Distinguished - Identifies at least six peer-reviewed journal articles from the Ashford University Library and correctly formats the assignment as an annotated bibliography. The references are in APA format, listed in alphabetical order, with an annotation following each reference.

Proficient - Identifies at least six peer-reviewed journal articles from the Ashford University Library and formats the assignment as an annotated bibliography. The references are formatted similar to APA style but may not be listed in alphabetical order. An annotation follows each reference.

Basic - Identifies at least six sources but some may not be peer-reviewed journal articles or from the Ashford University Library. An annotation follows each reference.

Below Expectations - Identifies fewer than six sources and/or formats the assignment as an essay instead of an annotated bibliography.

Non-Performance - The identification of sources to support the final paper is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Comprehensively summarizes the main points of each article. No direct quotations from the source are used.

Proficient - Summarizes the main points of each article. No direct quotations from the source are used. Minor details are missing.

Basic - Partially summarizes of each article. No direct quotations from the source are used. Relevant details are missing.

Below Expectations - Attempts to provide a summary of each article; however, verbatim wording from the source is used instead of an original paraphrase and/or significant details are missing.

Non-Performance - The summary of the main points of each article is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Thoroughly explains how each article will be used to inform and support the final research proposal.

Proficient - Explains how most of the articles will be used to inform or support the final research proposal. Minor details are missing.

Basic - Partially explains how some of the articles will be used in preparing the final research proposal. Relevant details are missing.

Below Expectations - Attempts to explain how the articles could be useful in the process of planning the final research proposal; however, significant details are missing.

Non-Performance - The explanation of the utility of each article for planning research is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment 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 - 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.

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.