Definition

An assessment rubric is a rule for scoring or coding the quality of an observed performance.

Rubric = indicator(indicative behaviour) + set of quality criteria

For example

A set of these are called rubrics. You typically need a number of rubrics to assess a task.

The Guidelines page provides 10 rules for writing quality criteria. By following these guidelines you are more likely to develop rubrics that allow you to collect reliable data about what your students can do and what they are ready to learn next.

You will see that most if the sample rubrics featured on Reliable Rubrics are presented in a grid or matrix.  Notice that the quality criteria for each of the rubrics in a matrix are placed at different heights. Each criteria is arranged so that the more complex skills are placed higher in the matrix. The less complex skills are placed lower in the matrix. Two skills at the same height are considered roughly similar in complexity. In a nutshell, height in the matrix is a proxy measure for complexity. This process is called a pairwise comparison. It shows the relative complexity of each of the quality criteria being assessed.