Setting Up Rubric Sections

Rubric sections provide structured evaluation using performance levels and markers. You can configure sections to display as traditional rubrics or matrix-style layouts for clearer assessment.

Prerequisites

• System Administrator or Organization Administrator role
• Active Observe license
• Existing form section to configure

Understanding Rubric Display Formats

Sections can display in several formats:

Enabling Rubric Mode

1. Navigate to System Admin → Observe → Sections
2. Click on your section name
3. Click Edit Section
4. Check Is Rubric
5. Select Rubric Orientation:
   • Horizontal: Performance levels across columns
   • Vertical: Performance levels down rows
6. Click Save

Creating Rubric Markers

Rubric markers define performance levels for evaluation.

1. From your rubric section, click Rubric tab
2. Click Add Rubric Marker
3. Enter marker details:
   • Name: Performance level (e.g., "Exemplary", "Proficient")
   • Description: Level description
   • Value: Point value for scoring
   • Display Order: Column position
4. Click Save
5. Repeat for each performance level

Linking Question Choices to Markers

Connect answer choices to specific performance levels:

1. Navigate to Questions tab in your section
2. For each question, click Edit
3. In the Question Choices section:
   • Select the Rubric Marker for each choice
   • Choices automatically inherit marker values
4. Click Save

When questions are linked to rubric markers, the system automatically sets them as Required.

Matrix-Style Display

For matrix sections:

1. Click Display Format on your section
2. Select Matrix format
3. Configure Matrix Markers (similar to rubric markers)
4. Link question choices to matrix markers
5. Questions display in grid format during observations

Rubric Scoring

Rubric sections support weighted scoring:

1. Navigate to Weighted Value tab
2. Questions linked to rubric markers are automatically Scorable
3. Adjust question weights as needed:
   • Higher weights = more impact on section score
   • Equal weights = balanced scoring
4. Section scores calculate from weighted question values

Best Practices

Performance Level Design

• Use 3-4 performance levels for clarity
• Start with highest level (Exemplary) in leftmost column
• Include clear, observable descriptors
• Align levels with district evaluation standards

Question Integration

• Link all choices in rubric questions to markers
• Use consistent language across performance levels
• Test rubric display in Preview mode before use

Scoring Configuration

• Set equal weights unless specific indicators need emphasis
• Review total section weights within form sets
• Test scoring calculations with sample data

Converting Between Display Formats

You can change section display formats:

1. Click Display Format Selector on section
2. Choose new format (Traditional, Rubric, Matrix)
3. Select Conversion Mode:
   • Preserve existing data
   • Reset and start fresh
4. Click Update Display Format

Note: Converting between formats may affect existing observation data. Review carefully before converting sections with completed observations.

Troubleshooting

Rubric Not Displaying

• Verify Is Rubric is checked in section settings
• Confirm rubric markers are created with display orders
• Check that question choices are linked to markers

Scoring Issues

• Ensure questions are marked as Scorable
• Verify marker values are set correctly
• Review section and question weights in Weighted Value tabs

Missing Performance Levels

• Check marker Display Order values
• Confirm all markers have names and descriptions
• Verify section Rubric Orientation setting

Rubric sections provide powerful structured evaluation capabilities. Start with simple 3-level rubrics and expand as your evaluation needs grow.