Heidi Goodrich, a rubrics expert, defines a rubric as "a scoring tool that lists the criteria for a piece of work or 'what counts.' " So, a rubric for a multimedia project will list the things the student must have included to receive a certain score or rating. Rubrics help the student figure out how their project will be evaluated. Goodrich quotes a student who said he didn't much care for rubrics because "if you get something wrong, your teacher can prove you knew what you were supposed to do."

Generally, rubrics specify the level of performance expected for several levels of quality. These levels of quality may be represented by different ratings (Excellent, Good, Needs Improvement) or as numerical scores (4, 3, 2, 1). These ratings are then added up to form a total score that is associated with a grade (A, B, C, etc.).

Many rubrics also specify the level of assistance (e.g., Independently, With Minimal Adult Help; With Extensive Adult Help) for each quality rating.

Rubrics can help students and teachers define "quality." Rubrics can also help students judge and revise their own work before handing in their assignments.

What Are the Critical Components of a Rubric?

1. Performance Element: the major critical attributes, which focus upon best practices.
2. Scale: the possible points to be assigned (high to low).
3. Criteria: conditions a performance must meet for it to be considered successful.
4. Standard: a description of how well the criteria must be met for the performance to be considered "good".
5. Descriptors: statements that describe each level of the performance.
6. Indicators: specific, concrete examples or telltale signs of what to look for at each level of the performance.

For more information on understanding and using rubrics, click on this link.

http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/dec96/vol54/num04/Understanding-Rubrics.aspx