At Boston’s Fenway Middle College High School, students learn early to assess all work against the “percs” habits of mind, which (like Central Park East Secondary School’s oft-quoted standard) considers how the work demonstrates Perspective, Evidence, Relevance, Connection, and Supposition. In their culminating exhibitions of Senior Projects and work internships, seniors defend their work before an audience that assesses it for those habits using this simple and thoughtful rubric:

Name of Evaluator:
Name of Student:
Date:
Focus Question / Thesis:
Internship Site:
Perspective
Considers or addresses multiple perspectives
Demonstrates understanding of subtleties and differences among perspectives
Other ____________ ____________ ____________
o Surpasses
o Meets
o Needs More

Evidence
Organizes work in understandable, compelling manner
Shows clear understanding of issues and concepts
Demonstrates ability to research key issues
Other ____________ ____________ ____________
o Surpasses
o Meets
o Needs More

Relevance
Shows importance of key concepts in information to other larger or more specific topics Demonstrates personal understanding and meaning
Other ____________ ____________ ____________
o Surpasses
o Meets
o Needs More

Connection
Links concepts and issues with those from other disciplines or subject matter
Shows applicability to other research topics, disciplines, careers
Other ____________ ____________ ____________
o Surpasses
o Meets
o Needs More

Supposition
Speculates or imagines other issues relevant to this topic
Responds to “What if?” questions and changes of circumstance
Other ____________ ____________ ____________
o Surpasses
o Meets
o Needs More

Overall Evaluation:
o Surpasses: Distinguished responses. Demonstrates exceptional critical thinking and understanding, answers all questions completely, poses new questions, demonstrates skills and concepts in an exceptional manner.
o Meets: Competent Responses. Convincing; demonstrates skills and understanding in almost all regards, makes appropriate connections, answers questions completely, clearly, and effectively. o Needs More. Inadequate responses. Needs improvement in several areas, unclear or incomplete, insufficient demonstration of skills or understanding. Redo. Please give other comments and feedback on the back of this sheet.