Rubric for Research Projects
(Adapted from The Shape of Change: A Curriculum for Building Strong Communities and a Sustainable Economy. Ó 2000 Susan Santone/Creative Change Educational Solutions. http://www.creativechange.net Used with permission.)

Content criteria for research projects

A. Clearly identify the issue to be addressed, why it is important, and who is affected.
B. Identify at least three factors that cause, maintain, and/or contribute to the problem or issue.
C. Describe at least one solution or positive action and how it affects all the stakeholders (the people or things affected by the issue).
D. Support of Claims: Each fact should be supported with a correct citation from a credible source.

	A. Content	B. Influencing Factors	C. Solutions	D. Support of Claims
Excellent! You've got it!	I clearly identify the issue, provide reasons as to why it is important, and identify all the stakeholders.	I identify at least three factors that cause, maintain, or contribute to the issue.	I identify at least one solution to the problem and I clearly describe how it affects all the stakeholders	Each claim is supported with factual evidence from relevant, credible sources. All citations are correct.
Good! You're getting it.	I identify the issue, but I don't mention why it is important, or I don't identify all the stakeholders.	I identify two factors that cause, maintain, or contribute to the issue.	I identify a solution to the problem, but I describe how it affects only some of the stakeholders.	Most claims are supported. Sources are somewhat credible. Most citations are correct.
Not quite. Try again.	I identify the issue. I neither mention why it is important, nor do I identify the stakeholders.	I identify one factors that cause, maintain, or contribute to the issue.	I identify a solution to the problem, but I don't describe how it affects any stakeholders.	Few claims are supported. Sources are not relevant or credible. Few citations are correct.
No response	I don't identify the issue, why it is important, or who is affected.	I don't identify any factors that cause, maintain, or contribute to the issue.	I don't identify a solution to the problem.	No claims are supported. There are no citations, or all are incorrect.
Score/ comments