Distinguished - Includes a thorough introductory paragraph with a succinct thesis statement and concluding paragraph that reaffirms the thesis.

Proficient - Includes an introductory paragraph with a good thesis statement and concluding paragraph that reaffirms the thesis.

Basic - Includes a vague introductory paragraph with a limited thesis statement and a concluding paragraph that minimally reaffirms the thesis.

Below Expectations - Includes introductory paragraph that does not contain a thesis statement and/or a concluding paragraph that does not reaffirm the thesis.

Non-Performance - The introductory and concluding paragraphs are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Comprehensively outlines the topics and subtopics fully detailing how they pertain to the questions noted in the instructions for the Final Paper.

Proficient - Outlines the topics and subtopics detailing how they pertain to the questions noted in the instructions for the Final Paper. Minor details are missing.

Basic - Minimally outlines the topics and subtopics partially detailing how they pertain to the questions noted in the instructions for the Final Paper. Relevant details are missing.

Below Expectations - Attempts to outline the topics and subtopics; however, does not detail how they pertain to the questions noted in the instructions for the Final Paper and/or significant details are missing.

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

Distinguished - Provides a thorough annotated bibliography including at least five scholarly sources. The annotations are very well written and include a thorough description and rationale statement explaining the how they are pertinent to the Final Paper and supports the findings.

Proficient - Provides an annotated bibliography including five scholarly sources. The annotations are well written and include a description and rationale statement explaining the how they are pertinent to the Final Paper and supports the findings.

Basic - Provides a limited annotated bibliography including at least four scholarly sources. The annotations are somewhat well written but only include a minimal description and rationale statement explaining the how they are pertinent to the Final Paper and support the findings.

Below Expectations - Attempts to provide an annotated bibliography; however, the bibliography contains fewer than four sources that are not scholarly, the annotations are missing or not well written, and/or does not include a description or rational statement explaining how they are pertinent to the Final Paper and support the findings.

Non-Performance - The annotated bibliography is either nonexistent or lacking the components required or as described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Conclusions and related outcomes are logical and clearly reflect an informed evaluation and the ability to place evidence and perspectives discussed in priority order.

Proficient - Conclusions and related outcomes are logical and reflect an informed evaluation and the ability to place evidence and perspectives discussed in priority order.

Basic - Conclusions and related outcomes are identified and minimally reflect an informed evaluation and the ability to place evidence and perspectives discussed in priority order.

Below Expectations - Conclusions and related outcomes are not logical or reflective of an informed evaluation and the ability to place evidence and perspectives discussed in priority order.

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 - 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 are 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 page, and reference page.

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

Basic - Exhibits limited 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 length of the paper is equivalent to the required number of correctly formatted pages. 

Proficient - The length of the paper is nearly equivalent to the required number of correctly formatted pages. 

Basic - The length of the paper is equivalent to at least three quarters of the required number of correctly formatted pages.

Below Expectations - The length of the paper is equivalent to at least one half of the required number of correctly formatted pages.   

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