Distinguished - Constructs an outline with major headings that summarizes the main points. Thoroughly addresses each of the required components identified in the assignment instructions in a manner that is entirely logical and easy to follow.

Proficient - Constructs an outline with major headings that summarizes the main points. Addresses most of the required components identified in the assignment instructions in a manner that is logical and relatively easy to follow.

Basic - Constructs an outline with major headings that summarizes the main points. Minimally addresses some of the required components identified in the assignment instructions in a manner that is somewhat logical but not easy to follow.

Below Expectations - Attempts to construct an outline including major headings that summarizes the main points; however, each of the required components identified in the assignment instructions are not addressed, or addressed in a manner that is illogical and difficult to follow.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Proficient - Uses a minimum of six scholarly sources within the annotated bibliography. The sources are mostly appropriately selected, cited, and include a paragraph containing four- to- five well developed sentences for each one, and are relevant to the assignment, according to the description provided.

Basic - Uses at least five scholarly sources within the annotated bibliography. The sources are somewhat appropriately selected, cited, and include a paragraph containing at least four sentences for each one, and are relevant to the assignment, according to the description provided.

Below Expectations - Uses at least four sources within the annotated bibliography. The sources may not be appropriately selected or cited, the summary paragraph does not contain at least four well developed sentences, and the bibliography is incomplete and/or selections are not relevant to the assignment according to the description provided.

Non-Performance - The annotated bibliography uses fewer than four sources lacking the components described in the assignment instructions, or is either nonexistent.

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 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.