Distinguished - Provides a thoroughly developed introduction that states the chosen emergency response scenario. Includes a thesis statement that gives a clear direction and purpose of the paper.

Proficient - Provides a clearly developed introduction that states the chosen emergency response scenario. Includes a thesis statement, giving some direction and purpose of the paper.

Basic - Provides an introduction that states the chosen emergency response scenario. The thesis statement is included, and somewhat gives direction and purpose of the paper.

Below Expectations - Provides an introduction that states the chosen emergency response scenario. The thesis statement is present, though incomplete, and the direction and purpose of the paper is unclear.

Non-Performance - The introduction that states the chosen emergency response scenario and thesis statement are either non-existent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Clearly addresses the local, state, and federal government response and communication procedures relevant to the chosen emergency response scenario.

Proficient - Addresses the local, state, and federal government response and communication procedures relevant to the chosen emergency response scenario. Minor details are slightly unclear.

Basic - Minimally addresses the local, state, and federal government response and communication procedures relevant to the chosen emergency response scenario. Pertinent details are unclear.

Below Expectations - Attempts to address the local, state, and federal government response and communication procedures relevant to the chosen emergency response scenario; however, significant details are entirely unclear.

Non-Performance - The address of the local, state, and federal government response and communication procedures relevant to the chosen emergency response scenario is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - The specific position presented is inventive, considering the intricate ideas of an issue. Limits of the position are recognized. Other viewpoints are synthesized within the position.

Proficient - The specific position is adequate, considering some of the complexities of an issue. Limits of the position are recognized. Other viewpoints are synthesized within the position.

Basic - The specific position is adequate, considering a few complexities of an issue. Limits of the position are recognized but are not synthesized.

Below Expectations - The specific position lacks inventiveness and insufficiently considers the intricate ideas of an issue. Limits of the position are overlooked. Other viewpoints are not recognized within the position.

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

Distinguished - Conclusions and related outcomes are logical and clearly reflect an informed evaluation and the ability to place evidence and perspectives discussed in priority order.

Proficient - Conclusions and related outcomes are logical and reflect an informed evaluation and the ability to place evidence and perspectives discussed in priority order.

Basic - Conclusions and related outcomes are identified and minimally reflect an informed evaluation and the ability to place evidence and perspectives discussed in priority order.

Below Expectations - Conclusions and related outcomes are not logical or reflective of an informed evaluation and the ability to place evidence and perspectives discussed in priority order.

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 limited 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 the 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 an 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.