Distinguished - Develops a comprehensive introduction, with very clear, well-defined description of setting and statement of objectives.

Proficient - Develops a full introduction, with clear and detailed description of setting and statement of objectives.

Basic - Develops an adequate introduction, with clear description of setting and statement of objectives.

Below Expectations - Develops a minimal introduction, with deficiencies in description of setting and statement of objectives.

Non-Performance - Does not develop an introduction.

Distinguished - Develops a comprehensive argument section, including exemplary detail in the explanation, analysis, and examples as specified in this section.

Proficient - Develops a full argument section, including substantial detail in the explanation, analysis, and examples as specified in this section.

Basic - Develops an adequate argument section, including satisfactory detail in the explanation, analysis, and examples as specified in this section.

Below Expectations - Develops a minimal argument section, including some detail in the explanation, analysis, and examples as specified in this section.

Non-Performance - Does not develop an argument section.

Distinguished - Develops a comprehensive action section, including exemplary detail in the explanation, analysis, and examples as specified in this section.

Proficient - Develops a full action section, including substantial detail in the explanation, analysis, and examples as specified in this section.

Basic - Develops an adequate action section, including satisfactory detail in the explanation, analysis, and examples as specified in this section.

Below Expectations - Develops a minimal action section, including some detail in the explanation, analysis, and examples as specified in this section.

Non-Performance - Does not develop an action section.

Distinguished - Develops a comprehensive, logical conclusion with very clear, well-defined, relevant detail.

Proficient - Develops a full, logical conclusion, with clear, relevant detail.

Basic - Develops an adequate, logical conclusion.

Below Expectations - Develops a minimal conclusion with little detail.

Non-Performance - Does not develop a conclusion.

Distinguished - Displays meticulous comprehension and organization of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains no errors and is very easy to understand.

Proficient - Displays comprehension and organization of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains only a few minor errors and is mostly easy to understand.

Basic - Displays basic comprehension of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains a few errors which may slightly distract the reader.

Below Expectations - Fails to display basic comprehension of syntax or mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains major errors which distract the reader.

Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.

Distinguished - Accurately uses APA formatting consistently throughout the paper, title page, and reference page.

Proficient - Exhibits APA formatting throughout the paper. However, layout contains a few minor errors. 

Basic - Exhibits limited knowledge of APA formatting throughout the paper. However, layout does not meet all APA requirements. 

Below Expectations - Fails to exhibit basic knowledge of APA formatting. There are frequent errors, making the layout difficult to distinguish as APA.

Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.

Distinguished - Uses more than the required number of scholarly sources, providing compelling evidence to support ideas. All sources on the reference page are used and cited correctly within the body of the assignment.

Proficient - Uses the required number of scholarly sources to support ideas. All sources on the reference page are used and cited correctly within the body of the assignment.

Basic - Uses less than the required number of sources to support ideas. Some sources may not be scholarly. Most sources on the reference page are used within the body of the assignment. Citations may not be formatted correctly.

Below Expectations - Uses an inadequate number of sources that provide little or no support for ideas. Sources used may not be scholarly. Most sources on the reference page are not used within the body of the assignment. Citations are not formatted correctly.

Non-Performance - The assignment is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the instructions.