different ratings (e.g., Excellent, Good, Needs Improvement) or as numerical scores (e.g., 4, 3, 2, 1) which are then added up to form a total score which then is associated with a grade (e.g., A, B, C, etc).
Rating scales can be either holistic or analytical. Holistic scales offer several dimensions together while analytical scales offer a separate scale for various dimensions.
Rubric as a Scoring Tool
A rubric as “a scoring tool that lists the criteria for a piece of work or ‘what counts.’” So a rubric for a multimedia project will list the things the student must have included to receive a certain score or rating. Rubrics help the student figure out how their project will be evaluated.
Students do not care for rubrics because if they get something wrong, their teacher can prove they knew what they were supposed to do in the project or assignment.
Rubrics can also help students judge and revise their own work before handing in their assignments.
Rubrics help teachers define “quality” for an assignment, provide students with guidelines, and make grading easier for teachers. The bottom line is that the required work is there or it is not there as defined by the assessment rubric.
Types of Rubrics
Math Problem Solving Rubric samples of rubrics which are designed for many of the states listed.
Science Rubrics samples of rubrics which are designed for science lab reports, performance assessments, applying science process skills, and more.
Resources
Tags: Assessment tools, performance based assessments, Rubrics as Assessments, Rubrics in Math, Rubrics in Science
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