New York State ELA Assessment Rubrics for Grades 6-8 Writing - Language Arts

New York State ELA Assessment Rubrics for Grades 6-8 Writing - Language Arts

4 min read July 9, 2024
✨ Summary: New York State ELA Assessment Rubrics for Grades 6-8 Writing. Easy to use and print.

New York State Writing Evaluation Rubric for Grades 6-8

Key Points

  • This rubric guides writing assessment for grades 6-8 in New York State
  • It evaluates four main criteria: content/analysis, evidence, organization, and conventions
  • It uses a 0-4 scoring scale with detailed performance descriptors
  • It aligns with specific Next Generation Learning Standards (NGLS)

Full Rubric

ScoreContent and AnalysisCommand of EvidenceCoherence, Organization, and StyleControl of Conventions
4 (Essays at this level)- Clearly introduce topic in compelling manner- Follows logically from task and purpose- Demonstrate insightful analysis of text(s)- Develop topic with relevant, well-chosen evidence- Sustain use of varied, relevant evidence- Clear organization with skillful transitions- Sophisticated language and vocabulary- Compelling conclusion- Grade-appropriate command of conventions- Few errors
3 (Essays at this level)- Clearly introduce topic- Follows from task and purpose- Demonstrate grade-appropriate analysis- Develop topic with relevant evidence- Sustain relevant evidence with some lack of variety- Clear organization with appropriate transitions- Precise language and vocabulary- Appropriate conclusion- Grade-appropriate command- Occasional errors that don’t hinder comprehension
2 (Essays at this level)- Introduce topic generally- Follows generally from task- Demonstrate literal comprehension- Partially develop topic- Use relevant evidence inconsistently- Some attempt at organization- Inconsistent style and vocabulary- Basic conclusion- Emerging command- Some errors that may hinder comprehension
1 (Essays at this level)- Topic doesn’t follow logically- Little understanding of text(s)- Minimal evidence use- Invalid or irrelevant evidence- Little organization attempt- Imprecise language- Illogical conclusion- Lack of command- Frequent errors that hinder comprehension
0 (Essays at this level)- Lack of comprehension- Off-task response- No evidence or completely irrelevant- No evidence of organization- Incoherent language- Minimal conventions- Assessment unreliable

Detailed Rubric Breakdown

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

ScoreCriteria
4- Clearly introduce a topic in a manner that is compelling- Follows logically from the task and purpose- Demonstrate insightful analysis of the text(s)
3- Clearly introduce a topic that follows from the task and purpose- Demonstrate grade-appropriate analysis of the text(s)
2- Introduce a topic that follows generally from the task and purpose- Demonstrate a literal comprehension of the text(s)
1- Introduce a topic that does not logically follow from task and purpose- Demonstrate little understanding of the text(s)
0- Demonstrate a lack of comprehension of the text(s) or task

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

ScoreCriteria
4- Develop the topic with relevant, well-chosen facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or information and examples- Sustain the use of varied, relevant evidence
3- Develop the topic with relevant facts, definitions, details, quotations, or examples- Sustain the use of relevant evidence, with some lack of variety
2- Partially develop the topic with some textual evidence- Use relevant evidence with inconsistency
1- Demonstrate an attempt to use evidence with minimal development- Evidence is 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 organization with skillful transitions- Establish sophisticated formal style with domain-specific vocabulary- Provide compelling conclusion
3- Exhibit clear organization with appropriate transitions- Establish formal style with precise language- Provide appropriate conclusion
2- Show some attempt at organization- Inconsistent formal style and vocabulary- Provide basic conclusion
1- Little attempt at organization- Imprecise or inappropriate language- Illogical conclusion
0- No evidence of organization- 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 this rubric to assess student writing across multiple dimensions. Focus on both content and technical aspects of writing to provide comprehensive feedback.

  2. For Students: Use this rubric as a checklist when writing and revising. Pay attention to all four main criteria to ensure well-rounded writing.

  3. For Parents: Understand how your child’s writing is evaluated and support their development in each area.

Tips for Success in NY State Writing

  1. Strong Content: Ensure your topic is clearly introduced and logically connected to the task.

  2. Evidence Usage: Support your writing with relevant, well-chosen evidence from texts.

  3. Clear Organization: Use appropriate transitions and maintain a consistent organizational structure.

  4. Professional Style: Maintain formal style with precise, domain-specific vocabulary.

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

  6. Effective Conclusions: Write conclusions that logically follow from and support your main ideas.

  7. Varied Evidence: Include different types of evidence (facts, definitions, quotations) to support your writing.

Regular practice using this rubric as a guide can help students improve their writing skills and perform better on NY State assessments. Remember to address all components of the rubric in your writing practice.