Using the Writing Rubrics for your next ELA writing class!

Writing rubrics were intentionally built with a simple "checklist" as opposed to a complex, multi-point rubric for ease of use by teachers and students alike. You can check yes, somewhat, no, or not observed.

We do not recommend checking "not observed" often - this is reserved for scenarios where it is impossible to score the student's work on that standard, either because there is not enough evidence or because the writing sample is not long enough. For example, if a student does not include a concluding statement at the end of their essay, it would be better to check "no" than not observed. If a student only writes two sentences, however, it may be applicable to check "not observed" for correct use of punctuation. With such a small writing sample, it is hard to determine whether the student has a grasp of punctuation rules such as comma usage, apostrophes, etc.

• The writing rubrics are built in grade bands as opposed to grade levels. There is one rubric for grades 3-5 and one for grades 6-8. These are designed for an on-level student. A struggling middle schooler may need to start with the 3-5th grade rubric and work up to the 6-8th grade rubric. Conversely, an excelling elementary school student may be able to work off the 6-8th grade rubric as a challenge.

​

• The standards on the rubrics are based on Common Core standards, but they also apply to many individual state standards (TEKS, Florida BEST, etc.).

​

• The rubrics have two components: ideas + composition and grammar + conventions. Ideas + composition is focused on the content and applies to the drafting and revision stages of the writing process whereas grammar + conventions applies to the editing process. When using the rubrics, we recommend the teachers focus on the ideas + composition first.

​

• There are three rubrics per grade band, one for each type of writing: narrative, opinion, and informational. The editing + conventions rubric remains the same across all three rubrics while the ideas + composition rubric varies. We've also provided an exemplar for each type of writing for each grade band. Of course, student levels vary greatly, but this provides teachers, students, and parents an idea of what "on-level" writing will look like. This is to help manage expectations and set reasonable learning goals.

​

• The writing rubrics are designed for a variety of uses, including:

  • For students to self-assess their work

  • A guide for teachers to provide constructive feedback

  • A resource to share with parents to better understand what is expected at their student's grade level

  • To guide conversations during a trial lesson about what will be included on a student's long-term PLP