Rubrics are a great tool in helping educators assess student writing. While some believe that rubrics are hurting writing, when done correctly, rubrics are a great resource for teachers and students.

1 - Rubrics set clear expectations for teachers and students - Rubrics give students a clear understanding of what is expected in their writing. This can be especially beneficial for a struggling writer who doesn't know what to include in their writing. In addition, it gives teachers an idea of what should be taught and reviewed in the unit. Spandel (2006) explains that, "A rubric is ultimately a two-way commitment, a reader-writer contract that says, “If you write with thought andwith heart, I will understand, and I will hear you" (p. 21).

2 - Rubrics help students value revising. Spendel (2006) states, "They come to see those rubrics less as rigid requirements and more as writing guides. They take charge of their writing process and no longer depend on us to choreograph their revision" (p. 20). One of the biggest parts of strong writing is revision. When students view the rubric as a guide that help push them to be stronger writers, they can start to revise on their own. It allows students to become more independent.

3 - Students should be a part of the rubric process. "When students design and use their own rubrics, they read, process text, and view their writing differently" (Spandel, 2006, p. 20). Students will start reading as writers and learn from mentor texts. They will then create rubrics that are important to them and, again, use this as a guide.