STUDENT A

Traits 4 3 2 1
Focus and There is one clear, well
focused topic. Main
There is one clear, well There is one topic. Main The topic and main ideas First Assignment
Details focused topic. Main ideas ideas are somewhat clear. are not clear.
ideas are clear and are are clear but are not well
well supported by
supported by detailed
detailed and accurate
information.
information.

Organization The introduction is The introduction states the The introduction states the There is no clear
inviting, states the main topic and provides an main topic. A conclusion is introduction, structure, or
main topic, and overview of the paper. A included. conclusion.
provides an overview
conclusion is included.
of the paper.
Information is relevant
and presented in a
logical order. The
conclusion is strong.
Voice The authors purpose The authors purpose of The authors purpose of The authors purpose of
of writing is very clear, writing is somewhat clear, writing is somewhat clear, writing is unclear.
and there is strong and there is some and there is evidence of
evidence of attention
evidence of attention to attention to audience.
to audience. The
authors extensive
audience. The authors The authors knowledge
knowledge and/or knowledge and/or and/or experience with
experience with the experience with the topic the topic is/are limited.
topic is/are evident. is/are evident.

Word Choice The author uses vivid The author uses vivid The author uses words The writer uses a limited
Sentence words and phrases. words and phrases. The that communicate clearly, vocabulary. Jargon or
The choice and choice and placement of but the writing lacks clichs may be present and
placement of words
words is inaccurate at variety. detract from the meaning.
seems accurate,
natural, and not
times and/or seems
forced. overdone.
Sentence All sentences are well Most sentences are well Most sentences are well Sentences sound awkward,
Structure, constructed and have constructed and have constructed, but they have are distractingly repetitive,
Grammar, varied structure and varied structure and a similar structure and/or or are difficult to Student A is a student who typically performs below grade level. The
length. The author
Mechanics, & length. The author makes length. The author makes understand. The author
Spelling
makes no errors in
a few errors in grammar, several errors in grammar, makes numerous errors in
first assignment is very basic writing. While she has complete
grammar, mechanics,
and/or spelling. mechanics, and/or mechanics, and/or spelling grammar, mechanics, sentences, her last sentence confused the roles of the Tainos and
spelling, but they do not that interfere with and/or spelling that
interfere with understanding. interfere with
Europeans, which makes her main idea not clear. Her writing is
understanding. understanding. missing key components such as structure and evidence from the text.
Comments
Great start I would have liked to see more detail and evidence Student A received 9 out of 15 (60%) on this assignment, because
from the story. Why where you traveling, what did they give you, even though she took the place of a European and expressed how she
why do you think it is a trap? 9/15 = 60% felt, her writing lacked evidence and structure.
 Traits
Focus and
4
There is one clear, well
Details focused topic. Main
ideas are clear and are
well supported by
detailed and accurate
information.
Organization The introduction is
inviting, states the
main topic, and
provides an overview
of the paper.
Information is relevant
and presented in a
logical order. The
conclusion is strong.
Voice The authors purpose The authors purpose of
of writing is very clear,
and there is strong
evidence of attention
to audience. The
authors extensive
knowledge and/or
experience with the
topic is/are evident.
Word Choice The author uses vivid
Sentence words and phrases.
The choice and
placement of words
seems accurate,
natural, and not
forced.
Sentence All sentences are well
Structure, constructed and have
Grammar, varied structure and
length. The author
Mechanics, &
Spelling
makes no errors in
grammar, mechanics,
and/or spelling.
Comments
Great job! You introduced place and interaction well. I learned a lot two assignments was that this student scored in the lowest section of the rubric
about the Philippines. I can tell you learned a lot about your country several times on the first assignment, while on the second assignment she scored in
as well. 10.5/15 = 70%
3
There is one clear, well
2
There is one topic. Main
1
The topic and main ideas
Second Assignment
focused topic. Main ideas ideas are somewhat clear. are not clear.
are clear but are not well
supported by detailed
information.
The introduction states the The introduction states the There is no clear
main topic and provides an main topic. A conclusion is introduction, structure, or
overview of the paper. A included. conclusion.
conclusion is included.
The authors purpose of The authors purpose of
writing is somewhat clear, writing is somewhat clear, writing is unclear.
and there is some and there is evidence of
evidence of attention to attention to audience.
audience. The authors The authors knowledge
knowledge and/or and/or experience with
experience with the topic the topic is/are limited.
is/are evident.
The author uses vivid The author uses words The writer uses a limited
words and phrases. The that communicate clearly, vocabulary. Jargon or
choice and placement of but the writing lacks clichs may be present and
words is inaccurate at variety. detract from the meaning.
times and/or seems
overdone.
Most sentences are well Most sentences are well Sentences sound awkward,
constructed and have constructed, but they have are distractingly repetitive,
varied structure and Student A made academic growth on the second assignment, by increasing her
a similar structure and/or or are difficult to
length. The author makes length. The author makes understand. The author
a few errors in grammar,
percentage grade by 10%. For this student, that growth showed she put more effort
several errors in grammar, makes numerous errors in
mechanics, and/or into this assignment. She included evidence from her research, this can be shown
mechanics, and/or spelling grammar, mechanics,
spelling, but they do not that interfere with and/or spelling that
interfere with understanding.
when she mentions the absolute and relative location of the Philippines, as well as
interfere with
understanding. the county's religion and economy. Another growth I found when comparing the
understanding.
the higher sections in each area. Based on this, I expect this student to continue
grow throughout the year on her writing assignments.
STUDENT B
 Traits 4 3 2 1
Focus and There is one clear, well
focused topic. Main
There is one clear, well There is one topic. Main The topic and main ideas First Assignment
Details focused topic. Main ideas ideas are somewhat clear. are not clear.
ideas are clear and are are clear but are not well
well supported by
supported by detailed
detailed and accurate
information.
information.

Organization The introduction is The introduction states the The introduction states the There is no clear
inviting, states the main topic and provides an main topic. A conclusion is introduction, structure, or
main topic, and overview of the paper. A included. conclusion.
provides an overview
conclusion is included.
of the paper.
Information is relevant
and presented in a
logical order. The
conclusion is strong.
Voice The authors purpose The authors purpose of The authors purpose of The authors purpose of
of writing is very clear, writing is somewhat clear, writing is somewhat clear, writing is unclear.
and there is strong and there is some and there is evidence of
evidence of attention
evidence of attention to attention to audience.
to audience. The
authors extensive
audience. The authors The authors knowledge
knowledge and/or knowledge and/or and/or experience with
experience with the experience with the topic the topic is/are limited.
topic is/are evident. is/are evident.

Word Choice The author uses vivid
Sentence words and phrases.
The choice and
placement of words
seems accurate,
natural, and not
forced.
Sentence All sentences are well
constructed and have
Structure,
Grammar, varied structure and
length. The author
Mechanics, &
Spelling
makes no errors in
grammar, mechanics,
and/or spelling.
Comments
Why dont you trust them? I would like to see more evidence behind
what you feel. 9/15 = 60%
The author uses vivid The author uses words The writer uses a limited
words and phrases. The that communicate clearly, vocabulary. Jargon or
choice and placement of but the writing lacks clichs may be present and
words is inaccurate at variety. detract from the meaning.
times and/or seems
overdone. Student B is an academically average student. In this first
Most sentences are well Most sentences are well Sentences sound awkward,
assignment she did not include enough details to support her
constructed and have constructed, but they have are distractingly repetitive,
varied structure and a similar structure and/or or are difficult to feelings mentioned in her journal entry. For example, she mentions
length. The author makes length. The author makes understand. The author
a few errors in grammar, several errors in grammar, makes numerous errors in
that she does not trust the Europeans, but does not give evidence
mechanics, and/or mechanics, and/or spelling grammar, mechanics, why she thinks that. This student scored a 9 out of 15, or an 60%
spelling, but they do not that interfere with and/or spelling that
interfere with understanding. interfere with
on this assignment because the organization of her writing and
understanding. understanding. sentence structure interferes with the readers understanding. Her
main ideas are present, but they need to be communicated more
clearly with more details.
 Traits 4 3
Focus and There is one clear, well
Details focused topic. Main
ideas are clear and are
well supported by
detailed and accurate
information.
Organization The introduction is
inviting, states the main topic and provides an main topic. A conclusion is introduction, structure, or
main topic, and
provides an overview
overview of the paper. A
conclusion is included.
of the paper.
Information is relevant
and presented in a
logical order. The
conclusion is strong.
Voice The authors purpose The authors purpose of
of writing is very clear,
and there is strong
evidence of attention
to audience. The
authors extensive
knowledge and/or
experience with the
topic is/are evident.
Word Choice The author uses vivid
Sentence words and phrases.
The choice and
placement of words
seems accurate,
natural, and not
forced.
Sentence All sentences are well
Structure, constructed and have
Grammar, varied structure and
length. The author
Mechanics, &
Spelling
makes no errors in
grammar, mechanics,
and/or spelling.
Comments
Great job! You included a lot of evidence from your research, I can
tell you worked hard on this.
2 1
There is one clear, well There is one topic. Main The topic and main ideas
focused topic. Main ideas ideas are somewhat clear. are not clear. Second Assignment
are clear but are not well
supported by detailed Student B made dramatic
information.
growth of 27% from the first
The introduction states the The introduction states the There is no clear
assignment to the second. In
included. conclusion.
the first assignment the
student scored between a
one and a two in all writing
The authors purpose of The authors purpose of
areas, while one the second
writing is somewhat clear,
and there is some
writing is somewhat clear, writing is unclear.
and there is evidence of
assignment she scored
evidence of attention to attention to audience. between a two and a three.
audience. The authors The authors knowledge
knowledge and/or and/or experience with Student Bs second
experience with the topic the topic is/are limited.
is/are evident. assignment was well
organized and had more
The author uses vivid The author uses words The writer uses a limited
words and phrases. The that communicate clearly, vocabulary. Jargon or supporting evidence. For
choice and placement of but the writing lacks clichs may be present and
words is inaccurate at variety. detract from the meaning. example, when discussing
times and/or seems
overdone.
human-environment
Most sentences are well Most sentences are well Sentences sound awkward, interaction by mentioning
constructed and have constructed, but they have are distractingly repetitive,
varied structure and a similar structure and/or or are difficult to the smog in 1952 due to coal
length. The author makes length. The author makes understand. The author
a few errors in grammar, several errors in grammar, makes numerous errors in
pollution and how it affected
mechanics, and/or
spelling, but they do not
mechanics, and/or spelling
that interfere with
grammar, mechanics,
and/or spelling that
the people in the UK. I
interfere with understanding. interfere with would have liked to see her
understanding. understanding.
writing include paragraphs
13/15 = 87% and a conclusion.
STUDENT C
 Traits 4 3 2 1
Focus and There is one clear, well
focused topic. Main
There is one clear, well There is one topic. Main The topic and main ideas First Assignment
Details focused topic. Main ideas ideas are somewhat clear. are not clear.
ideas are clear and are are clear but are not well
well supported by
supported by detailed
detailed and accurate
information.
information.

Organization The introduction is The introduction states the The introduction states the There is no clear
inviting, states the main topic and provides an main topic. A conclusion is introduction, structure, or
main topic, and overview of the paper. A included. conclusion.
provides an overview
conclusion is included.
of the paper.
Information is relevant
and presented in a
logical order. The
conclusion is strong.
Voice The authors purpose The authors purpose of The authors purpose of The authors purpose of
of writing is very clear, writing is somewhat clear, writing is somewhat clear, writing is unclear.
and there is strong and there is some and there is evidence of
evidence of attention
evidence of attention to attention to audience.
to audience. The
authors extensive
audience. The authors The authors knowledge
knowledge and/or knowledge and/or and/or experience with
experience with the experience with the topic the topic is/are limited.
topic is/are evident. is/are evident.

Word Choice The author uses vivid The author uses vivid The author uses words The writer uses a limited
Sentence words and phrases. words and phrases. The that communicate clearly, vocabulary. Jargon or
The choice and choice and placement of but the writing lacks clichs may be present and
placement of words
words is inaccurate at variety. detract from the meaning.
seems accurate,
natural, and not
times and/or seems
forced. overdone.
Sentence All sentences are well Most sentences are well Most sentences are well Sentences sound awkward,
Structure, constructed and have constructed and have constructed, but they have are distractingly repetitive,
Grammar, varied structure and varied structure and a similar structure and/or or are difficult to
length. The author
Mechanics, & length. The author makes length. The author makes understand. The author
makes no errors in
Spelling a few errors in grammar, several errors in grammar, makes numerous errors in
grammar, mechanics,
and/or spelling. mechanics, and/or mechanics, and/or spelling grammar, mechanics, Student C is a student who is above average
spelling, but they do not that interfere with and/or spelling that
interfere with understanding. interfere with
academically. This writing sample shows a low score of a
understanding. understanding. 60%. She answered all the compliments of the
Comments
You need to make this flow. You answered all the prompts assignment but did not give enough detail to support
but you need to write this in paragraphs. More evidence to her ideas. She also answered the questions in the form
support your feelings. 9/15 = 60% of bullets instead of paragraph form.
 Traits 4 3 2 1
Focus and
Details
There is one clear, well
focused topic. Main
There is one clear, well
focused topic. Main ideas
There is one topic. Main The topic and main ideas
ideas are somewhat clear. are not clear.
Second Assignment
ideas are clear and are are clear but are not well
well supported by
supported by detailed
detailed and accurate
information.
information.

Organization The introduction is The introduction states the The introduction states the There is no clear
inviting, states the main topic and provides an main topic. A conclusion is introduction, structure, or
main topic, and overview of the paper. A included. conclusion.
provides an overview
conclusion is included.
of the paper.
Information is relevant
and presented in a
logical order. The
conclusion is strong.
Voice The authors purpose The authors purpose of The authors purpose of The authors purpose of
of writing is very clear, writing is somewhat clear, writing is somewhat clear, writing is unclear.
and there is strong and there is some and there is evidence of
evidence of attention
evidence of attention to attention to audience.
to audience. The
authors extensive
audience. The authors The authors knowledge
knowledge and/or knowledge and/or and/or experience with
experience with the experience with the topic the topic is/are limited.
topic is/are evident. is/are evident.

Word Choice The author uses vivid
Sentence words and phrases.
The choice and
placement of words
seems accurate,
natural, and not
forced.
Sentence All sentences are well
Structure, constructed and have
Grammar, varied structure and
length. The author
Mechanics, &
makes no errors in
Spelling grammar, mechanics,
and/or spelling.
Comments
Awesome letter. Loved reading about your trip to Poland.
14.5/15 = 96%
The author uses vivid The author uses words The writer uses a limited
words and phrases. The that communicate clearly, vocabulary. Jargon or
choice and placement of but the writing lacks clichs may be present and
words is inaccurate at variety. detract from the meaning.
times and/or seems
overdone.
Most sentences are well Most sentences are well Sentences sound awkward,
constructed and have constructed, but they have are distractingly repetitive,
varied structure and a similar structure and/or or are difficult to
length. The author makes length. The author makes understand. The author
a few errors in grammar, several errors in grammar, makes numerous errors in
mechanics, and/or mechanics, and/or spelling grammar, mechanics,
spelling, but they do not that interfere with and/or spelling that
interfere with understanding. interfere with
understanding. understanding.
Student Cs second writing assignment improved in four out of the five areas
on the rubric, increasing her score by 36%. In this writing sample, the
student makes the main idea clear and backs up her writing with research.
 Assignment Points Percentage
First 9 / 15 60%
Encounter
Student As growth
Second 5 10.5 / 15 70%
Themes
Change in 1.5 10%
assignments
All three students made qualitative academic
Assignment Points Percentage growth from the first assignment to the second
First assignment. Each student scored a nine out of
9 / 15 60%
Encounter fifteen on their first assignment, receiving a failing
Student Bs growth Second 5 grade of 60%. Student A showed growth of 10%,
13/ 15 87% Student B had a 27% growth, and Student C had a
Themes
dramatic growth of 36%. This data demonstrates
Change in 4 27% that the effort and the quality of the students work
assignments
has grown significantly over the course of the first
semester.
Assignment Points Percentage
First 9 / 15 60%
Encounter
Student Cs growth Second 5 14 / 15 96%
Themes
Change in 5.5 36%
assignments