Patsy Kraj Spring 2011 University of West Georgia

Read Me First  To Complete this module visit:  Wikispaces will provide online access to this module.  This is a self-guided module with tutorials to learn about RubiStar and how to use the tool to create rubrics.  It is suggested that you use the tutorials for setting up your account and getting started.  To complete this module you will need a computer with Internet access and Microsoft PowerPoint software.

Who is Patsy Kraj?  Patsy Kraj is a biology teacher at Wheeler High School, in Marietta, Georgia. She will be completing an Ed.S. in Instructional Technology from the University of West Georgia in Fall  Mrs. Kraj has studied technology integration and desires to help teachers integrate technology into their curriculum.

Why RubiStar?  RubiStar has been chosen as a tool to help teachers design effective rubrics.  RubiStar will support the school-wide initiative to provide authentic student- centered learning.  RubiStar will support the need to provide numerous and varied assessment methods.

RubiStar From:

Objectives  Teachers will use RubiStar to design rubrics for classroom projects.  Teachers will create rubrics that are based on Georgia Performance Standards.  Teachers will identify characteristics of effective rubrics.

Incentives  Teachers will receive PLU credit for participating in and completing this in- service.  Teachers will have a time saving tool to create effective rubrics.

AASL – Standards for the 21 st Century Learner 1.4 Self-Assessment Strategies  Monitor own information-seeking processes for effectiveness and progress, and adapt as necessary.  Use interaction with and feedback from teachers and peers to guide own inquiry process.  Monitor gathered information, and assess for gaps or weaknesses.

ISTE – National Education Technology Standards 2. Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments Teachers design, develop, and evaluate authentic learning experiences and assessments incorporating contemporary tools and resources to maximize content learning in context and to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes identified in the NETSS. Teachers:  a. design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity  b. develop technology-enriched learning environments that enable all students to pursue their individual curiosities and become active participants in setting their own educational goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress  d. provide students with multiple and varied formative and summative assessments aligned with content and technology standards and use resulting data to inform learning and teaching

Georgia Performance Standards - GPS  Will vary in each content area.  Example for Science SCSh8.Students will understand important features of the process of scientific inquiry. Students will apply the following to inquiry learning practices: a. Scientific investigators control the conditions of their experiments in order to produce valuable data. b. Scientific researchers are expected to critically assess the quality of data including possible sources of bias in their investigations’ hypotheses, observations, data analyses, and interpretations.

Guiding Questions Consider these questions as you work through the module.  1. What are the attributes of effective rubrics.  2. What are some benefits for using RubiStar to create rubrics.  3. What types of assignments could rubrics be used for.

Guided Practice – Explore Rubrics  1. Go to  2. In the search section enter a content area to search for rubrics.  3. Explore three rubrics and take note of format, content, and sections.  4. Reflect on your experience.

Lessons Learned from Exploring Rubrics Reflect on what you experienced. 1. What elements would you include for a rubric you create? 2. What elements did not work and would not be included? 3. What are some challenges to watch out for when designing a rubric? 4. What questions or concerns do you have about RubiStar after this experience?

Guided Practice – Create Your Own Rubric  1. Log into your RubiStar account.  2. Choose a customizable rubric template.  3. Enter the rubric information on the form.  4. Select rubric content.  5. Modify the categories.  6. When you are finished click “Submit”  7. Now choose to save the rubric online or print.  8. You may go back and modify the rubric as needed by clicking “modify this rubric”.

Lessons Learned from Creating a Rubric  Reflect on your experience.  1. What were some problems you encountered?  2. How did you overcome those problems?  3. What would you like to take note of for the next time you create a rubric?

Resources – Tutorials  reen=Tutorial&module=Rubistar reen=Tutorial&module=Rubistar

Resources – Example Rubric

Resources – Tip Sheet From: Exploring the RubiStar teacher home At the Teacher Home you will see a list of all the rubrics you have created. They will appear in the same format as the image below. From this page you can view, edit, analyze, or delete your rubric. To view your rubric, you can click on the rubric id number, click on the title of the rubric, or click the View Rubric This is an image of the view option. button. To edit your rubric, please click the Edit This is an image of the edit button. button. To learn more about the how to edit, please visit our editing page. To analyze your rubric, please click the Analyze Rubric This is an image of the analyze button.

Evaluation RubiStar Module Teacher Evaluation Take this survey at:  RubiStar Module  1. As a participant, were you well informed of the objectives for this workshop?  2. Did this training module help you to better understand how to create an effective rubric?  3. Will the content presented in the workshop help to improve rubric design for your assignments?  4. Were the objectives for this workshop accomplished?

Evaluation Continued  5. After completing this training, do you feel confident to use RubiStar to design rubrics?  6. Would you recommend this training module to other faculty members?  7. Did this workshop meet your expectations?  8. What suggestions can you offer to improve this training module?  Powered by SurveyMonkey

Help is available!  Help is still available when this module is completed  1. The module will continue to reside on the t-drive as a reference.  2. Contact the media center anytime with questions or to schedule a one-on- one help session. 

Reference RubiStar. (2011). Retrieved April 6, 2011, from