Lets face facts, most students have little or no idea why they get a particular grade. A student may think they worked hard ( I stress think!) or they may know they were pretty much correct in an essay or question, but for the most part grading remains a mystery. In order to take some of the mystery out of the process I have produced the following guide.

The guide below is the basis on which your work will be graded throughout the year. By giving you this guide, known as a rubric, you should have a better understanding of what is expected of you and of how you will be graded. If a project has a different rubric it will be provided to you in advance.

Grading Guide

Excellent

100 - 95

A+, A

Very Good

94-88

A, A-, B+

Good

87-80

B, B-

Satisfactory

79-65

C+, C, C-, D

Unsatisfactory

64 and under

F

Accuracy

No mistakes, scholarly and accurate. Excellent knowledge of the topic shown

Few if any mistakes, any mistakes must be minor in nature, very good knowledge of the topic shown.

Some, but not many, mistakes made, good knowledge shown.

Several mistakes made, fair knowledge of the topic shown.

Many mistakes made. Does not show an adequate knowledge of the topic.

Use of historical details

Used many details in a thorough and expert manner.

Used many details to illustrate topic.

Used some details to illustrate topic

Used one or two details, alluded to details vaguely.

Used no historical details. Made factual errors.

Demonstrated learning and understanding

Applied integrated concepts; made connections between facts and ideas.

Clearly understood topic well.

Understood topic.

Followed directions, had a basic knowledge of the topic.

Thinking not justified; no evidence that knowledge was acquired.

Mechanics

(Grammar or Art)

Grammar and/or art work were without flaws and professional in nature.

Grammar and/or art work are quality in nature.

Occasional errors but not enough to distract.

Distracting errors, difficult to read.

Fragmented sentences and grammar. Art completed in a haphazard manner. Very difficult to understand

Neat and orderly

Professional appearance

Quality appearance

Neat and orderly, easy to follow.

Moderately neat, almost distracting.

Lacks neatness and orderliness. Hard to understand

Word Usage

Word choice and usage are professional.

Word choice makes piece interesting.

Word choice simple but acceptable.

Some mistakes in word choice and usage. Could be clearer.

Word choice is inadequate or inappropriate.

Message

Message flows and is passionate.

Message is clear and easy to understand.

Message can be understood.

Message not easily understood.

Very hard to understand message.

Creativity

Very clever; creatively designed

Displays creative thinking

Shows some creative thinking

Lacks creativity

Copied from another source.

 

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