Distinguished - Clearly and comprehensively identifies and describes the purpose of the proposed social networking tool.

Proficient - Identifies and describes the purpose of the proposed social networking tool.  Some minor relevant details are missing.

Basic - Communication in the letter provides limited understanding of the purpose of the proposed social networking tool.

Below Expectations - Attempts to  identify and describe the purpose of the social networking tool.

Non-Performance - The identification and description of the purpose of the proposed social networking tool is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Clearly and comprehensively outlines the benefits of the social networking tool in the letter.

Proficient - Outlines the benefits of the social networking tool in the letter.  Some minor relevant benefits are missing.

Basic - Communication in the letter provides a limited understanding of the benefits of the social networking tool.

Below Expectations - Attempts to adequately outline the benefits of the social networking tool in the letter.

Non-Performance - The discussion of benefits the social networking tool provides is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Clearly and comprehensively discusses the potential risks students might encounter when using the social networking tool.

Proficient - Discusses the potential risks students might encounter when using the social networking tool.  Some minor relevant details about the risks are missing.

Basic - Communication in the letter demonstrates limited understanding of the potential risks students might encounter when using the social networking tool.

Below Expectations - Attempts to discuss the potential risks students might encounter when using the social networking tool.

Non-Performance - The discussion of risks that students might encounter when using the social networking tool 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 - 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 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.

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 - Provides ample resources and uses the correct number of sources from the specified search agents.

Proficient - Provides the approximate number of sources, while using some of the correct search agents specified in the assignment instructions.

Basic - Provides over half of the sources required in the assignment instructions.

Below Expectations - Provides inadequate number of resources and does not include sources from specified search agents.

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