How to convert a 6+1 Traits rubric score to a percentage
Ruth Culham Workshop, Tuesday, 4 November 2003
Penn-Harris-Madison Writing Mentors
When converting a 6+1 Traits rubric score to a percentage score, it is important NOT to simply divide the score earned by 5 (the highest score possible). This gives an inaccurate score.
For example, if a student earns a holistic score of 3 out of 5, the paper is NOT a 60% or a D. The description of a 3 on the rubric clearly identifies that writing as successful and as meeting the criteria of a paper that fulfills requirements. Therefore, a 3 is equal to a 75% or a C.
If all six traits are analytically assessed (ideas and content, organization, sentence fluency, voice, word choice and conventions), then 30 total points are possible (since five is the highest score possible). The following formula demonstrates how to convert the point score to a percentage which accurately represents the level achieved. (Generally, the “+1” criterion, presentation, is not assessed at the high school level.)
The conversion formula is as follows:
50 x points earned + 45 = percentage score
points possible
For example, if a student scored the following:
Ideas and content: 4
Organization: 3
Word choice: 3
Sentence fluency: 2
Voice: 2
Conventions: 2_
16
The conversion would be as follows:
50 x 16 + 45 = 71.5% = C-
30
based on presentation and information found in Culham, Ruth. 6 + 1 Traits of Writing: The Complete Guide (Grades 3 and Up). New York: Scholastic, 2003. ISBN: 0439280389
6.2004