T.T417

Diary Entries: The Janitor

Students will create a series of diary entries written in the voice of Sam from The Janitor by August Wilson. They will also write a paragraph relating The Janitor to a universal theme and explain how they can identify with the character of Sam at some point during his life.

This assessment has three parts:
o Part 1–Assessment Questions
o Part 2– Read Script
o Part 3–Diary Entries and Synthesis Paragraph

This item has not yet been field-tested.


This is an analytic rubric. The column on the left shows the dimension that is being measured in the student’s performance. The levels across the top row indicate the performance level in the dimensions. Occasionally all dimensions and performance levels are exemplified by multiple students in a single recording.

TEACHER SCORING RUBRIC

  • Dimension
  • Diary Entries

  • Spelling and Grammar

  • Color Images

  • Synthesis Paragraph

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • Less than three entries are submitted.

    N/A at this time.
  • Entries meet few of the general requirements outlined in the checklist.

    N/A at this time.
  • Entries meet nearly all of the general requirements outlined in the checklist.

    N/A at this time.
  • Each entry meets the general requirements and contains each of the components outlined in the checklist.

    N/A at this time.
  • Work is incomplete. Spelling and grammar interfere with meaning.

    N/A at this time.
  • Spelling and grammar interfere with meaning.

    N/A at this time.
  • Spelling and grammar do not interfere with meaning but may not purposefully help the reader understand Sam.

    N/A at this time.
  • Spelling and grammar are used to enhance the reader’s understanding of Sam.

    N/A at this time.
  • Not all images are present.

    N/A at this time.
  • Images are not in color or do not correspond with the dated entry. They may not use cues from the text to reflect Sam’s character, historical period, or culture.

    N/A at this time.
  • Color images, created or selected, correspond with the dated entry and reflect the character, historical period, and culture the interpreter wishes to represent.

    N/A at this time.
  • The high-quality, color images, created or selected, correspond with the dated entry and accurately reflect the character, historical period, and culture the interpreter wishes to represent; choices mirror the author’s intent.

    N/A at this time.
  • Synthesis paragraph is incomplete or does not demonstrate understanding of a universal theme.

    N/A at this time.
  • The synthesis paragraph demonstrates a one-dimensional understanding of universal themes and does not provide a connection between the writer and the character.

    N/A at this time.
  • The synthesis paragraph demonstrates an understanding of a universal theme, and the writer creates a meaningful connection to the character.

    N/A at this time.
  • The synthesis paragraph demonstrates a deep understanding of a universal theme, and the writer creates a meaningful and personal connection to the character.

    N/A at this time.
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