State of New Jersey Department of Education
Social Studies Test Specifications
Contents
Social Studies - ESPA

Generic Scoring Rubric
Score-Point Description - p. 10
3 Point Scale
3
A response at this level demonstrates good understanding of the content or concepts. The response will be complete and accurate, although minor errors may be present. Explanations, if required, will be clear, complete, and generally accurate. The response will exhibit valid logic and reasoning. The development of ideas is sufficient to demonstrate understanding.
2
A response at this level demonstrates some understanding of the content or concepts. The response will be partially accurate but incomplete. Explanations, if required, will be somewhat unclear or inadequately developed. Some evidence of logic or reasoning may be present, but it will be incomplete or partially flawed. The development of ideas will reveal partial understanding.
1
 A response at this level demonstrates minimal understanding of the content or concepts. The response will be largely inaccurate and incomplete. Explanations, if required, will be exceedingly vague and/or inaccurate. Logic or reasoning, if in evidence, will be exceedingly simplistic and/or seriously flawed. The response will typically exhibit minimal development.
0
Not Scorable (e.g. no response; fragment response insufficient to score; response off topic; response not written in English).