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Critical Life Skills
Assessment Rubrics
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Critical Life Skill	Indicators (by Level)
Grammar Use the basic mechanics of standard written English, such as spelling, punctuation, and grammar.	Recalls the rules of acceptable English. Identifies examples of standard English rules. Is able to use standard English grammar. Makes appropriate corrections in standard English usage. Explains correct use of standard English grammar in complex constructions. Uses knowledge of standard English grammar to create a variety of sentence types with varying tones and emphases.
Writing Use written communication appropriate to the situation to express ideas, needs and concerns clearly, concisely and accurately.	Lists the steps in the writing process. Explains how the writing process helps create good writing. Produces accurate written material. Produces accurate written material with adequate evidence to support the ideas expressed. Compiles information into a meaningful written document appropriate to audience and situation. Produces a written document that uses appropriate tone and emphasis to respond to anticipated audience reaction.
Interpersonal Communication Communicate in interpersonal or small group settings, such as classes, meetings, etc.	Knows that effective communication involves listening, interpreting and responding. Can explain good techniques for making communication effective. Recognizes the need for appropriate communication in the problem-solving process. Can choose from a menu of appropriate techniques to modify and improve interpersonal communications. Practices positive communication strategies for solving problems. Methodically analyzes his/her personal communication habits in order to prevent misunderstandings within the communication process. Manages situations in which appropriate communications techniques are encouraged and used to solve interpersonal problems. Evaluates the unique demands of each situation and chooses appropriate styles and techniques of interpersonal communication to address them successfully.
Public Communication Communicate in a formal public setting.	Defines the general principles of effective public speaking. Provides examples of the general principles of effective public speaking. Explains material to an audience in an organized way. Uses research materials appropriate to his/her presentation. Delivers an organized, well-supported speech. Makes an effective presentation that uses audience feedback and interaction appropriately.
Reading Read critically and analytically.	Reads to find specific information. Explains the meaning of written material. Applies information to real life situations. Reads a variety of written formats critically and analytically. Draws logical conclusions after reading diverse sources. Judges worth and value of reading materials as it applies to his/her personal and professional circumstances.
Problem Solving Demonstrate effective problem-solving skills.	Correctly defines a problem along with its possible causal factors and identifies the steps in the problem-solving process. Identifies situations in which a systematic problem -solving process would be valuable. Selects from alternatives to address a problem and defines the process for each step. Investigates possible alternatives to determine the most workable solution for a problem. Devises a personal process for consistent and effective solving of problems. Evaluates the effectiveness of solutions and open-mindedly suggests strategies for arriving at a more satisfying solution.
Critical Thinking Apply the techniques of analytical thinking and effective decision-making.	Defines common thinking strategies. Identifies common thinking strategies within a personal or occupational setting. Draws logical conclusions from adequate evidence. Examines reasons and evidence from different viewpoints. Constructs a case in support of a claim. Assesses the validity of decisions and cases.
Science and Technology Apply principles of science and use technology appropriate to occupations.	Defines basic scientific concepts and lists current technologies. Identifies technologies used in specific scientific areas/contexts. Uses scientific knowledge and technological skill appropriate to the situation. Uses appropriate technology to analyze the scientific aspects of a situation. Designs an activity using appropriate technology and consideration of applicable scientific principles. Evaluates scientific concepts and adapts the associated technologies to maintain their relevance to personal and occupational situations.
Professional and Personal Ethics Apply a collection of generally accepted ethical standards for “right conduct” in both personal and professional areas.	Defines core values and can identify instances of “right conduct” in personal and professional situations. Can explain the place of core values in personal and professional ethical decisions. Demonstrate the appropriate use of core values by choosing an appropriate ethical decision from a list of possible actions. Examines personal and professional situations for possible ethical consequences and implications of decisions. Consciously formulates thoughtful decisions based on sound ethical principles. Lives a life of integrity, actively practicing behavior which demonstrates appropriate ethical standards.
Mathematics Demonstrates numerical and logical reasoning and apply mathematical concepts in occupational and personal settings.	Recognizes the relevance and value of mathematics concepts to everyday personal and work life. Performs basic mathematical functions. Interprets a situation and applies the appropriate mathematical concept. Examines all aspects of a situation for possible mathematical applications. Applies appropriate mathematical concepts to address the needs of a specific solution. Evaluates the clarity and effectiveness of the mathematical concepts used to solve a problem and adjusts them as needed.
Information Seeking Identify and fulfill information needs.	Recognizes the need for information. Identifies a wide variety of sources for information. Describes and locates the specific type of information demanded by the situation. Carefully examines the validity and reliability of multiple sources of information. Collects and organizes a wide range of information sufficient to meet current needs. Frequently evaluates the accuracy of information sources and modifies his/her perspective to stay current and solve problems.
Conflict Resolution Apply effective techniques to resolve interpersonal conflict.	Can name a variety of methods available for resolving conflict. Identifies that a conflict exists and can explain the basic nature of that conflict. Practices some reasonable methods for resolving minor conflicts. Examines a situation, taking into account opposing views/interests before choosing a resolution strategy. Proposes suitable methods for resolving conflicts with an understanding of the potential effectiveness of each method. Can evaluate the outcome of a resolution strategy and make adjustments to maximize the benefits for all parties.
Social Responsibility and Effective Citizenship Demonstrate awareness of the social and global environment by making informed decisions for effective participation in the community.	Articulates the importance of active citizenship. Recognizes examples of appropriate community participation. Actively participates in an organized community improvement project. Critically analyzes possible responses to community issues. Thoughtfully organizes a campaign to encourage citizens to be involved in community improvement efforts. Chooses personal community involvement efforts with the overall needs of the greater community in mind.
Teamwork Work effectively and cooperatively in a group setting.	Lists techniques which encourage cooperative group (team) efforts. Recognizes/identifies effective techniques experienced in group (team) settings. Behaves in ways which will facilitate the cohesiveness of a group (team) effort. Examines the feasibility of tasks and techniques for cooperative team efforts. Organizes constructive team activity through the use of appropriate skills and techniques. Evaluates the effectiveness of teamwork and adjusts techniques to accomplish desired goals.
Valuing Diversity Value differences among people.	Defines basic universal human needs. Describes situations in which individual differences are acknowledged or ignored. Works effectively with others of differing backgrounds. Differentiates behaviors which contribute positively to the valuing of others. Formulates an approach to life which incorporates a positive belief in others and an openness to differences. Modifies personal behavior to acknowledge differing needs of others and makes full use of human resources.
Effective Relationships Develop positive relationships with family members, co-workers, friends and others.	Lists factors which are influential in effective personal relationships. Gives examples of relationships which demonstrate effective relationship techniques. Incorporates newly learned skills to improve a personal relationship. Thoughtfully examines the variety of factors which may influence the effectiveness of a relationship. Implements the use of appropriate skills/techniques to build an effective relationship. Maintains satisfying personal relationships through the implementation of effective attitudes and relationship skills.
Career Development Make career choices appropriate to current personal needs and to the changing nature of the labor market.	Defines the factors which may influence career choice and development. Recognizes specific factors which are influencing decision making in hypothetical career situations. Applies the understanding of influential career factors to their own personal career decisions. Carefully examines all appropriate career choice influences. Creates a plan for integrating appropriate career choice information into personal decision making. Adjusts career choices appropriately to meet current personal needs and to reflect the changing nature of the workplace.
Career Securing Demonstrate effective job search skills.	Names prospective employers/job opportunities. Prepares examples of appropriate job search tools. Uses job search skills appropriate to specific employment demands. Critically analyzes and develops appropriate job search tools. Pursues appropriate employment using all necessary job search tools. Secures appropriate employment through the use of effective job search skills and with consideration of future career potential.
Study Skills Use effective study skills in order to master course content.	Names a variety of effective study skill strategies. Explains the important aspects of each study skill. Applies workable study skills to individual study needs. Critically analyzes personal study habits, strategies, and course/project requirements. Develops a study plan using a variety of strategies to facilitate the successful completion of course work. Anticipates demands of course work in order to implement effective study skills and maximize learning potential.
Stress Management Manage stress in appropriate ways.	Can define stress, identify its possible sources, and can list a number of stress management techniques. Can recognize and give examples of stressful occurrences in his/her life and can describe how stress management techniques work. Can choose a stress management technique to appropriately deal with a common stressful situation. Thoughtfully analyzes the stresses in his/her life and chooses appropriate coping or management techniques. Incorporates stress management techniques into a comprehensive life plan. Anticipates possible future stresses and adjusts existing plan to compensate for them.
Coping with Change Understand and manage change appropriately.	Defines change as inherent variations in life and work. Identifies a variety of positive coping strategies. Uses coping strategies appropriate to the situation. Examines personal change and the effectiveness of his/her current coping strategies. Constructs a plan to positively manage the transitions in his/her life. Reflects on the effectiveness of his/her plan in implementing personal values while adequately managing continual change.
Time Management Organize activities to accomplish desired tasks in the time available.	Lists behaviors which facilitate good time management. Explains effective and ineffective time management strategies. Periodically practices some of the strategies in effective time management. Compares personal use of time with effective time management strategies. Creates a unique personal plan for life activities which reflects use of appropriate time management techniques. Critically assesses a personal time management plan for possible modifications and improvements.
Self-Concept Evaluate one’s self-concept in regard to self-esteem, values, attitudes, interests, goals, strengths and weaknesses.	Can name the qualities and characteristics which contribute to a person’s self-concept. Describes those specific personal qualities which make his/her self-concept unique. Applies new experience and feedback to positively modify understanding of self. Critically analyzes the many factors which influence perceptions of self. Can reasonably interpret the influences on self-concept and can focus perceptions in a positive manner in order to develop a healthy appreciation of self. Appropriately channels personal life experiences into a growing acceptance of his/her unique self-concept.

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