While single point rubrics are not new they are growing in popularity. Not surprising since these rubrics have a lot less text and provide clearer expectations to students. If you are new to using single point rubrics or just want a nice overview check out this Cult of Pedagogy post

Several years ago the TRS social studies team created a set of universal rubrics for the performances assessments. These analytical rubrics were intended to primarily evaluate learning and skills as opposed to compliance. For example, instead of giving points for the number of photos on a museum exhibit the photos would be assessed for how well they exhibit student understanding of the content.

These rubrics remain in the TRS system and they can be adapted to single point rubrics very easily. Single point rubrics provide students with just an articulation of what is considered the proficient performance. The Proficient Understanding column in the universal rubric becomes the basis for the single point rubric. Additionally, some of the descriptors may need adjustment to address the specific nature of the performance assessment.  See the example below for a World Geography performance assessment.

Template #1 for Single-Point Rubric

 WG Con Unit 2 – PA 2

Create a portfolio of maps that represent a variety of formal, functional and perceptual regions. The portfolio should include at least five examples of formal regions, at least three examples of functional regions and at least two examples of perceptual regions. The portfolio should also include explanations with the examples detailing why that region is representative of a formal, functional, or perceptual region.

Concerns Areas that Need Work	Criteria Standards for This Performance	Advanced Evidence of Exceeding Standards
	Content Understanding A sufficient amount of information is included in the product. The product includes important information and/or textual support that indicate an understanding of the unit content.
	Presentation of Graphic Products The product is well organized and neatly planned. All required illustrations accurately indicate an understanding of the content and connect to the unit content.
	Social Studies Processes Geographic information is analyzed by categorizing. as indicated by the use of relevant examples.

A little research about single point rubrics reveals there are a variety of templates for these rubrics. You can find copies of the templates we have found and more examples of how the PA rubrics in the TRS social studies can be adapted to single point rubrics here.

We encourage you to give single point rubrics a try.

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash