What is a rubric and what is its rationale?

What is a rubric and what is its rationale?

A rubric is an assessment instrument matrix that a teacher and perhaps his/her students create to evaluate student performance for a given assignment. The vertical columns in the matrix provide the performance standards for the assignment.  The horizontal rows describe the criteria for each performance standard. See the sample rubric below:

Suggested Checklist of Exit Interactive Competencies (Performance Standards) for the

Madrich or Madricha

Howard, L.B, (2006). The Madrichim Manual: Six Steps to Becoming a Jewish Role Model. Springfield, NJ: Behrman House.

[Taken from Solomon, R and E (2009). Toolbox for Teachers and Madrichim: Moving Madrichim to Mentor Teachers and Beyond. Tucson, AZ: Wheatmark Publishers]

Performance Criteria

Developing: The madrich or madricha is beginning to implement the competency.

Basic: The madrich or madricha satisfactorily implements the competency.

Proficient: The madrich or madricha implements the competency with ease and fluidity, and makes smooth adjustments to different classroom situations.

Interactive Competencies or Performance Standards	Not Evident	Developing	Basic	Proficient
Greeting students as they enter the classroom
Helping students with their art projects
Assisting students with class work
Leading students in small group activities
Leading transitions between activities
Reading stories to the class
Tutoring students who need extra help
Mentoring students who have difficulty focusing during class
Temporarily taking charge of the class if the teacher is indisposed
Teaching a five minute mini-lesson to a small group of students or the entire class
Participating in and leading portions of a prayer service

What is the rationale for using a rubric in instruction? 

• Rubrics help teachers teach their subject matter.
• Rubics clarify for students what they are expected to learn and how they will be graded.
• Rubrics coordinate instruction with assessment.

For additional information on rubrics click on these two links:

• http://www.ucdenver.edu/faculty_staff/faculty/center-for-faculty-development/Documents/Tutorials/Rubrics/1_what_is/index.htm

• http://www.uen.org/rubric/know.shtml

On the next blog post we will introduce Rubistar, a free rubric making web tool.