Read the story 'Mischief in the White House' and answer the following question.

Tad Lincoln did many things for which other children would be punished. Why do you think his parents allowed him to do these things? Use details from the article to support your answer.

Write your answer on your answer document.

Score for Sample Student Response #1: Rubric Score 3

Annotation, Using the Rubric: This response demonstrates an understanding of the complexities of the text. The student effectively interprets text-relevant information to clarify why Tad's parents allowed him to do things for which other children would be punished: ". . . he was their son and he made them laugh. They needed laughs after 2 deaths of their children so it helped them." The student draws the conclusion that Tad's parents "wanted Tad to have a good childhood and live a good life."

Score for Sample Student Response #2: Rubric Score 2

Annotation, Using the Rubric: This response demonstrates a general understanding of the text. The student uses text-relevant information to explain why Tad was not punished for his actions: ". . . there was a war going on and . . . his father would be able to tell the soldiers so they had something to laugh about."

Score for Sample Student Response #3: Rubric Score 1

Annotation, Using the Rubric: This response demonstrates a minimal understanding of the text. The reason given by the student for why Tad was not punished, ". . . his father is the presidend," shows some understanding of the text in relation to the question.

Score for Sample Student Response #4: Rubric Score 0

Annotation, Using the Rubric: This response is irrelevant to the question. The student identifies something that Tad did but does not explain why Tad was not punished for it.

Score 3

The response demonstrates an understanding of the complexities of the text.

• Addresses the demands of the question
• Effectively uses text-relevant¹ information to clarify or extend understanding

Score 2

The response demonstrates a general understanding of the text.

• Partially addresses the demands of the question
• Uses text-relevant¹ information to show understanding

Score 1

The response demonstrates a minimal understanding of the text.

• Minimally addresses the demands of the question
• Uses minimal information to show some understanding of the text in relation to the question

Score 0

The response is completely incorrect, irrelevant to the question, or missing.²

Note 1:

Text-relevant: This information may or may not be an exact copy (quote) of the text but is clearly related to the text and often shows an analysis and/or interpretation of important ideas. Students may incorporate information to show connections to relevant prior experience as appropriate.

Note 2:

An exact copy (quote) or paraphrase of the question that provides no new relevant information will receive a score of "0".

Rubric Document Date: June 2003