What is typically included in a rubric?

A rubric typically includes a detailed guide based on defined criteria for assessing quality. This structured framework allows both educators and students to understand the expectations for an assignment clearly and provides transparency in how the assessment is conducted. Rubrics break down the various components of a task into specific criteria, often with descriptions of different levels of performance for each criterion. This detailed approach not only helps in grading but also serves as a tool for students to self-assess and improve upon their work by identifying areas for growth.

In contrast, a single score that represents overall student performance simplifies the evaluation process but lacks the specificity that a rubric provides. A fixed template that does not change would not be flexible enough to accommodate different assignments or learning objectives. An informal checklist for teacher use only does not involve the detailed criteria that are necessary for meaningful feedback to students, which is a fundamental purpose of a rubric.