New York State ELA Assessment Rubrics for Grades 4-5 Writing - Language Arts

New York State ELA Assessment Rubrics for Grades 4-5 Writing - Language Arts

4 min read May 20, 2024
✨ Summary: New York State ELA Assessment Rubrics for Grades 4-5 Writing. Easy to use and print.

New York State Writing Evaluation Rubric for Grades 4-5

Key Points

  • This rubric is specifically designed for assessing writing in grades 4-5
  • Evaluates four main criteria: content/analysis, evidence, organization, and conventions
  • Uses a 0-4 scoring scale to assess student writing performance
  • Aligns with Next Generation Learning Standards (NGLS)

Full Rubric

ScoreContent and AnalysisCommand of EvidenceCoherence, Organization, and StyleControl of Conventions
4 (Essays at this level)- Clear topic introduction- Follows logically from task- Insightful comprehension and analysis- Well-chosen relevant evidence- Varied, relevant support- Clear, purposeful organization- Skillful linking of ideas- Sophisticated vocabulary- Clear conclusion- Grade-appropriate conventions- Few errors
3 (Essays at this level)- Clear topic introduction- Grade-appropriate comprehension and analysis- Relevant evidence and examples- Sustained use with some variety- Clear organization- Appropriate linking words- Precise vocabulary- Appropriate conclusion- Grade-appropriate conventions- Occasional non-hindering errors
2 (Essays at this level)- Basic topic introduction- Literal comprehension- Partially developed with evidence- Inconsistent use- Some organization attempt- Inconsistent linking- Basic vocabulary- Basic conclusion- Emerging command- Some hindering errors
1 (Essays at this level)- Unclear topic- Little text understanding- Minimal evidence use- Invalid/irrelevant support- Little organization- Lack of linking words- Imprecise language- Illogical conclusion- Lack of command- Frequent hindering errors
0 (Essays at this level)- Lacks comprehension- Off-task response- No evidence or irrelevant- No organization- No linking words- Incoherent language- No conclusion- Minimal conventions- Assessment unreliable

Detailed Rubric Breakdown

Content and Analysis (NGLS: W.2, R.1-9)

ScoreCriteria
4- Clearly introduce a topic that follows logically from task and purpose- Demonstrate insightful comprehension and analysis of text(s)
3- Clearly introduce a topic that follows from task and purpose- Demonstrate grade-appropriate comprehension and analysis
2- Introduce a topic that follows generally from task and purpose- Demonstrate literal comprehension of text(s)
1- Introduce a topic that doesn’t logically follow from task- Demonstrate little understanding of text(s)
0- Demonstrate lack of comprehension of text(s) or task

Command of Evidence (NGLS: W.2, R.1-8)

ScoreCriteria
4- Develop topic with relevant, well-chosen facts and details- Sustain use of varied, relevant evidence
3- Develop topic with relevant facts and examples- Sustain use of relevant evidence with some lack of variety
2- Partially develop topic with some textual evidence- Use relevant evidence with inconsistency
1- Attempt to use evidence with minimal development- Evidence generally invalid or irrelevant
0- Provide no evidence or completely irrelevant evidence

Coherence, Organization, and Style (NGLS: W.2, L.3, L.6)

ScoreCriteria
4- Exhibit clear, purposeful organization- Skillfully link ideas using grade-appropriate words- Use sophisticated language and vocabulary- Provide clear, logical conclusion
3- Exhibit clear organization- Link ideas using grade-appropriate words- Use precise language and vocabulary- Provide appropriate conclusion
2- Show some attempt at organization- Inconsistently link ideas- Inconsistent vocabulary use- Basic conclusion
1- Little attempt at organization- Lack linking words- Imprecise language- Illogical conclusion
0- No evidence of organization- No use of linking words- Incoherent language- No conclusion

Control of Conventions (NGLS: W.2, L.1, L.2)

ScoreCriteria
4- Demonstrate grade-appropriate command of conventions- Few errors present
3- Demonstrate grade-appropriate command- Occasional errors that don’t hinder comprehension
2- Demonstrate emerging command- Some errors that may hinder comprehension
1- Demonstrate lack of command- Frequent errors that hinder comprehension
0- Minimal command making assessment unreliable

How to Use This Rubric

  1. For Teachers:

    • Use as a guide for instruction and assessment
    • Focus on age-appropriate expectations
    • Provide specific feedback in each category
  2. For Students:

    • Use as a checklist while writing
    • Pay attention to organization and linking words
    • Check for grade-appropriate vocabulary use
  3. For Parents:

    • Understand grade-level writing expectations
    • Support development in specific areas
    • Help with revision using rubric criteria

Tips for Success in Grade 4-5 Writing

  1. Clear Topics: Start with a clear introduction that connects to the task

  2. Strong Evidence: Use specific facts and details from texts to support ideas

  3. Organization: Use grade-appropriate linking words to connect ideas

  4. Vocabulary: Include domain-specific and sophisticated vocabulary when appropriate

  5. Conventions: Pay attention to spelling, punctuation, and grammar

  6. Conclusions: End with a statement that clearly connects to your topic

  7. Revision: Use the rubric to check your work before submitting

Remember that this rubric is designed specifically for grades 4-5, with age-appropriate expectations for organization, evidence use, and conventions. Regular practice with these elements will help improve writing skills.