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Sample Rubrics

Below are sections of rubrics that express the criteria and standards for assignments in two different disciplines and institutions.
By Prof. William Marsh of the Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science Department at Raymond Walters College, a two-year campus of the University of Cincinnati:
Assignment: Carry out a statistical investigation.
Data Analysis Scale
5 Uses appropriate statistical test with correct results. Provides an interval estimation of the values of the parameter. Includes a hypothesis test and gives accompanying p-level stating probability of type 1 error. 4 Provides most of level 5, but one of the characteristics is missing or unclear. 3 Uses correct statistical test, but estimation or interpretation is omitted. 2 Uses correct statistical test, but there are errors in calculation and other work. 1 Incorrect statistical test: data are erroneous or missing. Similar scales are constructed for “Methodology” and “Conclusions.”
By Cara Carroccia, Architecture, University of Notre Dame:
Assignment: Construct an architectural program.
Style Scale
4 The architect demonstrates a quality of imagination and rigor that results in a distinctive project. The work shows a personal exploration. 3 Architect includes refining details, but a portion of the work remains general. The overall composition is pleasing. 2 The architect does not invest himself or herself into the work. The style seems bland, guarded, flat, and not very interesting. 1 The architect demonstrates no recognizable individualistic or historic style. Similar scales are constructed for other characteristics of the students’ work including “Clarity of Concept and Design Objectives” and “Knowledge of Construction.”

From Barbara E. Walvoord and Virginia J. Anderson, Effective Grading: A Tool for Learning and Assessment. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1998, pp. 218–222.

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