I remember when I first started teaching at Bishop Ford Central Catholic High School in Brooklyn; I knew I wanted to teach, but I had not taken one educational class, so I didn't know how to teach. I got my feet wet during the two years I spent there, and after that I learned that keeping lesson plans is a vital part of teaching. It wasn't until my third year teaching (my first year at James Madison High School in Brooklyn) that I realized just how valuable rubrics could be. The first time my direct supervisor asked me, "let me see the rubric," my heart leaped into my throat. Rubric? What is that?
Thus began my rubric creation. I can honestly say that on more than one occasion, a rubric has saved my butt. When I create a rubric for any assignment, I provide my students with a copy before they begin. I stick to those rules, and the rubrics provide me with a formulaic tool for assessment. If a student (or, more frequently, a parent) complains about a grade, I can point to the rubric. On more than one occasion, a general homework rubric, which I always distribute in the beginning of the school year, has provided sufficient argument to support grades I have given and to set standards.
Of course, there's the down side to the rubric. First, rubrics must be constantly updated. My rubrics often change to meet unforeseen demands or to correct errors in assessment. I've also heard the phrase, "it's not on the rubric" many, many times; I can't reward or penalize for something if it's not on the rubric because I'd be breaking a written promise to "stick to the standards" when grading an assignment. God forbid I ever do that!
Still, I tend to favor the positive side of the rubric. It certainly allows me to set the standards, and it does make grading assignments a heck of a lot easier!
If you'd like a quick, easy wat to create rubrics, try Rubistar. It allows you to create a rubric for almost anything, then download it to your computer or share it on the web.
I also found this video on YouTube in which an author discusses her book about writing rubrics.
Good point Chris! While I do use a rubric for each writing assignment, I find myself getting frustrated when I try to deduct points for various things but feel my hands are tied because "it wasn't on the rubric." UGH!
ReplyDeleteJenny
Chris, Jenny--
ReplyDeleteYou both mention sometimes feeling "trapped" by your own rubric because something wasn't included there that maybe should have been? Can either of you give an example of that? I don't often use rubrics, because I am not a classroom teacher, but I have in the past for a 6th grade research unit many years ago. I used a very basic rubric for the final project, mainly to spell out clearly what MUST be included and how many points each element was worth. I did leave room in the rubric for "over and above the call" work or inclusions not spelled out as required, however. What is an example of feeling you should deduct points, but "it's not on the rubric"?
I found your post very helpful and informative. I have not done much with rubrics. I understand them and follow them when the state puts forth the performance rubrics for students taking the
ReplyDeleteNY ELA. This week I had the opportunity to create a rubric for the first time. My assessments are usually diagnostic in nature and tend to yield a concrete level of reading.
I can see your frustration with rubrics from your post--and will remember this when I begin to create more rubrics to incorporate into my classes.
They definitley can save you butt as you put it. It gives you an easy guide to follow and usually makes grading easier. It also give a clear guideline for parents and students. If they question the grade, you can just refer them back to the rubric.
ReplyDeleteSome of our teachers have used Rubistar and praise it. I'm off to discover for myself how to use this tool.
ReplyDeleteFantastic post!