Distinguished - Cohesively and clearly describes the topic of the Community Development Plan.

Proficient - Adequately describes the topic of the Community Development Plan.

Basic - Briefly describes the topic of the final paper, Community Development Plan. The description is somewhat incomplete.

Below Expectations - Attempts to describe the topic of the Community Development Plan; however, the description is unclear.

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

Distinguished - Thesis statement is skillfully developed and thoroughly prepares the reader for the content, direction, and purpose of the paper.

Proficient - Thesis statement is mostly developed, and adequately prepares the reader for the content, direction, and purpose of the paper.

Basic - Thesis statement is present, partially prepares the reader for the content, direction, and purpose of the paper.

Below Expectations - Thesis statement is present. It does not adequately prepare the reader for the content, direction, and purpose of the paper.

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

Distinguished - Five references are appropriately selected, correctly cited, and clearly relevant to the assignment.

Proficient - Four to five references are selected, cited, and relevant to the assignment.

Basic - Three to four references are selected and somewhat relevant to the assignment. To some extent, citations may be inaccurate.

Below Expectations - References are not appropriately selected, and may be irrelevant to the assignment. Citations are inaccurate.

Non-Performance - The reference list 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 - Employs persuasive information from credible source(s) to develop an ample analysis or synthesis of the topic. Viewpoints of experts are scrutinized thoroughly.

Proficient - Employs applicable information from credible source(s) to develop an analysis of the topic.

Basic - Identifies applicable information from credible source(s), but may neglect the application of such information toward the analysis of the topic.

Below Expectations - Displays information from external source(s), but such information may lack credibility and/or relevance.  Neglects the application of such information toward the analysis of the topic.

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.