Do you ever feel like creating rubrics takes more time than the actual art projects themselves? Time is valuable! As art teachers, we need rubrics to keep our assessments consistent and aligned with standards, but we also need time to teach, prep supplies, and communicate with parents. Figuring out how to make quality rubrics when you’re short on time can be a challenge.
Let’s explore five strategies to create great rubrics—fast.
Why do we need rubrics?
According to John Hattie’s Visible Learning, one of the most critical factors in student success is clarity around learning goals. Students need to know what the learning expectations are and what they look like. The clearer the expectations, the easier it is for students to meet them.
Rubrics also create consistency. This helps keep grading fair, especially when you’re working with large groups or multiple projects. Most importantly, rubrics should align with standards to ensure they reflect the skills and objectives taught in the classroom.
Rubrics benefit teachers, too. They offer a structured way to assess subjective artworks equitably and quickly. They can guide conferences and help you reflect on your instructional practice. For more insights, dive into assessments and the benefits of rubrics with the Designing Effective Assessment Practices Pack in PRO Learning.
1. Use AI to generate rubrics.
AI can be a huge time-saver. Enter a description of what type of rubric you’re looking for and the lesson objectives, standards, and requirements. Watch AI generate a rubric in seconds! As with any new tool, take the time to learn more about it and consider the benefits and challenges for both teachers and students.
How does it save time?
AI tools eliminate the need for manual writing. Once you create a prompt to compile a rubric, the tool will spit one out in seconds! As with any tool, review it to ensure it meets your expectations. You can respond back to the AI with adjustments or edit it yourself.
What’s an example?
You’re assigning a watercolor painting project to middle schoolers. You could enter something like this into an AI tool: I teach art to 6th grade and we completed a watercolor unit. Students created a watercolor still life painting that included the following: layered washes, bleeding colors, a background, shadows, highlights, and strong craftsmanship. Create a rubric that reflects the National Core Arts Standards with the following four categories: emerging, satisfactory, proficient, and exemplary. The project will be worth 100 points.
2. Incorporate images for pre-readers or English Language Learners.
If you’re teaching pre-readers or students who are learning a new language, a text-heavy rubric may not be the best fit. Instead, create rubrics that include visuals so it’s easier to understand.
How does it save time?
Use pre-made image libraries or AI-generated pictures to quickly build rubrics. Platforms like DALL·E can construct images to visually represent different levels of performance or craftsmanship. This eliminates the need to write long explanations or design your own illustrations from scratch.
What’s an example?
You want to create a visual rubric for craftsmanship in a shading project. Generate images by inputting a prompt like: Make three images showing different levels of graphite shading of a sphere. The first image (emerging) should show a sphere with one value and a cast shadow. The second image (satisfactory) should show a sphere with 2-3 semi-blended values and a cast shadow. The third image (proficient) should show a sphere with 4-5 blended values, including a cast shadow, highlight, horizon line, and background.
3. Involve students in creating rubrics.
Invite students to get involved in creating the rubric! Not only does this save you a little brain power but it gives students ownership over the criteria you will assess them on. When students help create the rubric, they will be very familiar with the expectations and will be more engaged in the project.
How does it save time?
Set up the basic rubric structure. Then, students fill in specific details and examples for each level of proficiency. This can also be a bellringer activity to kickstart class. It refocuses students on what they learned last class and it provides an activity that they will use later.
What’s an example?
For a collaborative mural project, establish categories like Collaboration and Craftsmanship. During a class discussion, ask students to brainstorm what collaboration looks like in this context. They may say things like sharing ideas, helping each other, or being respectful of different opinions. As they provide responses, fill in the rubric. Post the final rubric in a visible spot in the classroom for them to continue to reference throughout the duration of the project.
4. Use exit tickets or Yes/No rubrics.
Sometimes you don’t need a full, detailed rubric for a project. For quick, formative assessments, exit tickets or simple Yes/No rubrics are just as effective. These tools allow you to check for understanding in minutes.
How does it save time?
Instead of assessing every small detail, exit tickets or Yes/No rubrics focus on one or two key criteria. This method works well for practice exercises or daily progress check-ins.
What’s an example?
After a sculpture lesson, create a Yes/No rubric to see if students met the basic criteria. Example questions are: Did the student successfully create a free-standing form? and Did they use at least two different textures? Both are fast and clear and give you a snapshot of where each student is at.
5. Apply the Plug n’ Play template.
One of the fastest ways to create rubrics is to use a customizable template, like the Plug n’ Play rubric in FLEX Curriculum. This adaptable resource is a great way to quickly modify rubrics for different projects. It will save you so much time because you won’t have to start from scratch! Plus, it provides a standard format that helps students acclimate.
How does it save time?
This template will give you a consistent structure across projects. You can copy and paste sections or the whole rubric, and then tweak it to fit your specific needs.
What’s an example?
You used the Plug n’ Play Rubric for a 2D painting project. You’re about to switch to a ceramics project. Instead of starting from square one, make a copy of the painting rubric and adjust a few categories. Swap out any painting-specific requirements for ceramic ones, such as changing Blending to Surface Texture.
Good rubrics don’t have to be time-consuming. Adopt a few smart strategies to streamline the rubric creation process while maintaining the high standards your students need. Use AI, Yes/No rubrics, or customizable templates to focus your time and energy on more meaningful interactions with students. The quicker and easier you can whip up quality rubrics, the more time you’ll have for what really matters—helping your students grow as creative thinkers and artists!
What other hacks do you have for writing quality rubrics?
Share the Plug n’ Play Rubric with an art teacher friend!
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Magazine articles and podcasts are opinions of professional education contributors and do not necessarily represent the position of the Art of Education University (AOEU) or its academic offerings. Contributors use terms in the way they are most often talked about in the scope of their educational experiences.
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