| 4. Distinguished | 3. Proficient | 2. Apprentice | 1. Novice | |
| Research-Quality: Information from reputable sources |
Included facts, conclusions, and opinions from reliable sources. Included opinions of subject-matter experts. | Included facts, conclusions, and opinions from reliable sources. | Included a mixture of facts from reputable sources and opinions from unreliable sources. | Included more opinion than fact. Information was taken from unreliable sources. |
| Content-Amount of Information: Topic and length |
Topic was completely addressed. Statements were clearly supported by many facts and detailed examples. | Topic was addressed. Most statements were supported by facts and examples. | Topic was addressed. Some statements were supported by facts and examples. | Topic was not addressed. Statements were not supported by facts or examples. |
| Organization-Time Management: Uses time wisely |
Used time well. Work was turned in early or on time. | Most work was done on time. | Some work was not done on time. Monitored progress occasionally. Did not change work habits or schedule accordingly. Worked frantically to finish project on time. | Did not use time well. Little or no work was done on time. Did not monitor progress adequately. Project was not completed on time. |
| Teamwork-Problem-solving: Discussed, compromised, and made changes |
Met frequently to identify problems. Discussed possible solutions, soliciting feedback from all team members. Chose best solution and made appropriate changes to project work. | Met frequently to identify and discuss problems. Worked as a team to solve problems. | Infrequent or unproductive discussions between team members. Did not find best possible solutions to problems. | Did not discuss problems with other team members. Pretended there was not a problem. |
| Writing-Ideas: Interesting, informative details |
All details were unique, interesting, and related to and supported the main idea. Writing included information based on personal experience. | Writing had many interesting details which supported the main idea. Writing included information based on personal experience. | Writing had three or more details that supported the main idea. | Writing had few details. |
| Planning-Research and Notes: Quality and quantity |
Used six or more reliable sources of information. Notes are clear, organized, and complete. | Used four or five sources of information. No more than one source of information was not reliable. Notes were organized and complete. | Used two or three sources of information. Some of the sources were not reliable. Notes were not complete. | Used only one source of information, or did not use a reliable source. Notes were not clear or missing. |