Grading Assistant directly supports these state test rubrics:
- Smarter Balanced Performance Task Extended Response (Grades 6+)
- Georgia Milestones Extended Writing Task (Grades 6+)
- Texas STAAR Extended Constructed Response (Grades 6+)
- Virginia SOL Integrated Reading and Writing (All grades - 5, 8, and End of Course)
However, even if you're preparing for a different test, Grading Assistant can still be useful. NoRedInk's Grading Assistant Essay rubrics assess whether students have successfully produced the essential components of an essay. They are tailored to high-priority genres of writing that are emphasized in state standards and assessments.
The rubrics were developed in collaboration with teachers to ensure that they are practical tools that reflect real instructional needs and support effective student feedback. Grading Assistant is built to assist—not replace—teachers. By handling routine scoring tasks, it helps educators save time and focus on providing deeper, more personalized support.
How are Grading Assistant Essay and State Test Rubrics Organized?
State test rubrics typically group writing traits into broad scoring categories such as Purpose & Organization and Evidence & Elaboration. These categories are intentionally general to work across a wide range of writing genres and tasks.
Grading Assistant Essay rubrics break these broad categories into specific, teachable writing skills. This structure equips educators to precisely identify skill gaps and provide meaningful feedback.
The following is an example of a Grading Assistant Essay rubric.
Grading Assistant Argumentative Essay Rubric
| Rubric Item | Criteria |
| Thesis | Thesis statement is a debatable opinion |
| Topic sentences | Each topic sentence is a claim that supports the thesis |
| Evidence | Each piece of evidence is a fact that supports the claim |
| Reasoning | Reasoning connects evidence to the claim |
| Counterargument | Counterargument paragraph presents an opposing argument and defends the essay's thesis |
| Conclusion | Conclusion restates the argument and explains why readers should care |
How Do Grading Assistant Rubrics Support State Test Goals?
NoRedInk’s Grading Assistant rubrics align with the same core categories as state test rubrics but take a more instructionally-focused approach. While state rubrics are designed for summative evaluation, NoRedInk’s rubrics are built for formative use in the classroom. Their detailed structure gives teachers concrete insight into students’ strengths and areas for growth, not just an overall score.
The following chart offers one example of how a Grading Assistant Essay rubric aligns with the general categories found in many state writing rubrics.
| State Test Rubric Category | Aligned, Teachable Skills in a Grading Assistant Rubric |
| Purpose & Organization |
|
| Evidence & Elaboration |
|
While a state rubric might indicate a general weakness in Purpose & Organization, the Grading Assistant Essay rubric clarifies whether a student needs to strengthen the thesis, revise the topic sentences, or develop their conclusion.
This level of specificity supports targeted practice, personalized instruction, and actionable revision feedback. Rather than summarizing performance, the Grading Assistant Essay rubric acts as a roadmap for improvement.
What About Skills Not Assessed by the Rubrics?
Grading Assistant Essay rubrics do not currently assess criteria such as grammar, style, or holistic quality. Grading Assistant is designed to provide teachers with data they can take action on. A broad conventions score does not indicate exactly what skills a student needs help with. Instead of bundling grammar into a single score, NoRedInk offers dedicated tools to support grammar and conventions, including:
- Skills Benchmarks for schools and districts
- Planning Diagnostics, Unit Diagnostics, and Growth Quizzes for teachers