Philosophy Essay

Levels of Achievement

Criteria

Advanced

Proficient

Developing

Not Present

Content:

Introductory Paragraph

(10 Points)

9 to 10 points

The introductory paragraph has a strong hook or attention grabber that is appropriate: typically, a quote, statistic, or personal story.

7 to 8 points

The introductory paragraph has a hook or attention grabber that is appropriate but is in need of greater emphasis: typically, a quote, statistic, or personal story.

1 to 6 points

The introductory paragraph is present but lacks clarity and focus.

0 points

Not Present

Content:

Position Statement

(20 Points)

18 to 20 points

The position statement/thesis provides a clear, strong statement of the chosen position on the topic, names the chosen educational philosophy, and defines it with adequate details.

14 to 17 points

The position statement/thesis provides statement of the chosen position on the topic, names the chosen educational philosophy, and defines it with basic details.

1 to 13 points

The position statement is present, but lacks clarity of focus. An educational philosophy may or may not be named and defined.

0 points

Not Present

Content:

Support for Position

(20 Points)

18 to 20 points

The body of the essay includes three or more excellent pieces of evidence (creative and practical classroom ideas) that strongly support the position statement through the lens of a teacher to older students.

14 to 17 points

The body of the essay includes 2-3 pieces of evidence (creative and practical classroom ideas) that clearly support the position statement through the lens of a teacher to older students.

1 to 13 points

The body of the essay includes 2 or fewer pieces of evidence (creative and practical classroom ideas) that may support the position statement through the lens of a teacher to older students. Focus is unclear.

0 points

Not Present

Content:

Closing Paragraph

(20 Points)

18 to 20 points

The conclusion is strong and leaves the reader solidly understanding the writer’s position. Effective restatement of the position statement begins the closing paragraph by naming the chosen philosophy/philosophies.

14 to 17 points

The conclusion is recognizable and restated within the first two sentences of the closing. The chosen philosophy/philosophies are identified.

1 to 13 points

The conclusion may or may not be restated. The chosen philosophy is not clearly identified.

0 points

Not Present

Criteria

Advanced

Proficient

Developing

Not Present

Structure: Organization and Word Count

(10 points)

9 to 10 points

Information is very organized with well-constructed paragraphs. The length requirement of 650 words or more words is met or exceeded.

7 to 8 points

Information and paragraphs are adequately organized. At least 600 words are present in the assignment.

1 to 6 points

The information appears to be disorganized or fewer than 600 words are present.

0 points

Not Present

Structure: Mechanics

(10 points)

9 to 10 points

There are minimal or no grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors.

7 to 8 points

There are a few grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors.

1 to 6 points

There are many grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors.

0 points

Not Present

Structure:

APA Formatting

(10 points)

9 to 10 points

APA Formatting used in title page, line spacing, running head, body, reference page, and two in-text citations with minimal or no errors.

7 to 8 points

APA Formatting used in title page, line spacing, running head, body, reference page, and two in-text citations with a few errors.

1 to 6 points

APA Formatting used in title page, line spacing, running head, body, reference page, and in-text citations with many errors. Or one of the above is missing

0 points

Not Present