Honors Level Course Rubric
North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
Curriculum & Instruction Division
Dr. Maria Pitre-Martin, Director
Linda Brannan, Student Support Services Consultant
Framework: Reasons for Change
• Revision needed in the Honors Level Course Rubric in order
to inform and guide future changes to the current NCDPI
Honors Level Course Implementation Guide as a result of the
adoption of the new NC Standard Course of Study including
the Common Core Standards and the NC Essential Standards
• Need for more rigor than standard level which is
distinguished through the depth and scope of work required
• Developed as an integral component of the differentiated
program of study for advanced learners
New Honors Level Rubric Outline
Overview: definition of honors level courses; role definition; facility requirements;
purpose of rubric, etc.
Portfolio Sections
•
Curriculum Content: How is the course adapted and differentiated for advanced
learners? How does this curriculum support vertical alignment for college and
career readiness?
•
Instructional Materials: How is the course taught? Is there evidence of
differentiation in instructional practices for advanced learners indicating
complexity above the standard level course?
•
Assessment: Is there evidence of authentic assessments and ongoing student self
and peer assessment to adjust and improve learning?
•
Scoring – Met/Not Met for each section with a Comments section
Glossary of Terms – a “living” document to adjust as needed with continuous
feedback from the LEAs
Development and Vetting Process
• Honors Level Course Rubric Team – included representatives
from all curriculum areas
• Vetting included representatives from all curriculum areas
through the various curriculum area email listserves, DPI
Race to the Top Newsletter and Institutes of Higher
Education over a two-week period of time
• Positive changes in the rubric occurred as a result of the
vetting feedback
Timeline
 2012-13
 NCDPI Honors Level Course Implementation Guide developed with NCDPI
offering professional development and support to the LEAs
 First random selection of participants
 2013-14
 Review process and supportive feedback from NCDPI to LEAs
 Second random selection of remaining LEAs/participants
 2014-15
 Review process and supportive feedback from NCDPI to LEAs
 Third random selection of remaining LEAs/participants
 2015-2016
 Review process and supportive feedback from NCDPI to LEAs