Texas SCR Reading Rubric
Texas STAAR RLA Aligned Grades 3–8 & EOC
Reading SCR Scoring Rubric
Short Constructed Response
2-Point Analytic Scoring Guide
Core Expectation: Provide a clear, text-grounded claim supported directly by accurate text evidence.
2 = Complete 1 = Partial 0 = Insufficient
| Score Point | Standard Descriptor | Key Indicators & Evidence Criteria |
|---|
| | |
| 2 Complete | | |
Meets Standard
|
The response is a complete, accurate answer that is fully supported by text evidence.
Focus: Direct claim with relevant, well-linked textual support.
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- Valid Claim: Directly answers the prompt with a clear, reasonable central idea.
- Specific Evidence: Includes direct quotes or specific text details that fit the claim.
- Logical Connection: Demonstrates how the evidence supports the answer.
|
|
1 Partial
Approaching
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The response is partially complete; the answer lacks adequate support or evidence is isolated.
Common Issue: Correct idea without proof, or text quote with no answer.
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- Claim Without Evidence: Valid answer to prompt, but no supporting quotation or detail is given.
- Evidence Without Claim: Quotes relevant passage text but does not formulate an original answer.
- Weak Link: Includes an answer and quote, but the quote does not clearly prove the claim.
|
|
0 Insufficient
Not Scorable
|
The response does not fulfill the requirements of the prompt or reflects flawed comprehension.
Condition: Incorrect, unsubstantiated, or off-topic.
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- Inaccurate Claim: Demonstrates a misinterpretation of the text or contradicts passage details.
- Irrelevant Text: Copies random sentences without addressing the assigned prompt.
- Blank or Insufficient: Response is blank, unreadable, or insufficient to evaluate.
|
The 2-Point Architecture: A-C-E Scaffold
A Answer the Question
State a direct, defensible claim using key terminology from the prompt.
Sentence Starter: “The author shows [X] by...”
C Cite Text Evidence
Quote or specifically cite accurate, compelling textual details from the passage.
Sentence Starter: “In paragraph __, it says ‘...’”
E Explain Connection
Elaborate on how the cited evidence proves and validates your claim.
Sentence Starter: “This proves the point because...”
Teacher Feedback Shorthand:
+C: Clear Claim ?C: Unclear Claim +E: Strong Evidence -E: Missing Quote FQ: Floating Quote +X: Clear Link
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) • RLA Short Constructed Response Page 1 of 2 • Scoring Rubric
Scoring Calibration RLA Benchmark Anchor Set
Annotated Anchor Exemplars
Standard Calibration
Student Models & TEA Rationales
Sample STAAR Passage Context Excerpt from “The Lighthouse Keeper’s Watch”
“As the gale battered the northern reef, Mateo knew the lamp must stay lit. With the gear frozen stiff, he hauled gallons of whale oil up the ninety iron spiral stairs by hand, his boots slipping on icy salt spray.”
Prompt: Explain what Mateo’s actions reveal about his character. Support your answer with evidence from the selection.
2 Score Point 2 — Complete Response
Full Credit
“Mateo’s actions reveal that he is exceptionally dedicated and responsible. When the machinery freezes during a storm, he ‘hauled gallons of whale oil up the ninety iron spiral stairs by hand.’ This shows that he is willing to risk his own safety and endure grueling physical exhaustion to make sure the light stays on and keeps ships safe.”
Scoring Rationale: The student establishes an accurate, insightful claim (dedicated and responsible), integrates a verbatim text quote that matches the claim, and explains how Mateo's physical risk directly proves his character traits.
1 Score Point 1 — Partial Response
Partial Credit
“Mateo is a hard worker who never gives up on his job when things get difficult during a severe storm at the lighthouse.”
Scoring Rationale: The claim is valid and answers the prompt, but the response provides no textual evidence (quotation or specific detail) to support the assertion. (Alternatively, providing only the quote with no claim also earns a Score 1).
0 Score Point 0 — Insufficient Response
No Credit
“The gear was frozen and it was ninety iron spiral stairs.”
Scoring Rationale: The student simply copies a fragment from the text without making an inference about character or answering the question asked by the prompt.
Calibration Check: How to Turn a 1 into a 2
If you have a 1 because of NO EVIDENCE: Add quotation marks around 1 key sentence or phrase from the story that proves your point.
If you have a 1 because of NO EXPLANATION: Add a concluding sentence explaining what the quote reveals about the character or topic.
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) • RLA Short Constructed Response Page 2 of 2 • Benchmark Models
