Critical Thinking Rubric —Elementary

4

3

2

1

Identifying Important Information

I can find the most important parts of the information I am studying.

I can usually find the most important information.

Sometimes, I get important ideas mixed up with unimportant details.

I usually cannot tell the difference between what is important and what is not important.

Evaluating Sources

I use different strategies and good thinking to decide if resources are credible.

I use some strategies to decide if resources are credible.

With help, I use strategies to decide if resources are credible.

I rarely think about whether the resources I use are credible.

Making Inferences

I use my own knowledge to make inferences and draw conclusions about information.

I check to see if my inferences are right.

I use what I know to draw conclusions and make inferences about information.

I usually check to see if my inferences are right.

With help, I make inferences about information.

Sometimes, I do not have good reasons for my inferences.

I have difficulty making inferences.

Learning Independently

I learn more about ideas and concepts that are new to me.

I try to learn more about ideas and concepts that are new to me.

If someone encourages me, I try to learn more about ideas and concepts that are new to me.

I am usually happy with what I already know. I do not bother to find out more.

Communicating

I can clearly explain my opinion on a topic in speaking or writing and give good reasons for it.

I can explain my opinion and give some reasons for it.

I can usually explain my opinion and give at least one reason for my opinion.

I cannot explain my opinion.