Scoring     Criteria       Level Four       Response   Level Three       Response       Level Two       Response       Level One       Response     Introduction     Standards &     Skills     Assessment     Items  Scoring     Criteria     Student     Samples

Scoring Criteria - Level Three Performance Knowledge of Geography Dimension Level three responses: depict a well formed knowledge base in geography, including spatial views of the world. cite data that is almost always accurate and relevant to the topic. show evidence of mastery of many skills, facts, concepts, and principles of geography. use the vocabulary of geography to describe the location of places, as well as the human and physical characteristics of areas. indicate that mental maps are well enough developed to allow the sketching of relatively accurate maps of the continents, major countries, and water bodies of the world. reveal an understanding of the essentials of geography, including a knowledge of connections and interactions among places, which allows analysis of some spatial relationships and the positing of solutions to problems. show that students are able to interpret and use simple databases, graphs, charts, aerial photographs, satellite images, and maps to solve problems and to generalize about causes and consequences of phenomena on earth. portray the world as a series of interlocking physical and human systems. Organization and Development Dimension Level three responses: use a plan of action that allows satisfactory development of a topic in a way that includes few digressions and is generally well organized. provide ideas that are relevant, clearly expressed, and supported in most cases with accurate data. demonstrate coherence of thought, integration, and progression from idea to idea.