Critical Thinking in Action

CM 1: Organize document or presentation clearly in a manner that promotes understanding.

HIGHLY PROFICIENT (100-90%)

PROFICIENT (89-80%)

DEVELOPING PROFICIENCY (79-70%)

LOW/NO PROFICIENCY (69-0%)

CM 1.1: Present material in clear and/or logical order appropriate to task.

CM 1.2: Articulate thesis and purpose clearly.

CM 1.3: Support thesis and purpose fully.

CM 1.4: Transition smoothly and develop connections from point to point.

CM 1.5: Create coherent progress from introduction through conclusion.

CM 2: Develop coherent paragraphs or points so that each is internally unified and so that each functions as part of the whole document or presentation.

HIGHLY PROFICIENT (100-90%)

PROFICIENT (89-80%)

DEVELOPING PROFICIENCY (79-70%)

LOW/NO PROFICIENCY (69-0%)

CM 2.1: Create meaningful topic sentence for each paragraph or point.

CM 2.2: Develop each paragraph’s single topic to the appropriate depth.

CM 2.3: Supply relevant and original supporting detail.

CM 3: Provide sufficient, correctly cited support that substantiates the writer’s ideas.

HIGHLY PROFICIENT (100-90%)

PROFICIENT (89-80%)

DEVELOPING PROFICIENCY (79-70%)

LOW/NO PROFICIENCY (69-0%)

CM 3.1: Use a variety of credible sources to support, extend, and inform an original thesis or idea, integrating source material smoothly.

CM 3.2: Summarize, paraphrase, and quote accurately.

CM 3.3: Cite sources properly.

CM 4: Tailor communications to the audience.

HIGHLY PROFICIENT (100-90%)

PROFICIENT (89-80%)

DEVELOPING PROFICIENCY (79-70%)

LOW/NO PROFICIENCY (69-0%)

CM 4.1: Identify target audience.

CM 4.2: Explain unfamiliar terms and material.

CM 4.3: Employ precise, appropriate language.

CM 4.4: Use audience-appropriate, consistent tone.

CM 4.5: Avoid language which indicates bias against individuals/groups their affiliations, orientations and beliefs.

CM 5: Use sentence structure appropriate to the task, message and audience.

HIGHLY PROFICIENT (100-90%)

PROFICIENT (89-80%)

DEVELOPING PROFICIENCY (79-70%)

LOW/NO PROFICIENCY (69-0%)

CM 5.1: Demonstrate variation in sentence structure.

CM 5.2: Express ideas clearly and concisely.

CM 5.3: Eliminate sentence-level errors such as run-ons/comma splices and sentence fragments.

CM 6: Follow conventions of Standard Written English.

HIGHLY PROFICIENT (100-90%)

PROFICIENT (89-80%)

DEVELOPING PROFICIENCY (79-70%)

LOW/NO PROFICIENCY (69-0%)

CM 6.1: Adhere to standard usage rules of grammar and mechanics.

CM 6.2: Adhere to standard usage rules of word choice.

CM 6.3: Adhere to standard usage rules of spelling.

TK 1: Identify and clearly explain the main issue or problem under critical consideration.

HIGHLY PROFICIENT (100-90%)

PROFICIENT (89-80%)

DEVELOPING PROFICIENCY (79-70%)

LOW/NO PROFICIENCY (69-0%)

TK 1.1: Summarize the issue or problem with supporting details to provide full understanding.

TK 1.2: Identify the underlying causes or conditions contributing to the issue or problem and consider the context.

TK 1.3: Pose significant questions to be answered prior to analyzing and addressing the issue or problem.

TK 2: Gather and analyze information to investigate the issue or problem.

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PROFICIENT (89-80%)

DEVELOPING PROFICIENCY (79-70%)

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TK 2.1: Scan the environment for information relevant to the issue or problem.

TK 2.2 Assess the reliability of the information gathered.

TK 2.3 Analyze the information in a logical and organized manner to see how concepts are developed and connected.

TK 2.4 Identify contradictory information and seek to reconcile contradictions.

TK 3: Consider and analyze other possible viewpoints, conclusions or solutions to the issue or problem.

HIGHLY PROFICIENT (100-90%)

PROFICIENT (89-80%)

DEVELOPING PROFICIENCY (79-70%)

LOW/NO PROFICIENCY (69-0%)

TK 3.1: Articulate clearly and fairly the viewpoints of others and their reasoning to provide adequate understanding.

TK 3.2: Identify significant, potential implications and consequences of alternative points of view.

TK 3.3: Evaluate assumptions underlying other possible viewpoints, conclusions or solutions.

TK 4: Develop well-reasoned ideas, conclusions or decisions, checking them against relevant criteria and benchmarks.

HIGHLY PROFICIENT (100-90%)

PROFICIENT (89-80%)

DEVELOPING PROFICIENCY (79-70%)

LOW/NO PROFICIENCY (69-0%)

TK 4.1: Present and explain those inferences and deductions that follow logically from the evidence provided.

TK 4.2: Assert logical conclusions only when sufficient evidence supports them, and distinguish between attainable and unattainable solutions.

TK 4.3: Incorporate ethical reasoning when formulating ideas, conclusions or decisions.