Distinguished - Develops a clear thesis statement that fully identifies all four principles of the “what works” movement. The thesis statement gives a clear direction and purpose to the paper.

Proficient - Develops a clear thesis statement that identifies all four principles of the “what works” movement. The thesis statement gives some direction and purpose to the paper.

Basic - Develops a thesis statement that identifies at least three principles of the “what works” movement. The thesis statement gives little direction and purpose of the paper.

Below Expectations - A thesis statement is present; however, all four principles of the “what works” movement are not included and/or the direction and purpose of the paper is unclear.

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

Distinguished - Thoroughly analyzes the four general principles of effective intervention in a sequential order and comprehensively explains the meaning of each principle. The analysis and the explanation are supported by specific and relevant examples.

Proficient - Analyzes the four general principles of effective intervention in a sequential order and explains the meaning of each principle. The analysis and the explanation are supported by relevant examples but are missing minor details.

Basic - Minimally analyzes the four general principles of effective intervention in a sequential order and somewhat explains the meaning of each principle. The analysis and the explanation are somewhat supported by examples but are missing relevant details.

Below Expectations - Attempts to analyze the four general principles of effective intervention in a sequential order and explain the meaning of each principle; however, the analysis and the explanation are not supported or examples and or/are missing significant details.

Non-Performance - The analysis and explanation of principles are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Determines if the “what works” method is effective and thoroughly explains why each principle is effective or ineffective. The explanation is clearly supported by scholarly research.

Proficient - Determines if the “what works” method is effective and explains why each principle is effective or ineffective. The explanation is supported by scholarly research but is slightly underdeveloped.

Basic - Determines if the “what works” method is effective and minimally explains why each principle is effective or ineffective. The explanation is loosely supported by scholarly research and/or is underdeveloped.

Below Expectations - Determines if the “what works” method is effective and attempts to explain why each principle is effective or ineffective; however, the explanation is not supported by scholarly research and/or is significantly underdeveloped.

Non-Performance - The explanation of the “what works” method’s effectiveness is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Provides a complete conclusory paragraph that restates the thesis.

Proficient - Provides a conclusory paragraph that restates the thesis. The conclusion is slightly underdeveloped.

Basic - Provides a conclusory paragraph that partially restates the thesis. The conclusion is underdeveloped.

Below Expectations - Provides a conclusory paragraph but fails to adequately restate the thesis. The conclusion is significantly underdeveloped.

Non-Performance - A conclusory paragraph is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment 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 - 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 - 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 - While your paper did not have many spelling and grammar errors, those that were present distracted from your overall message. Please make sure to check these elements before submitting your papers in the future.

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.

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.