Rubrics for Formative Assessment and Grading (Quick Reference Guide)

Rubrics are essential to help students learn how to learn and, when used correctly, are strong tools that support and enhance classroom instruction and student learning. But rubrics are often unclear and confusing for students, providing few specifics on what learning is meant to take place. In this quick reference guide, Susan M. Brookhart details how to create and use rubrics to improve assessment and understanding in the classroom. Brookhart identifies the two essential components that separate rubrics from other assessment tools, provides steps to critically review rubrics, and answers frequently asked questions about how to use rubrics when grading. She also outlines the differences between and uses of the four types of rubrics. Packed with information, sample rubrics, and strategies for student engagement, this guide is a great resource for any educator who wants to more effectively incorporate rubrics into the classroom.

About the Author:

Susan M. Brookhart, PhD, is an independent education consultant and author based in Helena, Montana. She also serves as an adjunct faculty member in the School of Education at Duquesne University. Brookhart was the 2007–09 editor of Educational Measurement: Issues and Practice and is currently an associate editor of Applied Measurement in Education. She is author or coauthor of 17 books and more than 70 articles and book chapters on classroom assessment, teacher professional development, and evaluation, including ASCD's How to Create and Use Rubrics for Formative Assessment and Grading. Brookhart serves on the editorial boards of several journals and on several national advisory panels, and she does professional development and other consulting for schools, districts, states, and universities.