The Confederation Chronicles
Handout 3.1

Confederation Newspaper Assessment Rubric

Name:____________________________                 Date:_________________

Name of Confederation Newspaper __________________________________

	Level 1
(50-59%)	Level 2
(60-69%)	Level 3
(70-79%)	Level 4
(80-100%)	
Categories					
Research and use of primary-source documents	Used 1 or 2 sources and very limited use of primary-source documents.	Used 3 or more sources but underused primary-source documents.	Used 4 or more sources effectively, including good use of primary-source documents.	Excellent use of 5 or more sources, with most information coming from primary-source documents. 	
Format and layout	Lacks the look of a newspaper. Is missing most key elements such as photos, headlines, lead stories, etc.	Resembles a newspaper but is lacking some elements, or some elements such as headlines are not effective. 	Looks like a newspaper with good headlines and all elements: lead stories, editorial, photos, etc. 	Looks like a newspaper with excellent use of headlines, editorial, pictures, lead stories, etc. 	
Written communication	Many writing errors that could have been avoided with proper editing. Lacks journalistic style.	Some writing errors, but generally clear. Some stories have a journalistic style.	Few writing errors and clear thoughtful expression. Stories do have a journalistic style.	Clearly written with no major grammar errors in an engaging journalistic style.	
Knowledge and understanding	Lacks basic factual information (what, who, when, where, why and how). Lacks understanding of regional and leadership opinions.	Has basic factual information (what, who, when, where, why and how); does not demonstrate an understanding of regional or leadership opinions.	Has good basic factual information and demonstrates an understanding of regional and leadership opinions.  	Excellent use of factual information; clear understanding of regional and leadership opinions for and against Confederation.