VALUE Rubrics for a General Beginning

In recent conversations with two graduate program administrators (on different campuses) a common choice was made about ePortfolio assessment: creating a custom rubric based on specialized accreditation standards. But the decision came after studying more general approaches.

The VALUE rubrics at AAC&U provide the general in what the web site describes as reflecting "faculty expectations for essential learning." And that means from across the U.S., across type of institution. AAC&U's rubric project (VALUE = Valid Assessment of Learning in Undergraduate Education) was part of a larger initiative, LEAP (Liberal Education and America's Promise).

The 15 rubrics include a basic definition of the focus (e.g., "Creative Thinking"), framing language, and glossary of terms. The rubric structure is traditional, with descriptive text in every cell. The rating levels are 4-Capstone, 3- and 2-Milestones, 1-Benchmark.

For fastest access, go straight to the VALUE Rubrics web page. From there you can explore "backward" to LEAP, the Essential Learning Outcomes, and more.

© 2010 Mary Bold, PhD, CFLE. Email contact: bold[AT]marybold.com. The content of this blog or related web sites created by Mary Bold (http://www.marybold.com/, http://www.boldproductions.com/, College Intern Blog) is not under any circumstances to be regarded as legal or professional advice. Bold is the co-author of Reflections: Preparing for your Practicum or Internship, geared to college interns in the child, education, and family fields. She is a consultant and speaker on assessment, distance learning, and technology.