Distinguished - The introductory paragraph includes the name of the program, the title of the job being applied for, and a comprehensive explanation of why you are the perfect candidate for the job. 

Proficient - The introductory paragraph includes the name of the program, the title of the job being applied for, and an explanation of why you are the perfect candidate for the job. The introductory paragraph is slightly underdeveloped. 

Basic - The introductory paragraph includes the name of the program, the title of the job being applied for, and a limited explanation of why you are the perfect candidate for the job. The introductory paragraph is underdeveloped.

Below Expectations - The introductory paragraph attempts to includes the name of the program, the title of the job being applied for, and an explanation of why you are the perfect candidate for the job; however, the introductory paragraph is significantly underdeveloped.

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

Distinguished - The five body paragraphs thoroughly address each of the questions chosen with critical thought. The responses are fully appropriate and clearly and fully supported by theories and/or concepts specific to the field of study.

Proficient - The five body paragraphs address each of the questions chosen with critical thought. The responses are appropriate and supported by theories and/or concepts specific to the field of study. The five body paragraphs are slightly underdeveloped.

Basic - The five body paragraphs minimally address each of the questions chosen with some critical thought. The responses are mostly appropriate and somewhat supported by theories and/or concepts specific to the field of study. The five body paragraphs are underdeveloped.

Below Expectations - The five body paragraphs attempt to address each of the questions chosen with limited critical thought; however, the responses are not entirely appropriate, not fully supported by theories and/or concepts specific to the field of study, and/or significantly underdeveloped.

Non-Performance - The five body paragraphs are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - The conclusion thoroughly reiterates why the Director should choose you for the position.

Proficient - The conclusion reiterates why the Director should choose you for the position. The conclusion is slightly underdeveloped.

Basic - The conclusion minimally reiterates why the Director should choose you for the position. The conclusion is underdeveloped.

Below Expectations - The conclusion attempts to reiterate why the Director should choose you for the position; however, the conclusion is significantly underdeveloped.

Non-Performance - The conclusion 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 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 - 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 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.

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 the 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 an 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.