Marking criteria and rubrics

When you develop your marking criteria, you need to include all of the elements for criterion-referenced, standards-based assessment.

Rubrics are used to assess students work against criteria and standards. Clear rubrics inform students about the elements markers are looking for and the different levels of performance they can achieve. Rubrics also guide markers in making fair and transparent judgments about students achievement of learning outcomes. Consider the following aspects when developing and using your rubric.

Marking criteria

Develop marking criteria that relate to specific tasks and the knowledge, skills and applications you expect the student to demonstrate.

Performance standards for each criterion

Develop performance standards that describe the expectations for students' work for different grade levels.

Assigning grades and marks

Convert achievement against criteria and standards into a grade, in a way that's valid and reliable.

Evaluating marking rubrics

Review elements of your rubric design.

Reflect and improve your criteria and standards

Refine your marking criteria and standards based on feedback and reflections.

Example rubrics

You can use our examples to help you develop rubrics for your assessment items.