4 page paper (Due in 7 hours)

Excellent

Adequate

Needs improvement

7 – 8 points

4 – 6 points

0 – 3 points

Define the characteristics of the special needs area

8 points max

The exceptionality is described in great detail and includes an accurate definition and several characteristics.

The exceptionality is described in some detail and includes a definition and a few characteristics.

The exceptionality is insufficiently described. Details and characterstics are sparse.

Discuss the assessment and classification of the special needs area

8 points max

The assessment of the exceptionality is discussed thoroughly. Examples of actual assessment tools may be provided. If the exceptionality is one that can be classified further (by type, severity, etc.), then relevant information is also provided.

The assessment of the exceptionality is discussed. If the exceptionality is one that can be classified further (by type, severity, etc.), then relevant information may also be provided, although briefly so.

The assessment of the exceptionality is insufficiently or incorrectly described. There is little or no mention of assessment tools, if relevant. There is little or no mention of classification considerations, if relevant.

Give prevalence information

8 points max

Accurate, current, and detailed information about the prevalence of the exceptionality is provided. Details that might be available regarding gender breakdown, co-occurrence of other disabilities, recent changes or trends in prevalence rates, or other prevalence-related details are included.

Accurate and basic information about the prevalence of the exceptionality is provided. Few additional prevalence-related details are included.

Little or no information regarding the prevalence of the exceptionality or other related details are provided. Outdated information may be included.

Discuss etiologies

8 points max

Several known or suspected etiological explanations of the exceptionality are thoroughly discussed, with the best known etiology(ies) being properly emphasized.

Some suspected etiological explanations of the exceptionality are adequately discussed, with the best known etiology(ies) being included.

Little or no information regarding the etiology of the exceptionality is provided. If some information is provided, it may be outdated, incorrect, or inadequate.

Discuss educational and/or non-educational interventions

8 points max

A description of both educational and non-educational interventions relevant to the exceptionality is discussed in great detail. Several types of interventions are included in a logical and coherent manner.

A description of either educational or non-educational interventions relevant to the exceptionality is provided with adequate detail. The number of the different interventions may be limited.

Information about either educational or non-educational interventions is minimally included. Information provided may be outdated, poorly described, or not exactly relevant to the exceptionality at hand.

Discuss current topics related to the special needs area

8 points max

Several current topics related to the exceptionality are thoroughly and accurately discussed with sophistication and understanding. Outside sources may be utilized in enhancing this part of the paper.

One or two current topics related to the exceptionality are adequately discussed. Information regarding these current topics may be clearly limited to the textbook as the sole source.

Current topics relevant to the exceptionality are either not included or are sparsely, very simply, or inadequately described.

5 – 6 points

3 – 4 points

0 – 2 points

Include at least two current research articles

6 points max

Relevant information from two or more articles from scientific, peer-edited journals is appropriately presented in a coherent fashion. The sources are properly cited within the body of the paper. The utilization of information from these outside sources is quite clear in the paper.

Information from two articles from scientific, peer-edited journals is adequately presented although not well-incorporated into the overall paper. The sources are cited (although maybe not fully) within the body of the paper. Details may be limited.

Little or no research is apparent. Information provided from outside resources may be sparse or may come from inappropriate sources (e.g., solely summaries of research, news/media presentations of the research, online magazine or news articles, etc.).

List of references/

Bibliography

6 points max

A full list of references is appropriately and accurately provided.

A partial list of references is provided. There may be mis-matches between in-text citations and the list of references.

A partial list (with inadequate information) of references is provided, or no list of references is included at all.