Evaluating Historical Skills – AusVELS Level 9 and 10 Assessment Rubric Sample

Criteria / Not shown / Beginning / Developing / Accomplished / Exemplary
Chronology, terms and concepts
/ Showed limited understanding of chronology. Some historical terms and concepts used, however did not show understanding of these. / Used timelines or other chronological sequences to show some relationships between events in different places. Some historical terms and concepts used accurately. / Used chronological sequencing to demonstrate the relationship between events and developments in different periods and places. Used a number of historical terms and concepts accurately. / Used chronological sequencing to demonstrate and explain the relationship between events and developments in different periods and places. Used sophisticated historical terms and concepts.
Historical questions and research
/ Identified some questions about the past. Used limited sources. / Identified specific questions to drive inquiry. Identified and located relevant sources using a variety of methods. / Identified and evaluated different questions to drive inquiry. Identified, located and selected most relevant sources using a variety of methods. / Identified, evaluated and modified questions where necessary to follow the inquiry process flexibly. Showed skill in selecting most relevant sources using a wide variety of methods.
Analysis and use of sources
/ Identified primary and secondary sources, but did not accurately use evidence from these. Did not show consideration of the usefulness or reliability of the sources. / Identified key information about primary and secondary sources and showed some understanding of how these connected to the historical inquiry. Showed some understanding of the usefulness and reliability of these sources. / Identified key information about primary and secondary sources and used examples of both types of sources to provide evidence for discussion. Evaluated the usefulness and reliability of these sources. / Understood evidence from primary and secondary sources and used this persuasively. Evaluated the usefulness and reliability of these sources by asking pertinent questions.
Perspectives and interpretations
/ Identified the perspective of an historical figure. / Identified the perspective of an historical figure, and of an interpretation of history. / Identified and analysed the perspectives of one or more historical figures, and of different interpretations of history. / Identified and analysed the perspectives of historical figures, and of different interpretations of history and explained how these perspectives fitted within the wider social context of the time.
Explanation and communication
/ Used some information from sources. Listed some sources, but not using the correct formatting. / Showed some thought and skill in presenting information, incorporating some information from sources. Listed most sources correctly. / Showed thought and skill in presenting information, using supporting evidence from sources. Referenced all sources correctly. / Demonstrated excellence in planning and presenting information using supporting evidence from a range of sources. References were formatted correctly.
Comments:

Based on AusVELS History curriculum - http://ausvels.vcaa.vic.edu.au/The-Humanities-History/Curriculum/F-10

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