AP English Selection Rubric for Teachers,
Students, and Guidance Counselors
The following rubric / checklist is designed to help teachers and guidance counselors assist students in deciding whether an AP English class is an appropriate choice for their current educational needs. Students who meet or exceed the expectations and requirements noted below have a reasonable expectation of learning the complex material and passing the AP exam. Students who do not currently meet these expectations and requirements should select a course more in keeping with their current level of educational attainment. Please rate the student on a scale of 1 – 5, 1 meaning “never” and 5 meaning “always.”
Academic Requirements
______1. The student must earn a grade of 85 or higher in the previous year’s honors/AP English course (95 or above in C1 and C2).
______2. The student must earn a grade of 75 or higher on summer reading and writing assignments.
Writing Expectations
______3. The student’s writing reflects a mastery of the conventions of Standard Written English in the areas of grammar, usage, spelling, and punctuation.
______4. The student can write analytical and persuasive essays that include a clear thesis and appropriate support.
______5. The student can introduce supporting quotations and warrant them appropriately.
______6. The student’s writing possesses advanced fluency and syntactic / stylistic maturity.
______7. The student’s writing reflects an understanding of the basic rhetorical elements, e.g., diction, imagery, point of view, tone.
______8. When writing analyses of fiction, the student avoids speculation about authorial intent.
______9. When writing analyses of fiction, the student avoids speculation about what the reader will feel, believe, or think.
Habits of Mind Expectations
______10. When absent, the student always exercises due diligence in ascertaining the assignment and getting it done on time. The student never uses an absence as an excuse for missing work. All work is turned in on time.The student is rarely absent when major tests, projects, and papers are due.
______11. Except for classes missed for approved school activities, the student’s attendance is exemplary.
______12. During class discussions, the student’s questions and comments reflect a thoughtful, probing intellect.
______13. The student is able to read and understand complex, college-level material.
______14. The student accepts constructive criticism, seeing it as an opportunity for growth and learning.
______15. The student seeks opportunities for learning that exceed the basic requirements of the curriculum (e.g., reads more books than assigned, conferences with teacher).
______16. The student’s work consistently meets or exceeds the stated requirements and expectations of the course.
______17. The student’s reading habits reflect both depth and breadth.