Article Topic & Source
16 pts
Distinguished
The article is well chosen in terms of topic, challenge, and length. The article provides a significant impact to learning. The article relates directly to the historical content or theme being covered in class.
12 pts
Proficient
The article is generally interesting on a topic that is relatively significant to learning. The article addresses historical content material or theme being covered in the class at. Length is sufficient.
8 pts
Emerging
Article is limited in impact to learning. Topic may be less than newsworthy or limited to its relevance to subject area or theme covered in class. Length of article is brief.
4 pts
Unsatisfactory
Article is mostly irrelevant to the historical content or theme covered in class. The article is too brief and/or of little significance for the learner or the subject.
/ 16 pts
Summary
18 pts
Distinguished
Student summary shows a complete, clear, and insightful understanding of the issues raised in the article. Student clearly expressed an interest in the topic through their written response.
12 pts
Proficient
Student summary shows an understanding of the issues raised in the article they selected. Most facts are fairly and accurately represented.
8 pts
Emerging
Student summary shows a weak or limited understanding of the issues raised in the article. Most significant facts included but some important points are left out.
4 pts
Unsatisfactory
Student summary shows only a minimal or inaccurate understanding of the issues raised in the article; article is read almost verbatim with an occasional sentence/section cut out.
/ 18 pts
Opinion
20 pts
Distinguished
Excellent written opinion of the article. Provides a complete, clear, insightful, and strong view on the event in the article.
15 pts
Proficient
Good-Fair written opinion of the article. Focus in opinion generally good.
10 pts
Emerging
Opinion shows limited response and personal reaction to article.
5 pts
Unsatisfactory
Opinion is difficult to follow and does not demonstrate much thought.
/ 20 pts
Relation to U.S. History
25 pts
Distinguished
The relation to US History shows a complete, clear, and insightful connection between the article and US History.
18 pts
Proficient
The relation to US History shows an effective connection between the article and US History.
10 pts
Emerging
The relation to US History shows a weak or limited connection between the article and US History.
5 pts
Unsatisfactory
The relation to US History shows a minimal or inaccurate connection between the article and US History.
/ 25 pts
Vocabulary
10 pts
Distinguished
Vocabulary words identified and defined. Vocabulary words are substantial and relevant to the understanding of the article.
8 pts
Proficient
Vocabulary words are identified and defined. Vocabulary words are relevant to the understanding of the article.
5 pts
Emerging
Vocabulary words are identified and defined. Vocabulary word chosen are limited to the understanding of the article.
3 pts
Unsatisfactory
Vocabulary words are provided and may not be defined or there are no vocabulary words presented in the current event.
/ 10 pts
Questions
11 pts
Distinguished
Current Event provides well-written and thoughtful questions focused on the main issues or people of the news article.
7 pts
Proficient
Current Event provides questions that are about the issues or people raised in the news article.
4 pts
Emerging
Current Event provides questions but don’t adequately address all the main issues or people of the article.
2 pts
Unsatisfactory
Current Event has no questions, or provides questions that are generally of poor quality that don’t cover the main issues or people of the article.
/ 11 pts
Last Completed Projects
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