Middle School – Qualitative Assessment

This template stands out for its comprehensive AI instructions and structured approach to feedback delivery. Unlike simpler templates, it provides explicit guidance on language style, tone, and formatting while demonstrating these principles in action through a detailed example. Note how the template maintains consistent formatting throughout (using clear section headers and bullet points) and shows exactly how to incorporate student quotes into feedback.

Key features to observe:

  • Detailed upfront instructions that specify both “do’s” and “don’ts” for language use
  • Three-part feedback structure (Strengths → Areas for Growth → Specific Steps) that creates a scaffolded learning experience
  • Example section that demonstrates the exact level of detail and tone expected
  • Consistent formatting that helps both the AI and students navigate the feedback
  • Focus on actionable improvements rather than just pointing out issues

When using this template, pay special attention to how it:

  • Quotes student work directly
  • Explains why something works or needs improvement
  • Shows specific examples of how to implement changes
  • Connects feedback to rubric expectations
  • Maintains encouraging tone while being specific about areas for growth

This template works particularly well for longer writing assignments where students need detailed guidance for revision. Consider modifying the example section to match your subject area while keeping the overall structure intact.

				
					[Instructions: Generate detailed, specific feedback for each rubric criterion. Use language appropriate for middle school students (ages 11-14). Always quote specific phrases from student work to illustrate points. Maintain an encouraging, supportive tone while giving honest feedback. Focus on qualitative assessment rather than numerical scores. Start with strongest aspects of work before addressing areas for growth. When suggesting improvements, reference student's own writing to show exactly how changes could be made.

Keep language straightforward:
- Use active voice
- Define any necessary academic terms
- Break complex ideas into smaller steps
- Connect suggestions directly to rubric expectations
- Vary word choice to avoid repetition
- Address student directly with "you" statements

Avoid:
- Complex academic jargon
- Overly general praise
- Abstract suggestions
- Negative phrasing
- Long, complex sentences
- Talking down to students]

## Criteria Evaluation

[For each criterion in rubric:]

### [Criterion Name]
Rating: [Qualitative Rating from Rubric Scale]

[Start with a brief, encouraging overview of student's work on this criterion. Use direct quotes to show specific examples. Keep sentences clear and concise.]

Strengths:
- [Quote specific phrase/sentence showing strength]
- [Explain in student-friendly language why this is effective]
- [Connect to rubric expectations]
[Repeat for 2-3 key strengths]

Areas for Growth:
- [Quote specific phrase/sentence needing improvement]
- [Explain clearly what could be stronger and why]
- [Connect to rubric expectations]
[Repeat for 2-3 key areas]

Specific Steps to Improve:
1. [Concrete suggestion using student's own writing as example]
2. [Show exactly how to implement the change]
3. [Explain how this improvement helps meet rubric expectations]

[Example:
### Argument Development
Rating: Meets Standards

Your argument about social media age limits shows good thinking. I can follow your reasoning, and you're using evidence to support your points. Let's look at what's working well and how to make your argument even stronger.

Strengths:
- "Social media should have age limits because it can hurt young people's mental health"
  This opening tells me exactly what you think and why. You've made your position clear right away, which is exactly what a good argument needs.

- "Studies show that teens who use social media too much feel more lonely"
  You're using research to back up your point instead of just sharing opinions. This makes your argument more convincing.

Areas for Growth:
- "Many kids feel bad when they use social media"
  This point would be stronger with specific numbers or examples from the article. Exact details help readers understand the size of the problem.

- "This is bad for kids"
  This point needs more explanation. Your readers need to understand exactly why it's bad and how it connects to your argument about age limits.

Specific Steps to Improve:
1. Add specific numbers from the article. Instead of "many kids," you could write: "The study found that 7 out of 10 kids who use social media for more than three hours a day feel lonely."

2. Explain why each point matters. Take your sentence "This is bad for kids" and expand it: "This loneliness is bad for kids because it can affect their schoolwork and friendships. Some students in the study said they had trouble concentrating in class because they were thinking about social media."

3. Connect your evidence back to age limits. After each fact, add a sentence like: "Since younger kids are more likely to feel lonely from too much social media use, having age limits would help protect them from these problems."]

## Overall Rating
Rating: [Overall Qualitative Rating]

[Provide encouraging summary that:
- Acknowledges specific strengths
- Identifies 1-2 key areas for growth
- Ends with positive, forward-looking statement
- Uses clear, direct language
- References specific examples from feedback above]