Choosing the Right Rubric: A Deeper Dive into Analytic, Holistic, and Checklist Rubrics
Our last blog discussed what a rubric is and why a teacher might choose to use one. It explored three specific types of rubrics: analytic, holistic, and checklist.
This blog post aims to build on the last, delineating further when you might choose to use each type of rubric and providing some examples of them.
When to Use Analytic Rubrics in Standards-Based Systems
In most standards-based systems, where grade data is disaggregated, analytic rubrics will be more useful for summative assessment than the other two types. The different rows of an analytic rubric can either directly represent or align with learning targets or performance indicators. Taking the time to make the criteria in the leftmost column of the rubric match the stated assessment criteria will save the teacher time later when they need to enter grades into their gradebook.
Likewise, using an analytic rubric for formative assessment during the learning process allows the teacher to provide target—or indicator-based feedback to guide student learning as students work toward mastering challenging skills such as developing a presentation, extended report, or other multi-faceted project.
Here are some examples of Analytic Rubrics:
Rachel Duddy, Writing. 2nd Grade. Main Idea and Text Features.
Jen Macaluso, Mathematics. 8th Grade. Geometry: Transformations and Angles.
Paige Willard, World Languages. High School. Recipe Writing.
When to Use Holistic Rubrics in Standards-Based Systems
Holistic rubrics are used in one of several cases. A holistic rubric could be a good choice if the teacher does not need to disaggregate data for feedback or reporting purposes. This might happen in the case of an exit portfolio or exhibition. We frequently see holistic rubrics used in standardized testing, like on the essay portion of the SAT, which is scored with a 0-6 holistic rubric.
Here are some examples of Holistic Rubrics:
Harrison Lusty, ELA. 6th Grade. Holistic Writing.
Here is a collection of more examples of holistic rubrics from Cambrian College.
When to Use Checklist Rubrics in Standards-Based Systems
As mentioned in our last post, checklists are useful tools for students during project creation and for teachers as formative assessments.
Here are some examples of Checklist Rubrics:
Emelia Inkpen, Science. 8th Grade. Energy.
From the University of Colorado at Boulder.
Additional Resources for Effective Rubric Creation
For more ideas on rubric creation, check out our 2021 series on rubrics, which includes Building Effective Rubrics. That series also includes a post on designing rubrics to serve as valid assessment tools (Validity) and a discussion on maximizing Transparency in Rubrics through their intentional design.
If you’d like to learn more about how JumpRope can help you build and create rubrics for student success, reach out today for a discussion.
