Assessment / rubric explorer

Set the levels. See exactly how a child is marked.

This is the same rubric our facilitators use in the lab. Nothing is held back. Set a level for each parameter and the score, the band and the next teaching step all update with it.

Quick answer

NASCA marks every student on six parameters, each on a five-level scale with published descriptors. Concept and Application carry 20 percent each, and Structure, Development, Programming and Analytical Skills, and Presentation carry 15 percent each.

The weighted total gives a mark out of 100, which maps to one of five certification levels, from Emerging to Distinguished.

Six parameters, five levels each

Concept

Does the student understand the idea, not just the steps?

20% of the mark

Explains the idea unaided and applies it to the set task.

In the lab: Names the principle and points to where it shows up in their build.
What the teacher does next: Introduce a variation the taught method does not cover.

Application

Can the student use the idea on a problem nobody solved for them?

20% of the mark

Applies the method to a new, similar problem.

Structure

Is the work organised, planned and documented?

15% of the mark

Clear plan, followed, with a readable build log.

Development

Does the thing actually work, and did it get better through iteration?

15% of the mark

Works reliably for the intended case.

Programming and Analytical Skills

Is the logic sound and the reasoning evidenced?

15% of the mark

Writes working logic and debugs independently.

Presentation

Can they explain it, and hold up under questions?

15% of the mark

Structured explanation, answers questions confidently.

This is one cycle for one child. The report card puts a full year on a single page.

See the sample report card

Questions we get asked

What is the NASCA rubric explorer?

An open tool that shows every level descriptor for all six assessment parameters, and works out the composite score and certification level for any combination you set.

How is the composite score calculated?

Each parameter carries a weight. Concept and Application carry 20 percent each, and Structure, Development, Programming and Analytical Skills, and Presentation carry 15 percent each. The level scored, from 1 to 5, is converted to a share of that weight, and the six results are added to give a mark out of 100.

Can a school use this rubric with its own teachers?

Yes. Partner schools get the rubric as a marking sheet for internal use, and our facilitators moderate a sample of the marking each cycle so the standard stays consistent across classrooms.