Distinguished - Completely explains why the visuals were selected for the message and includes examples for support.

Proficient - Explains why the visuals were selected for the message and may include examples for support.

Basic - Partially explains why the visuals were selected for the message and includes limited use of examples for support.

Below Expectations - Attempts to explain why the visuals were selected for the message; however, does not include examples for support.

Non-Performance - The explanation for why the visuals were selected is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Thoroughly explains how the visuals that were selected support the message and includes contrasting examples for support.

Proficient - Explains how the visuals that were selected support the message and may include contrasting examples for support.

Basic - Partially explains how the visuals that were selected support the message and includes limited examples for support.

Below Expectations - Attempts to explain how the visuals that were selected support the message; however, does not include contrasting examples for support.

Non-Performance - The explanation for how the visuals support the message is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Comprehensively explains the reactions or results expected from the message and includes examples for support.

Proficient - Explains the reactions or results expected from the message and may include examples for support.

Basic - Partially explains the reactions or results expected from the message and may include limited examples for support.

Below Expectations - Attempts to explain the reactions or results expected from the message; however, does not include examples for support.

Non-Performance - The explanation for the expected reaction or results of the message is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Distinguished - Clearly and comprehensively explains in detail the issue to be considered, delivering all relevant information necessary for a full understanding.

Proficient - Clearly explains in detail the issue to be considered, delivering enough relevant information for an adequate understanding.

Basic - Briefly recognizes the issue to be considered, delivering minimal information for a basic understanding.

Below Expectations - Briefly recognizes the issue to be considered, but may not deliver additional information necessary for a basic understanding.

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

Distinguished - Specific position is inventive, considering the intricate ideas of an issue. Limits of position are recognized. Other viewpoints are synthesized within position.

Proficient - Specific position is adequate, considering some of the complexities of an issue. Limits of position are recognized. Other viewpoints are synthesized within position.

Basic - Specific position is adequate, considering the intricate ideas of an issue. Limits of position are recognized but are not synthesized within position.

Below Expectations - Specific position lacks inventiveness and insufficiently considers the intricate ideas of an issue. Limits of position are overlooked. Other viewpoints are not recognized within position.

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

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 basic 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 - The length of the paper is equivalent to the required number of correctly formatted pages.

Proficient - The length of the paper is nearly equivalent to the required number of correctly formatted pages.

Basic - The length of the paper is equivalent to at least three quarters of the required number of correctly formatted pages.

Below Expectations - The length of the paper is equivalent to at least one half of the required number of correctly formatted pages. 

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 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 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.