Distinguished - Constructs the outline including major headings for the various theories/points of view in a manner that is entirely logical and easy to follow.

Proficient - Constructs the outline including major headings for the various theories/points of view in a manner that is mostly logical.

Basic - Constructs the outline including major headings for the various theories/points of view in a manner that is somewhat logical.

Below Expectations - Constructs the outline including major headings for the various theories/points of view in a manner that is illogical and difficult to follow.

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

Distinguished - Comprehensively summarizes the research, thoroughly considering relevant information supporting and/or opposing each view point.

Proficient - Summarizes the research, considering information supporting or opposing each view point. Minor details are missing.

Basic - Partially summarizes the research, minimally considering information supporting or opposing each view point. Relevant details are missing.

Below Expectations - Attempts to summarize the research; however, information supporting or opposing each viewpoint is not considered and significant details are missing.

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

Distinguished - Uses a minimum of five scholarly sources within the annotated bibliography. The sources are appropriately selected, correctly cited, include a well developed paragraph for each one, and are clearly relevant to the assignment, according to the description provided.

Proficient - Uses a minimum of five scholarly sources within the annotated bibliography. Sources are appropriately selected, cited, include a well-developed paragraph for each one, and are relevant to the assignment, according to the description provided. Some details of the citation or selection are incorrect.

Basic - Uses at least five scholarly sources within the annotated bibliography. The sources are appropriately selected, cited, include a paragraph for each one, and are relevant to the assignment, according to the description provided. Many details of the citation are incorrect and/or the summary paragraph is not developed.

Below Expectations - Uses at least four scholarly sources within the annotated bibliography. The sources may not be appropriately selected, cited, or include a paragraph for each one. The bibliography is incomplete and/or selections are not relevant to the assignment according to the description provided.

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

Distinguished - Clearly and comprehensively explains in detail the issue to be considered, delivering all relevant information necessary for a full understanding.

Proficient - Clearly explains in detail the issue to be considered, delivering enough relevant information for an adequate understanding.

Basic - Briefly recognizes the issue to be considered, delivering minimal information for a basic understanding.

Below Expectations - Briefly recognizes the issue to be considered, but may not deliver additional information necessary for a basic understanding.

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 closely meets the 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.