Distinguished - Selects an entirely appropriate academic standard that is fully compatible with the direct instruction model. Writes thorough objectives that clearly articulate what the student should understand, know, and be able to do using the KUD format.

Proficient - Selects an appropriate academic standard that is compatible with the direct instruction model. Writes objectives that articulate what the student should understand, know, and be able to do using the KUD format. One of the objectives is slightly unclear.

Basic - Selects an academic standard that is somewhat compatible with the direct instruction model. Writes objectives that minimally articulate what the student should understand, know, and be able to do using the KUD format. At least one of the objectives is unclear.

Below Expectations - Selects an academic standard that may or may not be compatible with the direct instruction model and writes objectives that do not articulate what the student should understand, know, and be able to do. May not use the KUD format, or the objectives are unclear.

Non-Performance - The selection of an appropriate academic standard that is compatible with the direct instruction model and the writing of the objectives to match the standard using the KUD format are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Lists and comprehensively describes at least two activities that could be used in a direct instruction lesson plan to support the written objectives.

Proficient - Lists and describes at least two activities that could be used in a direct instruction lesson plan to support the written objectives. Minor details are missing.

Basic - Lists and partially describes at least two activities that could be used in a direct instruction lesson plan to support the written objectives. Relevant details are missing.

Below Expectations - Lists and attempts to describe at least two activities that could be used in a direct instruction lesson plan to support the written objectives; however, significant details are missing.

Non-Performance - The listing and description of at least two activities that could be used in a direct instruction lesson plan are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment 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 - Employs persuasive information from credible sources to develop an ample analysis or synthesis of the topic. Viewpoints of experts are scrutinized thoroughly.

Proficient - Employs applicable information from credible sources to develop an analysis of the topic.

Basic - Identifies applicable information from credible sources, but may neglect the application of such information toward the analysis of the topic.

Below Expectations - Displays information from external sources, 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.

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.

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.