Free Printable Rubric Templates

About these rubrics handouts

A rubric tells students what good work looks like before they start. The 3-level rubric uses Got it, Almost and Not yet, with a column for a next step, which keeps feedback focused on what to do next. The 4-level rubric uses Exceeds, Meets, Approaching and Beginning, with blank criteria for you to write in.

The project rubric comes ready with six criteria, content, organization, creativity, craftsmanship, presentation, and effort and timing, and a short description in each box. The writing rubric lists six writing qualities down the side with a short look-for under each, and leaves the level boxes open so you can write what you expect.

All four end with a total score line and a comments line. Share the rubric with students at the start of the assignment, and ask them to use it to check their own work before they turn it in.

A rubric also saves grading time. When the criteria are written down, comments shrink to a few words, and a student can see for themselves why a paper earned a 3 and not a 4.

Fill in the student, subject and date before printing, or leave them blank and write by hand.

How to use them

1. Choose the rubric that fits the assignment.
2. Fill in the subject and date.
3. Write the criteria and expectations if the page is blank.
4. Share it with students before they start.
5. Score, total and add comments.

Classroom tips

• Write the descriptors in student-friendly words and test them on a sample paper.
• Limit yourself to four to six criteria so the rubric stays usable.
• Let students score themselves first, then compare.
• Save a blank copy as a class master.

Last reviewed 2026-10-03. Handout Hero designs are original and made for this site. They are general reference material; check your own school, district or tradition where it matters.