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 - Provides several specific and fully developed examples where the research fully applies to an experienced environment.  Shows an expert understanding of the research and how it relates to the applicable environments.

Proficient - Provides specific examples where the research applies to an experienced environment.  Shows an sufficient understanding of the research and how it relates to the applicable environments.

Basic - Provides general examples where the research somewhat applies to an experienced environment.  Shows an rudimentary understanding of the research and how it relates to the applicable environments.

Below Expectations - Provides limited or incomplete examples where the research might apply to an experienced environment, but examples actually have little or no application to the environment. Shows an lack of understanding of the research and how it relates to the applicable environment.

Non-Performance - The paper either nonexistent or fails to apply the research to a personal environment.

Distinguished - Provides several specific and fully developed examples of how the knowledge gained in this course will be used in the future.  Shows an expert understanding of the concepts covered in the course.

Proficient - Provides specific examples of how the knowledge gained in this course will be used in the future.  Shows an sufficient understanding of the concepts covered in the course.

Basic - Provides general examples of how the knowledge gained in this course will be used in the future.  Shows an rudimentary understanding of the concepts covered in the course.

Below Expectations - Provides limited or incomplete examples how the knowledge gained in this course will be used in the future, but examples actually have little or no relationship to the text. Shows an lack of understanding of the concepts covered in the course.

Non-Performance - The paper either nonexistent or fails to describe how the knowledge gained in this course will be used in the future. 

Distinguished - Demonstrates an understanding of the multiple ways of reading and the range of interpretive strategies particular to one's discipline(s) or in a given community of readers.

Proficient - Demonstrates that s/he can read purposefully, choosing among interpretive strategies depending on the purpose of the reading.

Basic - Identifies a purpose for reading when provided with clarification of the task.

Below Expectations - Fails to identify a purpose for reading when provided with clarification of the task.

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

Distinguished - Assesses changes in own learning over time, recognizing varied contextual factors (e.g., works with ambiguity and risk, deals with frustration, considers ethical frameworks).

Proficient - Effectively communicates strengths and challenges (within specific performances or events) to increase effectiveness in different contexts (through increased self-awareness).

Basic - Depicts own performances with general descriptions of success and failure.

Below Expectations - Unsuccessfully defines own performances with general descriptors of success and failure.

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.