The Skillful Teacher

EDLD 913: POWER, FREEDOM, AND CHANGE
Criteria Used to Grade Essays
Your essays will be graded according to the following criteria:
1.
The clarity of the writing.
—Are your ideas clearly stated, orga-
nized into paragraphs with linking statements, and grammatically
correct? Do we as readers struggle to understand what you’re
saying because we can’t follow your sentences or comprehend
your meaning?
2.
The accuracy of your ideas.
—When you describe concepts cen-
tral to the course, are these clearly and accurately elucidated?
Do you illustrate your understanding of these central ideas by
providing frequent illustrations and examples?
3.
The degree to which your assertions are supported
. You will be
making claims regarding the ideas of the authors you are sum-
marizing in your essays. Are these claims and assertions fully
supported by references to specific elements in their work? Do
you give at least three quotes and citations, as well as specific
page references, to support each of your summaries of authors’
key ideas? Is the bibliography accurate?
4.
The degree to which you place the ideas you review in the con-
texts of your own life and experiences
. Do you show how the
authors’ ideas are confirmed or contradicted by your experi-
ences? Do you place ideology, hegemony, disciplinary power,
automaton conformity, repressive tolerance, democratic process,
and so on in the context of your life and support your analysis by
providing appropriate illustrations and examples?
5.
The critique you supply
. Do you identify the assumptions under-
girding authors’ positions and your own conclusions? Do you 
critique the accuracy and validity of authors’ assumptions and
also of your own arguments?
14_980668 ch10.qxp  7/27/06  3:27 PM  Page 184

---

A+ Your essay is almost ready for professional publication in a
major journal in the field with only a few minor editorial changes.
It excels in meeting all 5 criteria.
A
Your essay satisfactorily meets all five of the criteria described
above.
A-
Your essay satisfactorily meets criteria 1, 2, 3, and 4.
B+ Your essay satisfactorily meets criteria 1, 2, and 3.
B
Your essay satisfactorily meets criteria 1 and 2.
B-
Your essay satisfactorily meets only criterion 1 described above.
C
Your essay meets none of the criteria described above and
requires major revision.