Distinguished - Identifies one foundational leadership theory and thoroughly explains the history of the theory, including the key scholar(s) responsible for the theory’s development.

Proficient - Identifies one foundational leadership theory and explains the history of the theory, including the key scholar(s) responsible for the theory’s development.

Basic - Identifies one foundational leadership theory and adequately explains the history of the theory, including the key scholar(s) responsible for the theory’s development.

Below Expectations - Identifies one foundational leadership theory and minimally explains the history of the theory, including the key scholar(s) responsible for the theory’s development.

Non-Performance - Either does not identify one foundational leadership theory and/or does not explain the history of the theory nor the key scholar(s) responsible for the theory’s development. 

Distinguished - Thoroughly explains the social and historical context in which the theory emerged.

Proficient - Explains the social and historical context in which the theory emerged. 

Basic - Adequately explains the social and historical context in which the theory emerged.

Below Expectations - Partially explains the social and historical context in which the theory emerged.

Non-Performance - Does not explain the social and historical context in which the theory emerged.

Distinguished - Thoroughly discusses the presence or lack of significant research studies to support the theory’s development.

Proficient - Discusses the presence or lack of significant research studies to support the theory’s development.

Basic - Adequately discusses the presence or lack of significant research studies to support the theory’s development.

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 - Demonstrates consistent use of reliable, appropriate sources and/or evidence to support ideas that are situated within the discipline and genre of the writing.

Proficient - Demonstrates mostly consistent use of reliable sources that are appropriate to the discipline and genre of the writing. Sources offer some support to the ideas in the writing. 

Basic - Demonstrates somewhat inconsistent use of sources that are mostly reliable to the discipline and genre of the writing. Sources offer little support to the ideas in the writing.

Below Expectations - Inconsistently utilizes sources and/or evidence that may be unrelated and offer little support to the ideas in the writing. 

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