Single-Point Rubric

Context

While Trailblazer uses traditional rubrics, they also employ a single-point rubric to help improve their students’ pursuit of mastery. Instead of a traditional rubric, generally ranging from one to four, the single-point rubric has a single point demonstrating whether or not the student “meets” mastery for each objective. Anything that is not considered “meets” indicates that the student has “not yet” met mastery of the learning objective. Students are also able to go beyond mastery if so inclined. Often a student will meet mastery by showing an understanding of a concept, and go beyond mastery by showing real-world applications of the concept or skill.

The single-point rubric helps Trailblazer and its students better pursue mastery-based education. Educators found that traditional rubrics led their students to focus too much on the numbers assigned as a fixed grade, and that students were complacent about receiving a one or two. By using a rubric that reframes the performance conversation in terms of having “not yet” mastered material, students are more aware that they have multiple attempts at mastery and stay motivated to continue working towards mastery. Additionally, by creating so much additional space on the rubric, teachers are able to provide detailed feedback for students to help them understand precisely where they are in their learning and how they can improve.