Exemplary 18-20 points	Proficient 16-17 points	Developing 14-15 points	Beginning 12-13 points	Inadequate 0-11 points
Comprehension of Assignment (20% of grade)	Addressed the question completely and thoroughly.  Provided additional supporting evidence, demonstrating a full comprehension of subject matter.	Addressed the question(s) completely and thoroughly.	Addressed the majority of the question(s).	Addressed minimal portions of the question(s).	Did not address the question(s).
Application of Course Knowledge and Content (20% of grade)	Thorough technical application of course knowledge and content in a complete and concise manner.	Technical application of course knowledge and content is mostly accurate, concise and complete.	Technical application of course knowledge and content is partially accurate, concise and complete.	Technical application of course knowledge and content is minimally accurate, concise and complete.	Technical application of course knowledge and content is inaccurate and incomplete.
Organization of Ideas (20% of grade)	Original ideas are effectively developed and presented in a logical, sequential order throughout the entire assignment. Includes adequate and appropriate supporting evidence.	Original ideas are effectively developed and presented in a logical, sequential order within a majority of the assignment. Includes acceptable supporting evidence	Original ideas are partially developed and presented in a somewhat logical, sequential order. Inadequate supporting evidence.	Original ideas are not present and/or not presented in a logical, sequential order.  Organization is difficult to follow throughout the assignment. Lacks supporting evidence.	Little to no original ideas or organization present throughout the entire assignment. Lacks supporting evidence.
Writing Skills (20% of grade)	Mechanics (spelling, grammar, and punctuation) are flawless, including proficient demonstration of citations and formatting throughout the entire assignment.	Mechanics (spelling, grammar, and punctuation) are accurate including demonstration of citations and formatting within a majority of the assignment.	Partial errors with mechanics (spelling, grammar, and punctuation) including demonstration of citations and formatting within minimal portions of the assignment.	Multiple errors with mechanics (spelling, grammar, and punctuation), inaccurate demonstration of citations and formatting.	Assignment is incomprehensible due to multiple errors with mechanics (spelling, grammar, and punctuation).  No demonstration of citations or formatting present.
Research Skills (20% of grade)	Accurate and applicable use of resources relevant to the subject matter that enhance the overall assignment.	Appropriate use of resources relevant to the subject matter.	Adequate use of resources, not all resources relevant to the subject matter.	Minimal use of resources relevant to the subject matter.	No evidence of resources apparent.