Distinguished - Addresses all aspects of the prompt in accordance with the parameters of the discussion and demonstrates in-depth knowledge of the topic.

Proficient - Addresses all aspects of the prompt in accordance with the parameters of the discussion and demonstrates knowledge of the topic.

Basic - Addresses all aspects of the prompt in accordance with the parameters of the discussion and demonstrates basic knowledge of the topic.

Below Expectations -Addresses all or most aspects of the prompt in accordance with the parameters of the discussion and demonstrates limited knowledge of the topic.

Non-Performance - There is no initial discussion post, or the post does not address the discussion prompt at all.

Distinguished - Comprehensively explores the ideas, thoughts, and elements of the topic and provides relevant evidence and information that demonstrates all of the following as applicable to the prompt: clarity, relevance, depth, breadth, use of information resources, and logic.

Proficient - Explores the ideas, thoughts, and elements of the topic and provides relevant evidence and information that demonstrates most of the following as applicable to the prompt: clarity, relevance, depth, breadth, use of information resources, and logic.

Basic - Explores the ideas, thoughts, and elements of the topic and provides relevant evidence and information that demonstrates some of the following as applicable to the prompt: clarity, relevance, depth, breadth, and use of information, and logic.

Below Expectations - Attempts to explore the ideas, thoughts, and elements of the topic and provide relevant evidence and information, but demonstrates few of the following as applicable to the prompt: clarity, relevance, depth, breadth, use of information resources, and logic.

Non-Performance - There is no attempt to explore the ideas, thoughts, and elements of the topic and provide relevant evidence and information, or no post is present.

Distinguished - Displays clear control of syntax and mechanics. The organization of the work shows appropriate transitions and flow between sentences and paragraphs. Written work contains no errors and is very easy to understand.

Proficient - Displays control of syntax and mechanics. The organization of the work shows transitions and/or flow between sentences and paragraphs. Written work contains only a few errors and is mostly easy to understand.

Basic - Displays basic control of syntax and mechanics. The work is not organized with appropriate transitions and flow between sentences and paragraphs. Written work contains several errors, making it difficult to fully understand.

Below Expectations - Displays limited control of syntax or mechanics. The work does not include any transitions and does not flow easily between sentences and paragraphs. Written work contains major errors.

Non-Performance - Fails to display control of syntax or mechanics. Organization is also not present.