Rubrics: Introduction
When you read the rubrics, keep in mind that there are four rubric levels and they include the following:
- Level 1: Status quo before any change efforts have been undertaken (minimally developed)
- Level 2: Status quo plus awareness of need to change and initiation of planning (partially developed)
- Level 3: Substantial change made in status quo and additional changes under discussion (largely developed)
- Level 4: Best practices and policies currently being implemented (well developed)
Some people find that reading the rubric beginning with the fourth level helps them to understand what best practice looks like. After reviewing Level 4, they then go to Levels 1, 2, and 3 to assess where their district/state is on this dimension of the rubric.
- Scoring sheet: The scoring sheet enables you to assess how your district/state is doing in this area. In prioritizing where you want to put your efforts, you and colleagues will need to make judgments about whether to address only areas of weakness or to also build on areas where the state and district are strong.
- Next steps: At the end of the rubrics, we have included links to states/districts that have developed some best practices in this area. In addition, we have aggregated a list of additional resources that may help you find more information about research and best practices. These links can be found in the “Annotated Resources” section.
- Sharing with colleagues: In the “Rubric Tools” section, we’ve listed suggestions for conducting a conversation about the rubrics with you colleagues. This includes information on scoring, and initiating plans to address issues.
- Additional technical assistance: Once you have begun this process, you may want to consult the Expert Faculty Bios for a list of people who can support you in the change process. This can be found in the “Contact Us” section.