Overview

In this performance assessment, students will be asked to choose (or be assigned) a story to read. Then, students will create trading cards for each character from different stories they have read. Each card should include details such as the character’s name, key traits, actions, motivations, and a brief comparison with another character. Students can write their trading cards in an appropriate way, including, but not limited to, PowerPoint or Google Slides (or another presentation tool), Microsoft Word or Google Docs, or paper and colored pens/pencils/markers. Final student work should be saved as an Acrobat PDF for uploading to the virtual scoring software.

This assessment can be used at any time in grade 5. Students should have had instruction on character analysis before this assessment is used. 

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Details

  • 5th
  • Two 45-minute sessions with optional third session
  • Big Ideas & Competencies View Section Below

Big Ideas & Competencies

Big Ideas Competencies

A. Reading Literature

Students can read with purpose, understand and analyze evidence in literature to construct meaning in increasingly complex texts.

A1

Students can quote accurately from text to support answers and when drawing inferences from texts (stories, dramas, and poetry) independently and proficiently.

A3

Students can compare multiple characters, settings, and events with specific details and examples.

NOTE ABOUT ASSESSMENT RUBRICS

Below are analytic teacher rubrics. 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 Rubric

Dimensions Not Yet Meeting Expectations Meeting Expectations Exceeding Expectations

Character Traits and Description
  • Provides a basic description of both characters with some details about appearance, actions, and role in the story.
  • Identifies a few character traits and emotions for both characters with basic explanations and some connections to the story.
No exemplars at this time.
  • Provides a clear description of both characters with several details about appearance, actions, and role in the story.
  • Identifies several character traits and emotions for both characters with good explanations and connections to the story.
No exemplars at this time.
  • Provides a comprehensive description of both characters, including detailed aspects of appearance, actions, and role in the story.
  • Identifies multiple character traits and emotions for both characters with clear, insightful explanations and connections to the story.
No exemplars at this time.

Understanding Character Motivation
  • Demonstrates a basic understanding of both characters' motivations and development with some explanation and minimal connections to the story.
No exemplars at this time.
  • Demonstrates a good understanding of both characters' motivations and development with clear explanations and some connections to the story.
No exemplars at this time.
  • Demonstrates a thorough understanding of both characters' motivations and development, providing clear and detailed explanations and connections to the story.
No exemplars at this time.

Comparison of Characters
  • Provides a basic comparison of the two characters, highlighting some similarities and differences with basic explanations.
No exemplars at this time.
  • Provides a good comparison of the two characters, highlighting several similarities and differences with clear explanations.
No exemplars at this time.
  • Provides a thorough and insightful comparison of the two characters, highlighting similarities and differences in detail with clear explanations.
No exemplars at this time.

Analysis, Interpretation, and Comparison of Characters
  • Provides basic analysis and interpretation of the characters' actions and decisions, showing some understanding of the character and story.
  • Provides a basic comparison of the two characters, highlighting some similarities and differences with basic explanations.
No exemplars at this time.
  • Provides clear analysis and interpretation of the characters' actions and decisions, showing a good understanding of the character and story.
  • Provides a good comparison of the two characters, highlighting several similarities and differences with clear explanations.
No exemplars at this time.
  • Provides insightful analysis and interpretation of the characters' actions and decisions, showing a deep understanding of the character and story.
  • Provides a thorough and insightful comparison of the two characters, highlighting similarities and differences in detail with clear explanations.
No exemplars at this time.

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