How Do I Design Rubrics for Grading?

Teaching with Valor Podcast: A Veteran Teachers Perspective

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"Hello and welcome back to Teaching with Valor, the podcast dedicated to helping teachers become the best educators they can be, one lesson, one day at a time. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today, we’re diving into a question that every teacher, no matter the subject or grade level, has probably asked: How do I design rubrics for grading?

Now, grading can be a challenging process. There’s so much to consider, from content mastery to critical thinking to creativity. And when we assess students, we want to make sure we’re fair, transparent, and clear about what we’re looking for. That’s where rubrics come in. A well-designed rubric can be a powerful tool, guiding students toward their best work while making grading faster, more consistent, and less subjective.

In today’s episode, we’ll break down the essentials of creating rubrics. We’ll talk about different types of rubrics, what to include, and how to tailor them to elementary, middle, and high school levels. And, of course, I’ll share tips on how to use rubrics not only as grading tools but as ways to communicate expectations to students and even parents.
Show Notes
For more information on this topic checkout the following resources:

• Edutopia – Assessment Resources: www.edutopia.org - Guides and templates for designing rubrics across grade levels.
• Cult of Pedagogy – How to Create a Rubric That Works: Tips and examples on creating effective rubrics.
• Rubistar: An online tool for creating rubrics tailored to different assignments and grade levels.
• ASCD – Using Rubrics to Improve Student Writing: Insights on using rubrics to enhance feedback in writing assignments.
• TeachThought – Rubrics for Teachers: A resource with rubric templates and strategies for all subjects and levels.

Stay tuned for more episodes, and remember, every student is unique, and every classroom can be a place where all students succeed. Keep teaching with valor!