Policy Paper Rubric

Outstanding Strong Adequate Limited Deficient

Introduction Problem and/or existing policy is Presents a well-considered Presents a clear position on Presents a vague or Is unclear or seriously
thoroughly described. The history of the position on the issue. the issue. limited position limited in
problem/policy is included. Key terms, on the issue. presenting or
stakeholders and policy areas needing developing a
analysis and resolution are defined. position on the issue.
Policy Context Evaluative review of the policy is Explains the factors Explains most of the factors Is weak in the use of Provides few, if any,
included. All relevant legislative, judicial, impacting the impacting the policy with relevant reasons or relevant reasons or
and regulatory policy factors affecting the policy with logically sound relevant reasons and/or examples. examples.
policy are addressed. Ambiguities, reasons and/or well- chosen examples.
conflicts, problems, and contradictions examples.
related to the policies are explained.
Arguments Clarifies the underlying assumptions and Discussion is focused and Is adequately focused and Is poorly focused Is unfocused and/or
effectiveness of the current policy, generally well- organized, organized, but does not and/or poorly- disorganized.
including, effects on and roles of key connecting ideas appropriately. assess the efficiency of the organized.
stakeholders. Assesses the efficiency of the The efficiency of the current current
current policy policy is assessed. policy.
Three or more alternatives to the current Three or more alternatives to the Two or more alternatives to Two or more One alternative to the
policy are presented. A thorough cost- current policy are the current alternatives to the current
benefit analysis is provided for each policy presented. Adequate policy is presented. A current policy are policy is presented.
alternative. cost-benefit analysis is included thorough presented. An
for each policy alternative cost-benefit analysis is adequate cost- benefit
provided for each policy analysis is included for
alternative. each policy alternative
Strength of Each assertion is supported with Assertions are generally well- Some evidence is provided Evidence is provided Assertions and statements
Analysis researchable and verifiable support from researched and supported by to support many of the to support many are weak, unsupported, or
reputable sources. No bias is evident in the appropriate reference materials. assertions, of the assertions, the biased.
analysis. No bias is but not all. Reference analysis is
evident in the analysis. materials may be biased.
inappropriate.
Format and OUTSTANDING Expresses Expresses ideas with Has problems in Has serious problems in
Writing ideas clearly and well, using reasonable language and sentence the use of
Excellent mechanics, grammar, word appropriate vocabulary and clarity. Contains significant structure that result in language and sentence
usage. Language is clear and appropriate. sentence variety. May errors in mechanics, a lack of clarity. structure that frequently
Writing style is effective. have errors in mechanics, grammar, or word usage. Contains occasional interfere with meaning.
grammar, or word usage. major errors or Contains serious errors in
frequent minor errors grammar, usage, or
in grammar, usage, or mechanics obscure
mechanics. meaning