Research Elements 9 - 10 points Academic primary and secondary materials are used well and include academic materials. Research incorporates multiple viewpoints of complex issues. A complete and accurate bibliography is provided. journal articles and books (7 or more). Arguments are correctly supported with research 7–8.9 points Academic primary and secondary materials are used and include academic journal articles and books (at least 7). Arguments are supported with appropriate research materials. Research is aware of multiple viewpoints of complex issues. A complete and accurate bibliography is provided. 6.9 - 1 points Academic sources are used though popular sources are also incorporated (fewer than 7). Arguments incorporate research but often include personal opinion without appropriate support. Sources are, at times, not used appropriately. Research is not aware of multiple viewpoints of complex issues. An incomplete or inaccurate bibliography is provided. 0 points Appropriate sources are not used, or sources are lacking entirely. Arguments are not supported with research. Opposing viewpoints are dismissed or ignored. Bibliography is incomplete or missing.

APA Format Elements 9 - 10 points Citations and format are in current APA style. Cover page, Table of Contents, Appendices, and Bibliography are correctly formatted. Paper is double-spaced with 1-inch margins and written in 12-point Times New Roman font. 7–8.9 points Citations and format are in current APA style with few errors. Cover page, Table of Contents, Appendices, and Bibliography are present with few errors. Paper is double-spaced with 1-inch margins and written in 12-point Times New Roman font. 6.9 - 1 points Citations and format are in current APA style though several errors are present. Cover page, Table of Contents, Appendices, and Bibliography are included though several errors are present. Paper is double-spaced, but margins or fonts are incorrect. 0 points Citations are not formatted correctly. Cover page, Table of Contents, Appendices, and Bibliography are not included or not formatted correctly. Paper is not double-spaced, margins are incorrect, or font is incorrect.

Structure 30% Advanced 92-100% Proficient 84-91% Developing 1-83% Not present Mechanics 9 - 10 points No grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors are present. Voice and person are used correctly and consistently. Writing is precise. Word choice is appropriate. 7–8.9 points Few grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors are present. Voice and person are used correctly. Writing style is sufficient. Word choice is adequate. 6.9 - 1 points Several grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors are present. Voice and person are used inconsistently. Writing style is understandable but could be improved. Word choice is generally good. 0 points Numerous spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors are present. Voice and person are misused. Writing style is difficult to understand. Word choice is poor.

Synthesizes the topic into a thesis 18 - 20 points The introductory paragraph contains a strong thesis statement and provides an overview of the paper. 14–17.9 points The introduction paragraph contains a thesis statement. 13.9 - 1 points The thesis statement and overview of the paper need improvement. 0 points There is no thesis statement or overview of the paper. 0 points Synthesis of the topic into a thesis is not present Evaluates and concludes the information 18 - 20 points Sources are evaluated critically. The conclusion is strong and clearly summarizes the research presented in the body of the paper. 14–17.9 points Sources are used correctly. The conclusion summarizes the research presented in the body of the paper. 13.9 - 1 points Sources are used but not critically evaluated. The conclusion does not adequately summarize the research presented in the body of the paper. 0 points Evaluation and conclusion of the information is not present

Criteria Levels of Achievement Content 70% Advanced 92-100% Proficient 84-91% Developing 1-83% Not present Analyzes the material 27 - 30 points The topic is clearly presented and discussed in detail. Contextual factors are considered. Key terms are defined. Complex issues are navigated with precision. 21 – 26.9 points The topic is presented and discussed appropriately. Contextual factors are considered. Key terms are defined. Complex issues are recognized. 20.9 - 1 points The topic is unclear or fairly clear but discussed too broadly or does not meet expectations. Contextual factors are weakly considered and lacking in some significant areas. Complex issues are overlooked or handled without care. 0 points Analysis of the material is not present