Writing Rubrics Too General To Be Helpful « Education with Technology Harry G. Tuttle

Writing Rubrics Too General To Be Helpful

I have been searching online for writing rubrics for the different types of writing such as classification and argument. I am amazed to find out that most writing rubrics are generic. Since these rubrics are so general, they do not specifically assess how well students can do a certain type of writing. For example an argument paper is very different from a narrative. Each type of writing has unique characteristics and therefore, the same rubric cannot be used to assess them both. I wonder if we understand the writing process enough or whether we have simply glossed over the unique differences.

What type of writing rubric do you use – a general one or one specific to that type of writing? If it general, then you probably are not assessing that particular learning goal. You certainly are not using formative assessment.

2 Responses to “Writing Rubrics Too General To Be Helpful”

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1 Daniel Recktenwald August 13, 2008 at 7:21 pm

Mr. Tuttle:

I agree completely: “holistic” scoring rubrics for student writing are too general. I am now starting a writing rubric project for my school (DeSales High School in Louisville, KY) and looking around for models. The KY Holistic Scoring Guide does, in a manner so general as to be nearly Platonic, describe many qualities of effective writing. But if one were to apply that rubric to the scoring of a poem, story or persuasive essay . . . well, it’s a little like trying to tell salt from sugar by touch, rather than taste. Part of the challenge I will face as an aspiring leader at my school will be assisting colleagues across the curricula in composing just the kind of task/genre specific rubrics you have been searching for. Good luck! I’d be happy to exchange updates with you, if you’d like.

Daniel

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2 hgtuttle August 13, 2008 at 9:37 pm

Daniel,
Please do share your successes. I’ve gone to a writing rubric that has some generic traits (vocabulary, grammar, organization) but also emphasizes the critical traits (topic sentences, thesis, evidence) much more.
I also leave room for three critical comments that I expect to see improvements in.
Harry

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Education with Technology Harry G. Tuttle