Assessment: Rubric

In my classroom, assessment tools include pre- and post- lesson evaluation, individual and group projects, quizzes, class participation, short essays and reports, and the use of rubrics. Below is an example of a rubric used to assess student ability, interest, and motivation. My cooperating teacher and I worked collaborately in designing this rubric for the 5/6 grade integrated science and language arts fossil unit.

-	5	3	1
Creativity	Often formulates unique ideas and questions. Used various materials to explore own ideas further. Frequently makes connections between unrelated ideas.	Occasionally formulates unique ideas and questions. Sometimes uses a few materials to explore ideas. Sometimes makes connections between unrelated ideas.	Asks few questions; copies ideas from others. Rarely has ideas and seldom explores them further. Makes few or no connections between unrelated ideas.
Critical Thinking	Analyzes new ideas with both openness and skepticism. Makes decisions using logical reasoning based on evidence.	Sometimes demonstrates both openness and skepticism to new ideas. Makes decisions based partially on logical reasoning and evidence.	Either accepts new ideas blindly or rejects them without consideration. Makes decisions without logical reasoning or evidence.
Cooperation	Frequently contributes useful ideas to group. Listens to other group members without criticism. Analyzes issues from many perspectives. Strives for group consensus based on evidence.	Sometimes contributes useful ideas to group. Listens to other group members but sometimes criticizes their ideas. Looks at issues from some perspectives. Sometimes attempts to reach agreement, but not always based on evidence.	Rarely makes useful contributions; takes group off-task frequently. Often criticizes others without listening. Can see only own perspective. Frequently disagrees without regard to evidence.