Values in evaluation - The use of rubrics

Rubrics are used by evaluators who seek to move evaluations from being mere descriptions of an evaluand (i.e., the programme, project or policy to be evaluated) to determining the quality and success of the evaluand. However, a problem for evaluators interested in using rubrics is the literature relating to rubric development is scattered and mostly located in the education field with a particular focus on teaching and learning. In this short article we review and synthesise key points from the literature about rubrics to identify best practice. In addition we draw on our rubric teaching experience and our work with a range of stakeholders on a range of evaluation projects to develop evaluation criteria and rubrics. Our intention is to make this information readily available and to provide guidance to evaluators who wish to use rubrics to make value judgements as to the quality and success of evaluands.