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K-4 Grade Level Illinois Alternative Assessment Program Scoring Rubric ITEM: Imaginary Pen Pal This item asks each student to provide information about a pretend long-time pen pal living in another country. They are asked to provide the pen pal's name and country, and to list five similarities and five differences between their respective cultures. Students are required to use their knowledge of their own culture and that of another country to answer the question. Level Four Performance The Level Four response contains a pen pal name that is consistent with the country and culture given, e.g., Jose Martinez and Mexico. All five similarities and all five differences between the two cultures provided by the student can be identified with four or more of the broad content areas usually associated with cultural geography, i.e., religion, social customs, language, political system, economic development, population, migration, urbanization, resources, and popular culture. Each similarity and difference listed is accurate and refers to a separate and discreet aspect of culture, even if two listings fall under one broad content area, e.g., reference to agriculture and industry under economic development. Student responses are well organized, use complete sentences, and are listed in the space provided. Level Three Performance Student performance at this level provides a pen pal name that is consistent with the country and culture mentioned, as in the Level Four response. Four of the similarities and four of the differences mentioned by the student can be identified with at least three of the broad content areas of cultural geography listed above. All four similarities and all four differences are accurate and reference separate aspects of culture. Student responses are well organized, use complete sentences, and are listed in the space provided. Level Two Performance In the Level Two response, the correct association of the pen pal name with the particular country and culture mentioned is much less certain than in either the Level Three or Level Four response. Three similarities and three differences mentioned by the student can be identified with at least two of the broad content areas of cultural geography listed above. The three similarities and three differences are accurate and reference separate aspects of culture. Student responses are brief sentence fragments and lack organization. Level One Performance At this level, errors in the correct association of the pen pal name with the country and culture occur. A plausible name may be provided, but it may be linked incorrectly to a country or a larger political area and culture, e.g., Anesa Qabeck in Africa. Two similarities and two differences mentioned by the student can be identified with at least one of the broad content areas of cultural geography listed above. However, only one of the two may be an accurate comparison. Usually organization is lacking and often less than five comparisons are given.