Write a three to five (3 – 5) page paper (1000 – 1200 words), not including the title and reference pages, describing coaching as a leadership skill and how it may contribute to organizational effectiveness that includes the following:

 

Focus Paper Rubric These papers are related to specific issues or cases, and will vary in length. In all cases, papers must be well referenced and in APA format. The papers will be evaluated using the following rubric.

At least 20% of a Focus Paper grade is related to composition that includes organization, writing style, and mechanics. Often, composition issues also impact the grading of the assigned Focus Paper topic content because composition impacts the effective presentation of your ideas and material.

Grade Content, Focus, Use of Text/Research, and Organization

Analysis and Critical Thinking

Writing Style, Grammar, and APA Format

% 50% 30% 20%

90-100% Response successfully answers the Assignment question(s); thoroughly uses the text and other literature. Includes a strong thesis statement, introduction, and conclusion. The main points of the paper are developed clearly. All arguments are supported well (no errors in logic) using outside sources as assigned.

Sources are primarily academic journals, with thoughtful use of web sources. References are applied substantively to the paper topic. Skillfully addresses counter- arguments and does not ignore data contradicting its claim. Refers to sources both in-text and in the reference page.

Response exhibits strong higher-order critical thinking and analysis (e.g., evaluation). Paper shows original thought.

Analysis includes proper classifications, explanations, comparisons, and inferences.

Critical thinking includes appropriate judgments, conclusions, and assessment based on evaluation and synthesis of information.

Grammatical skills are strong with typically less than one error per page. Correct use of APA when assigned.

Appropriate to the Assignment, fresh (interesting to read), accurate, (no far- fetched, unsupported comments), precise (say what you mean), and concise (not wordy).

Assignment is in 12-point font. Narrative sections are double-spaced. Assignment is free of serious errors; grammar, punctuation, and spelling help to clarify the meaning by following accepted conventions.

80-89% Response answers the Assignment question(s) with only minor digressions; sufficiently uses the text and other literature. Provides a good thesis statement, introduction, and conclusion that require some revision but that form a good basis.

Develops the main points clearly.

Supports most arguments concretely (no logical errors) using outside sources as assigned.

Some sources are non-academic with over reliance on web sources. References not always clearly tied to development of ideas. Does not ignore data contradicting its claim, though the refutation may need additional support. Refers to outside sources in the text and reference page.

Response generally exhibits higher-order critical thinking and analysis (e.g., evaluation). Paper shows some original thought.

Analysis includes adequate classifications, explanations, comparisons, and inferences.

Critical thinking includes adequate judgments, conclusions and assessment based on evaluation and synthesis of information.

Internally, each section has good organization. Transitions found between and within sections are mostly clear and effective. Generally appropriate to the Assignment, accurate (no far-fetched, unsupported claims), precise, and concise. Includes a title page and reference page.

Assignment is in 12-point font. Assignment contains some generally minor grammatical and punctuation errors. Few misspellings. Citations generally follow APA guidelines (perhaps one or two minor errors).

 

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70-79% Response answers the Assignment(s) with some digression; sufficiently uses the text and other literature. Provides a thesis statement that needs revision. The introduction and conclusion do not set up or close the paper very effectively. Shows too little original thought (strings of citations that are not developed to support the thesis).

Main points are adequately defined in only some areas of the paper; points may be over-emphasized or repeated. Some arguments are supported with outside research, but others may not be. Relies too heavily on personal experience or one source. The paper does not meet the source requirements. Some obvious counter-arguments are ignored or not well refuted.

Response exhibits limited higher-order critical thinking and analysis (e.g., application of information).

Analysis includes limited classifications, explanations, comparisons, and inferences.

Critical thinking includes limited judgments, conclusions, and assessment based on evaluation and synthesis of information.

Sentences are occasionally wordy or ambiguous; tone is too informal. Grammatical skills are adequate with no more than 2–3 errors per page. The paper is not well organized. Sections lack transitions, and several sentences may be monotonous or confusing. The overall structure of the Assignment is not effective. Appropriate in places, but elsewhere vague writing interferes with the development and clarity of the main points. Numerous grammatical and punctuation errors. Misspellings are more frequent, but they are the sort spell checkers do not catch, such as “effect/affect.” An attempt at APA citation was made, but there are multiple errors larger than a misplaced period. Narrative sections are not double-spaced.

60-69% Response answers the Assignment question(s) but digresses significantly; insufficiently uses the text and other literature.

Response exhibits simplistic or reductive thinking and analysis but does demonstrate comprehension.

Sentences are generally wordy and/or ambiguous; tone is too informal. Grammatical skills are inadequate, clarity and meaning are impaired, typically 3–5 errors per page. Inadequate use of APA format

0-59% Response insufficiently answers the Assignment question(s); insufficiently uses the text and other literature.

Response exhibits simplistic or reductive thinking and analysis and demonstrates limited knowledge on the subject matter.

Sentences unclear enough to impair meaning; tone is inappropriate and/or inconsistent. Grammatical skills are incompetent for college level; typically 6 or more errors per page. Unacceptable use of APA format.