Signature Project + Major Assignment (A+ Required)

Levels of Achievement

Criteria

Unacceptable

Needs Revision

Target

Are the focus and purpose clear and ideas are well supported?

0 Points

Missing thesis; confusion about or misunderstanding of topic; no sense of purpose; absence of support for main points

1 Points

Simplistic and unfocused ideas; limited sense of purpose; support is provided, but is not specific; support is only loosely relevant to the main points

2 Points

Developed thesis; represents sound understanding of the assigned topic; focused; support is provided and is sound, valid, and logical

Is the writing structured and well organized?

0 Points

No paragraph structure; or single, rambling paragraph; or series of isolated paragraphs

1 Points

Organization structure is present, but is confusing or disjointed; weak paragraph structure; transitions are missing or inappropriate

2 Points

Clear organizational structure; easily followed; includes transitions; structured format

Is correct sentence structure and proper mechanics utilized?

0 Points

Contains multiple and serious errors of sentence structure: i.e. fragments, run-ons; unable to write simple sentences; numerous errors in spelling and capitalization; intrusive and/or inaccurate punctuation; communication is hindered

1 Points

Formulaic sentence patterns or overuse of simple sentences; errors in sentence structure; contains several punctuation, spelling, and/or capitalization errors (up to 6); errors may or may not interfere with meaning

2 Points

Effective and varied sentences; errors (if present) due to lack of careful proofreading; virtually free of punctuation, spelling, capitalization errors (no more than 3); errors do not interfere with meaning

Are vocabulary and word usage varied and appropriate?

0 Points

Vocabulary is unsophisticated; or subject specific vocabulary or sophisticated vocabulary used incorrectly

1 Points

Proper, but simple vocabulary used; subject specific vocabulary used infrequently

2 Points

Vocabulary is varied, specific and appropriate; uses subject specific vocabulary correctly

Is the proper number of source requirement met and is APA format followed?

0 Points

Source requirements for the appropriate level was not met; there are significant format errors present ; multiple (more than 6) of APA formatting errors; in the reference list and/or in-text citations

1 Points

Meets minimum requirements for degree level: Master’s-A minimum of 10 sources were utilized; fewer than 6 APA format errors are present in the reference list in-text; citations; header; headings; page numbers; etc.

2 Points

Five (5) sources beyond minimum requirements were utilized; there are virtually no APA format errors present in either reference list in-text; citations; header; headings; page numbers; etc.

Best practices are identified and supported by the literature as viable responses to weaknesses and problems represented by the data (InTASC 8, 9, 10; CAEP A1.1)

0 Points

Best practice(s) are not clearly identified; literature reviewed does not support the identified best practice(s) as a viable option to improve achievement

5 Points

Best practice(s) are clearly identified; literature reviewed does not support the identified best practice(s) as a viable option to improve achievement

10 Points

Best practice(s) are clearly identified; literature reviewed supports the identified best practices as viable responses to the problem/weakness identified

Theories and/or trends are identified and connected with best practices in literature (InTASC 8, 9, 10; CAEP A1.1)

0 Points

Theory or trend is not identified; theory/trend identified are not connected with the best practice(s) via literature

5 Points

Theory or trend is clearly identified; literature reviewed does not connect the identified theory/trend with the identified best practice

10 Points

Theory or trend is clearly identified; literature reviewed connects the identified theory/trend with all identified best practices

Proper level of synthesis is achieved in the literature review (InTASC 9, 10; CAEP A1.1)

0 Points

Summaries were given; are not clear or fail to make clear connections with best practice(s) and/or theory/trend(s) identified as viable responses to problem/weakness

5 Points

Summaries are clear and concise; clear connections with best practice and/or theory/trend identified as viable response to problem/weakness may or may not be present

10 Points

Synthesis rather than summaries of content presented in the collection of sources is present, clear connections with best practice and/or theory/trend identified as viable response to problem/weakness present