Rubrics Done Right

August 12, 2026
Contributing Author: Dr. Majalise Tolan

One of the biggest misconceptions is that grading’s primary purpose is the final result when really, grading is about feedback. Rubrics are one of the strongest ways to provide feedback to and for teachers and students. In Fearless Instruction (2025), Emily Freeland breaks down the process for developing rubrics for high quality feedback.

Rubrics focus on assessing skills and content and not just an activity. These identified components allow teachers to build a list of expectations required to meet the standard, thus streamlining the areas where teachers spend their time providing feedback to the student and planning their instruction. The use of rubrics not only support teacher clarity, but they save time for teachers in focusing their feedback.

Two types of rubrics Freeland explains (2025, pp. 70–71) that are frequently used to provide high quality feedback are:

1. Three-Column Rubric: Student self-assessment and teacher feedback

Success Criteria(Student) Self-AssessmentTeacher Feedback
Cite two sources using APA.My sources are in APA format at the end of my response.
Support claim with three pieces of evidence.My three pieces of evidence are cited in paragraphs two, five, and six.Two pieces of evidence are the same. Where can you find additional evidence for support to meet the standard?

2. Single-Point Rubric: Feedback to improve to meet criteria and beyond criteria

Growth OpportunitiesSuccess CriteriaAdvanced
Cite two sources using APA.Move to in-text citations in your next response.
Two pieces of evidence are the same. Find an additional piece of evidence to meet the standard.Support claim with three pieces of evidence.

Rubrics support teachers and students in the learning process:

  • Provide clarity as to how to demonstrate understanding of the content and skill
  • Focus teacher time on specific feedback on the standard being assessed
  • Help students understand where to grow and how to become advanced

To learn more about feedback using rubrics: Contact Dr. Majalise Tolan  

Citation
Creative Leadership Solutions. (2025). Fearless instruction: High-impact strategies inspired by 90/90/90 schools. Creative Leadership Press.

Get your copy of Fearless Instruction HERE

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