Types of Rubrics
Writable offers a variety of rubrics to support educators in assessing student writing effectively and aligning with specific instructional goals or state standards. This guide will help you understand the different types of STAAR rubrics available in Writable, their benefits, and when to use them.
STAAR ECR Rubric - Holistic
Definition: This rubric mirrors the criteria and scoring used in the official STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) assessments. It ensures alignment with the Texas Education Agency (TEA) standards.
Benefits:
Provides consistency with STAAR scoring guidelines, for example a 3-point and 2-point response gives a student “x out of 5” points.
Helps students prepare for STAAR assessments by familiarizing them with the evaluation criteria.
Allows districts to effectively assess where students are likely to perform on their STAAR accountability measures. For example, are my students on track? If they had to take the test today, would they be comfortable with the STAAR rubric?
When to Use:
When preparing students for STAAR assessments, whether during common assessment or practice opportunities
When exposing students and teachers to the STAAR test rubric is a priority.
STAAR ECR Rubric - Calibrated to TEA 0/0 Scoring Rubric
Definition: This rubric builds on the STAAR Holistic Rubric, providing a more rigorous scoring process that captures subtle aspects of student responses and TEA’s current scoring methods. It ensures that if a student receives a score of zero for content (e.g., failing to address the prompt), the same zero applies to grammar and conventions, aligning closely with STAAR expectations and scoring model.
Benefits:
Encourages higher accountability for addressing the prompt and key writing components.
Stricter grading resulting in more overall “zeroes” and in accordance with Texas Education Agency (TEA) current scoring methods
Allows districts to effectively assess where students are likely to perform on their STAAR accountability measures with particular emphasis on more nuanced TEA scoring methods. For example, are my students on track? If they had to take the test today, would they be ready?
When to Use:
For districts that want to administer common assessments that prefer a rigorous scoring model aligned with more nuanced TEA guidelines.
STAAR ECR Rubric - Detailed for Practice
Definition: This rubric offers a more granular evaluation, breaking down writing into specific subcategories (e.g., idea development, organization, elaboration, language use) to provide detailed feedback across multiple dimensions and standards.
Benefits:
Gives students actionable, targeted feedback.
Supports differentiated instruction by highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.
Encourages deeper analysis of student writing.
When to Use:
When detailed feedback is necessary to guide instruction.
For formative assessments and practice.
When focusing on specific writing traits, such as organization, elaboration, or language use.
Choosing the Right Rubric
Guiding Questions: By considering your assessment goals, instructional focus, and audience, you can choose the rubric that best aligns with your needs. Writable’s rubrics are designed to support educators and help students succeed through clear, targeted, and effective assessment practices.
Ask yourself these questions to determine the best rubric for your needs:
Assessment Goals:
Are you preparing students for standardized tests (e.g., STAAR)?
Use the STAAR - Holistic Rubric.
Are you looking for nuanced scoring that aligns with district-specific expectations and is comparable to the scoring on STAAR assessments?
Opt for the STAAR - TEA Calibrated Rubric.
Do you need deeper, skill-focused feedback for instruction?
Choose the STAAR Detailed Practice Rubric.
Instructional Focus:
Are you aiming to improve specific writing skills?
Use the Detailed Practice Rubric.
Is state standards alignment your priority?
Select either the STAAR - Holistic or STAAR - TEA Calibrated Rubric.
Audience:
Are you preparing students for state-wide assessments?
Use the STAAR - Holistic Rubric.
Do you work with districts requiring rigorous grading evaluation of student writing?
Choose the STAAR - TEA Calibrated Rubric.
Are you focused on personalized or differentiated learning?
Opt for the STAAR - Detailed Practice Rubric or Custom Rubrics.
Next Steps and Support
If you have questions about choosing or customizing rubrics, contact our support team at support@writable.com.
Writable is here to support your assessment needs and help your students succeed!