First Amendment: Religion and Education – Rubric
Legal Issues 35 points
Criteria Description
Discuss any legal issues regarding the grading of your student’s essay and depiction of Jesus and the Last
Supper, and whether you could display the student’s work.
5. Target 35 points
Discussion of legal issues regarding the grading and displaying of the student’s work is presented
thoroughly with a detailed explanation of whether or not they could display the student’s work, supported
by resources.
4. Acceptable 30.45 points
Discussion of legal issues regarding the grading and displaying of the student’s work is presented clearly
and along with a detailed explanation of whether or not they could display the student’s work.
3. Approaching 27.65 points
Discussion of legal issues presented is appropriate in regard to grading the student’s work. Some details
are given to explain whether they could display the student’s work, but they may be vague.
2. Insufficient 25.9 points
Discussion of legal issues presented has little or nothing to do with grading or displaying the student’s
work.
1. Unsatisfactory 0 points
Application of First Amendment 35 points
Criteria Description
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How does the First Amendment apply to this situation?
5. Target 35 points
Essay clearly and realistically describes how the First Amendment applies to this situation.
4. Acceptable 30.45 points
Essay adequately describes how the First Amendment applies to this situation.
3. Approaching 27.65 points
Essay includes vague references to the First Amendment. Application of First Amendment to situation is
lacking detail and clarity.
2. Insufficient 25.9 points
Essay includes very little information about the First Amendment.
1. Unsatisfactory 0 points
The first amendment is not mentioned in regard to the situation.
Thesis, Position, or Purpose 7 points
Criteria Description
Communicates reason for writing and demonstrates awareness of audience.
5. Target 7 points
The thesis, position, or purpose is persuasively developed throughout and skillfully directed to a specific
audience.
4. Acceptable 6.09 points
The thesis, position, or purpose is clearly communicated throughout and clearly directed to a specific
audience.
3. Approaching 5.53 points
The thesis, position, or purpose is adequately developed. An awareness of the appropriate audience is
demonstrated.
2. Insufficient 5.18 points
The thesis, position, or purpose is discernable in most aspects but is occasionally weak or unclear. There is
limited awareness of the appropriate audience.
Development, Structure, Conclusion and 500-750-word count 8 points
Criteria Description
Advances position or purpose throughout writing; conclusion aligns to and evolves from development. Essay
meets 500-750-word count.
5. Target 8 points
The thesis, position, or purpose is coherently and cohesively advanced throughout. The progression of
ideas is coherent and unified. A convincing and unambiguous conclusion aligns to the development of the
purpose. Minimum word count is met.
4. Acceptable 6.96 points
The thesis, position, or purpose is logically advanced throughout. The progression of ideas is coherent and
unified. A clear and plausible conclusion aligns to the development of the purpose. Minimum word count
is met.
3. Approaching 6.32 points
The thesis, position, or purpose is advanced in most aspects. Ideas clearly build on each other. Conclusion
aligns to the development of the purpose. Minimum word count is met.
2. Insufficient 5.92 points
Limited advancement of thesis, position, or purpose is discernable. There are inconsistencies in
organization or the relationship of ideas. Conclusion is simplistic and not fully aligned to the development
of the purpose. Minimum word count is not met.
1. Unsatisfactory 0 points
Evidence 5 points
Criteria Description
Selects and integrates evidence to support and advance position/purpose; considers other perspectives.
5. Target 5 points
Comprehensive and compelling evidence is included. Multiple other perspectives are integrated
effectively.
4. Acceptable 4.35 points
Specific and appropriate evidence is included. Other perspectives are integrated.
3. Approaching 3.95 points
Relevant evidence that includes other perspectives is used.
2. Insufficient 3.7 points
Evidence is used but is insufficient or of limited relevance. Simplistic explanation or integration of other
perspectives is present.
1 Unsatisfactory 0 points
Mechanics of Writing 5 points
Criteria Description
Includes spelling, capitalization, punctuation, grammar, language use, sentence structure, etc.
5. Target 5 points
No mechanical errors are present. Skilled control of language choice and sentence structure are used
throughout.
4. Acceptable 4.35 points
Few mechanical errors are present. Suitable language choice and sentence structure are used.
3. Approaching 3.95 points
Occasional mechanical errors are present. Language choice is generally appropriate. Varied sentence
structure is attempted.
2. Insufficient 3.7 points
Frequent and repetitive mechanical errors are present. Inconsistencies in language choice or sentence
structure are recurrent.
1. Unsatisfactory 0 points
Errors in grammar or syntax are pervasive and impede meaning. Incorrect language choice or sentence
structure errors are found throughout.
Format/Documentation 5 points
Criteria Description
Uses appropriate style, such as APA, MLA, etc., for college, subject, and level; documents sources using
citations, footnotes, references, bibliography, etc., appropriate to assignment and discipline. A minimum of
five sources are used.
5. Target 5 points
No errors in formatting or documentation are present. Selectivity in the use of direct quotations and
synthesis of sources is demonstrated. Minimum of five sources is met or exceeded.
4. Acceptable 4.35 points
Appropriate format and documentation are used with only minor errors. Minimum of five sources is met.
3. Approaching 3.95 points
Appropriate format and documentation are used, although there are some obvious errors. Minimum of five
sources is met.
2. Insufficient 3.7 points
Appropriate format is attempted, but some elements are missing. Frequent errors in documentation of
sources are evident. Minimum of five sources is not met.
1. Unsatisfactory 0 points
Total 100 points