How are students graded or assessed? What is a rubric or grading criteria?
A. Assessment in IB is “criterion referenced.” This means students are scored against standards, not against each other (or at the teacher’s whim). Teachers will give the students a rubric on larger assignments that explains to the students what is expected of them. The rubric states what the criteria are for the assignment (in a paper, for instance) and what the score will be for addressing or not addressing each point. Students are able to “buy into” their grades and take ownership of their effort and learning.
