VISOR Rubric

Decision Points and BlueBooks use the same five criteria. The evaluation language applies to all group presentations and individual essays.

Voice - 0.5 points: Defends a clear, specific, student-owned judgment. - 0.25 points: Expresses a view, but relies on vague or borrowed phrasing. - 0 points: States no clear student judgment. Inquiry - 0.5 points: Investigates a serious question about a relevant decision, conflict, or consequence. - 0.25 points: Describes a relevant question but does not pursue it. - 0 points: Lists information without inquiry. Specificity - 0.5 points: Applies accurate evidence through specific names, dates, events, laws, institutions, sources, cases, or examples. - 0.25 points: Cites examples, but keeps the evidence too general or partly unclear. - 0 points: States claims without usable evidence.

Evidence‍ ‍

- 0.5 points: Relates claims clearly to course materials, readings, lectures, sources, or class discussion.
- 0.25 points: Describes course material, but leaves the source basis hard to identify.
- 0 points: Identifies no clear course source basis. Reflection - 0.5 points: Evaluates why the decision, conflict, or consequence matters. - 0.25 points: Interprets meaning but does not explain the stakes. - 0 points: Recalls information without judgment or reflection.

Instructor Grading

Public debate strengthens our personal judgment.

Every Unit, Decision Points groups ask students to debate a consequential choice from American History and Government.

Every Unit, BlueBook Essays ask each individual student to reflect, in handwriting, on what that choice means to them.

Two Questions

What decision point defines this unit?
What should I learn from it?

2-Minutes

You’ll work across different groups to identify the figure(s), compare perspectives, and present your case to your classmates.

BlueBooks

After all presentations have been given, each student will handwrite a closed-note reflection essay. The class consensus Decision Point will be announced (automatic A).