Distinguished - Identifies and thoroughly explains a specific public policy problem that has not received sufficient funding from Washington, DC or from selected state.

Proficient - Identifies and explains a specific public policy problem that has not received sufficient funding from Washington, DC or from selected state. The explanation is missing some minor details.

Basic - Identifies and briefly explains a specific public policy problem that has not received sufficient funding from Washington, DC or from selected state. The explanation is missing relevant details.

Below Expectations - Attempts to identify and explain a specific public policy problem that has not received sufficient funding from Washington, DC or from selected state; however, the explanation is missing significant details.

Non-Performance - The identification and explanation of a specific public policy problem that has not received sufficient funding are either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Comprehensively assesses the funding situation of the public policy issue. Expertly applies concepts and vocabulary from the text and/or additional scholarly research.

Proficient - Assesses the funding situation of the public policy issue. Sufficiently applies concepts and vocabulary from the text and/or additional scholarly research. Some minor details are missing.

Basic - Assesses the funding situation of the public policy issue. Minimally applies concepts and vocabulary from the text and/or additional scholarly research. Relevant details are missing.

Below Expectations - Attempts to assess the funding situation of the public policy issue; however, concepts and vocabulary from the text and/or additional scholarly research are not applied. Significant details are missing.

Non-Performance - The assessment of the funding situation of the public policy issue is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Thoroughly analyzes the impact of insufficient funding on stakeholders. Utilizes strong, relevant examples to illustrate points.

Proficient - Analyzes the impact of insufficient funding on stakeholders. Utilizes examples to illustrate points.

Basic - Partially analyzes the impact of insufficient funding on stakeholders. Utilizes limited examples to illustrate points.

Below Expectations - Attempts to analyze the impact of insufficient funding on stakeholders; however, examples may not be used to illustrate points.

Non-Performance - The analysis of the impact of insufficient funding on stakeholders 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 - 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 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 meets the specific page requirement stipulated in the assignment description.

Basic - The paper meets over half of the page requirement stipulated in the assignment description.

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 - 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 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 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.