Rubric for Action Research Proposal component of the  
Science Education Portfolio (SEP)

Based on a 30 point maximum 

1.    Statement of problem and its significance (The problem must be related to the capstone “big idea”) (0-3 points) 

3 points: statement written clearly; significance described; closely related to “big idea.”

2 points: any two of the above done well, one missing or poorly done

1 point: only one done well, two missing or poorly done

0 points: all three missing or poorly done

2.    Relevant research and how it applies to your problem (Used references to describe what others have done to investigate this question or problem and how your research builds upon existing research) (0-3 points) 

3 points: Reference(s) present and your research is based on these results

2 points: Reference(s) present, but links to your research missing or poorly described

1 point: Reference(s) present, but not related to your research

0 points: No references 

3.    Carefully worded research question or problem (The question or problem addressed is related to the scientific “big idea” of the capstone course) (0-3 points) 

3 points: Research question is clear and concise, relationship to “big idea” is clearly described.

2 points: Either research question is not clearly written or relationship is not well made.

1 point: Research question present but not related to “big idea.”

0 points: No research question or problem.

4.    Describe the students that you are working with (i.e., demographics, achievement level, what science concepts they have addressed this term) (0-2 points) 

2 points: Demographics, achievement level, and experience this term described clearly.

1 point: Some of the above present and well described.

0 points: No useful description of students. 

5.    Outline your step by step plan for investigating the problem or question (0-3 points) 

3 points: Plan thought through carefully and clearly described.

2 points: Either plan is sketchy or description is not clear.

1 point: Plan is both sketchy and poorly described.

0 point: No plan. 

6.    Data analysis plans (Described how will you use and interpret the data that you collect) (0-3 points) 

3 points: Plan thought through carefully and clearly described.

2 points: Either plan is sketchy or description is not clear.

1 point: Plan is both sketchy and poorly described.

0 point: No plan. 

7.    References in APA format (Included a minimum of five print references, at least two from educational journals or books) (0-2 points) 

2 points: References present as required and correctly formatted.

1 points: Either format is incorrect, references do not meet the minimal specified or too few or wrong kind of references.

0 point: No references.

8.    Time Schedule (Described what will happen and when it will happen) (0-3 points) 

3points: Schedule is reasonable, described in detail and clearly stated.

2 points: Schedule is described vaguely.

1 point: Schedule is both sketchy and poorly described.

0 point: No schedule.

9.    Interview questions, questionnaires, observation checklists, etc included in appendix (0-3 points) 

3 points: Questions thought through carefully and clearly written.

2 points: Either questions are sketchy or writing is not clear.

1 point: Questions are both sketchy and poorly written.

0 point: No questions.

10. Quality of writing (0-3 points) 

3 points: Overall writing is excellent.

2 points: Writing acceptable but needs minor revision.

1 point: Writing needs major revisions for grammar, spelling, or clarity.

0 point: Writing is below college level.

11. Formatting (Document submitted as html document with all links, graphics working properly) (0 – 2 points) 

2 points: Documents works as specified.

1 point: Some links or graphics do not work.

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