Are rubrics the end all, be all?

Article on Rubrics


Yes and no. I believe that rubrics can serve their purpose so long as they're not the only resource and aren't used for every aspect of learning. It can add limitations, literally not allowing for 'thinking outside of the box'.

Are there any instances where a rubric should be used?
I feel rubrics could be very useful to new teachers. As an upcoming teacher, I'd feel more comfortable with some general guidelines of what is to be accomplished by each student. This would include of course, what is required by the common core, as well as what I feel are the skill sets that would most benefit my students. In this instance, the rubric is for the teacher, not the students. As the teacher, during your lessons you should let your students know what is expected of them but also allow for them to have productive meaningful thought. So during any and every instrument lesson, include breath control exercises, posture, and various stretches that will help to ensure stronger tendons and ligaments. Explain the importance of why breathing exercises are beneficial, do not embed it into their minds all at once, but add in details as you go along. Give them options of different techniques to improve their playing not only intellectually, but physically as well. It will help make them better lifelong players.
Rubrics for a student? Some students may benefit from a set of basic guidelines for them to follow. They should not be held to that grading guide line to a 'T' of course, if all the students aren't following it. But some students who may have a learning disability, or maybe are not that strong in that subject matter, might be a little more 'at ease' if they know what is expected. They should be encouraged to think along the lines of the rubric, not give a grade to each topic either. More or less open-ended questions to help get their minds thinking about the subject matter.

Why not use a rubric?
Some teachers feel that they can justify an unpleasant grade to parents if they have a rubric to back it up. Well, teachers are very busy. But if they student is not doing so well in their class, parents should be notified along the way, not just at report card time. I know of many teachers who frequently e-mail and even text parents to update them on their child. The positive, and the not-so-positive news. This is key. Don't just talk to a parent when the child is behind in class or behaviorally acting out. Good behavior and understanding the material should be rewarded as well. It'll help create a stronger relationship with parents as well, if they feel like the teacher is really looking out for their child's well-being and education. So if you have the 'paper trail' or e-mails to parents, as well as phone calls, there should be no surprises from upset parents (mostly). Plus, if parents are notified as these issues arise, perhaps the student can have a better turn around and they'll improve.
Rubrics as a district to help ensure that every teacher covers what they need to and that grading is fair? Not all subject matter is easily gradable, a lot is subjective. Take an essay for example. Yes, content, spelling, grammar and 'all that jazz' are objective details, but a lot is left up to opinion. Grammar and spelling, that's pretty black and white. The rest is grey matter, rubric or not. I'm also throwing out the same reason I opt for no rubrics for students... it makes it nearly impossible to think 'out of the box'! Every teacher has their own style, pizazz, flair, gusto, etc. You limit that by throwing on guidelines and regulations on their shoulders. Plus that's what the common core standards are for, as well as all the standardized testing. Rubrics are too robotic in my opinion. See that? That was a subjective! 'Rubrics are too robotic'. They don't breath human life. I remember (even still as a student) getting back a book report or other assignment and seeing all the pen marks over it. The comments I mean. Positives, with suggestions to help expand what I already wrote, questions asking to elaborate, comments about their personal viewpoints on it. I loved it! Some kids feel anxious about that, others not so much. That's where knowing your students come in, knowing what kids will thrive on your feedback and what ones may hermit themselves because of it. Both of which should be addressed with human emotion, not a rubric.