Distinguished - Thoroughly discusses the purpose or main function of each law and comprehensively discusses the six principles of IDEA and the six principles of NCLB.

Proficient - Discusses the purpose or main function of each law and discusses the six principles of IDEA and the six principles of NCLB. One of the discussions is slightly underdeveloped.

Basic - Somewhat discusses the purpose or main function of each law and briefly discusses the six principles of IDEA and the six principles of NCLB. One of the discussions is underdeveloped.

Below Expectations - Attempts to discuss the purpose or main function of each law and discuss the six principles of IDEA and the six principles of NCLB; however, both discussions are significantly underdeveloped.

Non-Performance - The discussion of the purpose or function of each law and the discussion of the six principles of IDEA and NCLB are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Comprehensively discusses the important elements of Section 504 and ADA and the difference between Section 504 and IDEA.

Proficient - Sufficiently discusses the important elements of Section 504 and ADA and the difference between Section 504 and IDEA. Minor details are missing or inaccurate.

Basic - Partially discusses the important elements of Section 504 and ADA and the difference between Section 504 and IDEA. Relevant details are missing or inaccurate.

Below Expectations - Minimally discusses the important elements of Section 504 and ADA and the difference between Section 504 and IDEA. Significant details are missing and/or inaccurate.

Non-Performance - The discussion of the important elements of Section 504 and ADA and the difference between Section 504 and IDEA is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Clearly discusses the significance of educators having knowledge of these laws when educating students with disabilities. Utilizes strong examples from the course text or other scholarly sources to support the discussion.

Proficient - Discusses the significance of educators having knowledge of these laws when educating students with disabilities. Utilizes examples from the course text or other scholarly sources to support the discussion. The discussion is slightly underdeveloped.

Basic - Discusses the significance of educators having knowledge of these laws when educating students with disabilities. Utilizes few examples from the course text or other scholarly sources to support the discussion. The discussion is underdeveloped.

Below Expectations - Vaguely discusses the significance of educators having knowledge of these laws when educating students with disabilities. May not utilize examples from the course text or other scholarly sources to support the discussion. The discussion is significantly underdeveloped.

Non-Performance - The discussion of the significance of educators having knowledge of each law 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 - 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 - 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.