Distinguished - Paper is logically organized with a well-written introduction, thesis statement, and conclusion.

Proficient - Paper is logically organized with an introduction, thesis statement, and conclusion. One of these requires improvement.

Basic - Paper is organized with an introduction, thesis statement, and conclusion. One or more of the introduction, thesis statement, and/or conclusion require improvement.

Below Expectations - Paper is loosely organized with an introduction, thesis statement, and conclusion. The introduction, thesis statement, and/or conclusion require much improvement.

Non-Performance - The introduction, thesis statement, and conclusion are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Selects an entirely appropriate age group and identifies and thoroughly discusses the three theories and/or philosophies that reflect the vision of the classroom and curriculum.

Proficient - Selects an appropriate age group and identifies and discusses the three theories and/or philosophies that reflect the vision of the classroom. Minor details are missing.

Basic - Selects an age group and identifies and briefly discusses the three theories and/or philosophies that reflect the vision of the classroom and curriculum. Relevant details are missing.

Below Expectations - Attempts to select an age group and identify and discuss the three theories and/or philosophies that reflect the vision of the classroom and curriculum; however, significant details are missing.

Non-Performance - The selection of an age group and identification and discussion of the three theories and/or philosophies are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Comprehensively summarizes the concepts that will be taught in each academic area, including math, reading, science, and the fine arts.

Proficient - Summarizes the concepts that will be taught in each academic area, including math, reading, science, and the fine arts. The summary is slightly underdeveloped.

Basic - Minimally summarizes the concepts that will be taught in each academic area, including math, reading, science and/or the fine arts. The summary is underdeveloped.

Below Expectations - Attempts to summarize the concepts that will be taught in each academic area, including math, reading, science, and the fine arts; however, the summary is significantly underdeveloped.

Non-Performance - The summary of what will be taught in each academic area is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Thoroughly describes two specific activities for each academic area. The activities demonstrate how the concepts will be taught in a way that is representative of theories/philosophies and NAEYC or state standards.

Proficient - Describes two specific activities for each academic area. The activities demonstrate how the concepts will be taught in a way that is representative of theories/philosophies and NAEYC or state standards. Minor details are missing.

Basic - Briefly describes two specific activities for each academic area. The activities somewhat demonstrate how the concepts will be taught in a way that is representative of theories/philosophies and NAEYC or state standards. Relevant details are missing.

Below Expectations - Attempts to describe two specific activities for each academic area that demonstrate how the concepts will be taught in a way that is representative of theories/philosophies and NAEYC or state standards; however, significant details are missing.

Non-Performance - The description of activities that demonstrate how the concepts will be taught is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Demonstrates methodical application of organization and presentation of content. The purpose of the writing is evident and easy to understand. Summaries, quotes, and/or paraphrases fit naturally into the sentences and paragraphs. Paper flows smoothly.

Proficient - Demonstrates sufficient application of organization and presentation of content. The purpose of the writing is, for the most part, clear and easy to understand. There are some problems with the blending of summaries, paraphrases, and quotes. Paper flows somewhat smoothly.

Basic - Demonstrates a limited understanding of organization and presentation of content in written work. The purpose of the writing is somewhat evident, but may not be integrated throughout the assignment. There are many problems with the blending of summaries, paraphrases, and quotes. Paper does not flow smoothly in all sections.

Below Expectations - Organization and presentation of content is extremely limited. The purpose of the writing is unclear. There is little or no blending of summaries, paraphrases, and quotes. Paper does not flow smoothly when read.

Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.

Distinguished - Uses appropriate, pertinent, and persuasive content to discover and develop sophisticated ideas within the context of the discipline, shaping the work as a whole.

Proficient - Uses appropriate and pertinent content to discover ideas within the context of the discipline, shaping the work as a whole.

Basic - Uses appropriate and pertinent content, but does not apply it toward discovering or developing ideas. Overall, content assists in shaping the written work.

Below Expectations - Uses content, though it may be unrelated or inappropriate to the topic. Content does not contribute toward the development of the written work, and may distract the reader from its purpose.

Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.

Distinguished - Displays meticulous comprehension and organization of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains no errors, and is very easy to understand.

Proficient - Displays comprehension and organization of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains only a few minor errors, and is mostly easy to understand.

Basic - Displays basic comprehension of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains a few errors, which may slightly distract the reader.

Below Expectations - Fails to display basic comprehension of syntax or mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains major errors, which distract the reader.

Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.

Distinguished - Accurately uses APA formatting consistently throughout the paper, title page, and reference page.

Proficient - Exhibits APA formatting throughout the paper. However, layout contains a few minor errors.

Basic - Exhibits basic knowledge of APA formatting throughout the paper. However, layout does not meet all APA requirements.

Below Expectations - Fails to exhibit basic knowledge of APA formatting. There are frequent errors, making the layout difficult to distinguish as APA.

Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.

Distinguished - The paper meets the specific page requirement stipulated in the assignment description.

Proficient - The paper closely meets the page requirement stipulated in the assignment description.

Basic - The paper meets over half of the page requirement stipulated in the assignment description.

Below Expectations - A fraction of the page requirement is completed.

Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.

Distinguished - Uses more than the required number of scholarly sources, providing compelling evidence to support ideas. All sources on the reference page are used and cited correctly within the body of the assignment.

Proficient - Uses required number of scholarly sources to support ideas. All sources on the reference page are used and cited correctly within the body of the assignment.

Basic - Uses less than the required number of sources to support ideas. Some sources may not be scholarly. Most sources on the reference page are used within the body of the assignment. Citations may not be formatted correctly.

Below Expectations - Uses inadequate number of sources that provide little or no support for ideas. Sources used may not be scholarly. Most sources on the reference page are not used within the body of the assignment. Citations are not formatted correctly.

Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.