Build a Criteria Chart

Why should I use a Criteria Chart?
a) because everyone else is
b) because it covers a hole in the wall
c) because it helps clearly define a task

While it may be true that everyone else is using Criteria Charts, and...well, it might be the perfect cover for a whole in the wall of your classroom, the REAL reason to use one is because using a Criteria Chart helps you and your students to clearly define a task.

Criteria Charts:
• Support learning by defining and clarifying a task
• Support the development of skills because the focus is on the "details" of the criteria
• Support the development of understanding and critical thinking because the more students verbalize, identify, and manipulate targeted criteria the more they internalize and own them--Metacognition

Okay...so...what is a Criteria Chart?
Simply stated, Criteria are the standards by which we judge something--the "what counts." Therefore, a Criteria Chart is a classroom learning tool used to clearly describe for students what a task requires of them.

What information do I need to create a Criteria Chart for a writing task?
1) The Standards
2) A clear understanding of the Genre to be addressed
3) A writing task/prompt
4) A focus on the "mode" the writing task will take

For example: An Expository task could take the "mode" of Newpaper Article (criteria would include captioned illustrations, headings, leads), or it might be a Research Report (criteria would include citing sources, quotations, facts and details, third person point of view).

Where do I start?
• The Reading/Language Arts Framework for California Public Schools
• English-Language Arts Content Standards (ELA)
• English Language Development Standards for English Learners (ELD)
• Current Language Arts Curricula (Open Court, Into English,Write Time, Language!, DRWC, HighPoint, etc.)

This template offers a useful way to approach the creation of a Criteria Chart.

How do I create a Criteria Chart for a writing task?
There is a 4 step process to creating a Criteria Chart;
1 Brainstorm
• Decide on the appropriate Standards
• Look at the writing prompt
• Pose the question, "What counts in this task/assignment?"
• List all ideas
• Ensure the essential features of the project are included
2 Sort and Categorize
• Look at the list and pose the question, "Do you see any patterns where certain ideas fit together?"
• Sort like ideas into no more than 3-5 categories
• Use student language
3 Make and Post a T-Chart
• Posting a T-Chart with the criteria (what counts) along with the details of specific critieria (what you'll be looking for) helps students understand exactly what they are working toward and what they need to get there
4 Add, Revise, Refine
• Developing criteria is never finished--especially as we develop more sophisticated understanding of genres and criteria so add, change, and delete throughout the year
• Be sure to review criteria periodically, especially after completing a task/assignment or learning a new skill

This is a Criteria Chart from a 1st grade classroom.

How do I use a Criteria Chart ?
A Criteria Chart is designed to be used throughout the learning task to guide students incrementally so that assignment is done correctly.
To find powerful opportunities to use a Criteria Chart:
• Look over the unit of study
• Determine how the readings and learning activities build the content and skills necessary for students to master the criteria
Then, plan to use the Criteria Chart to connect the reading and learning activities to the "what counts."
Here are some ways you should use the Criteria Chart:
• Like a checklist throughout the task/assignment
• To bring the focus to content rather than mechanics and conventions throughout the steps of the writing process
• To connect charted criteria with its various incarnations as they are revealed during read alouds, books, anthology selections, and other models of writing
• To focus on development and refinement, not grades or scores
• To introduce a writing task
• During the Pre-Write, Draft, and Revision stages
Click here to see a Criteria Chart used during Pre-Write with Bubble Map
• During Writer's Workshops and Conferences
• Before beginning Author's Chair and "Three Stars and A Wish"

This is a Criteria Chart from a 3rd grade classroom.

I have searched the Internet and have yet to find any Criteria Charts. Usually, the search engine results say "criteria" ut the links either lead to Rubrics or Standards, not T-Charts or Checklists. The link below is the only one I found, in the form of a Checklist.
Persuasive Writing Criteria Chart