The reading below is excerpted from the following article which follows the publishing guidelines of the 6th edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association:

Marshall, S. M., Klocko, B., & Davidson, J. (2017). Dissertation completion: No longer higher education's invisible problem. Journal of Educational Research and Practice, 7(1), 74-90. https://doi.org/10.5590/JERAP.2017.07.1.06

To prepare:

• Review the Marshall et. al. (2017) Reading Excerpt linked above.

Prompt: What challenges to completion do you anticipate you will encounter in your doctoral program? What strategies for successful completion do you anticipate will be the most useful for you, and how will you work toward implementing these strategies to meet your goals?

The Assignment:

Write a two page, 2.0 spaced essay in response to the prompt above. To present your strongest writing skills, submit an essay that:

• Provides a focused and clear central idea that responds to all questions in the assignment prompt with developed ideas;
• Integrates relevant and accurate paraphrased and/or quoted and cited evidence from the Marshall et al. (2017) reading excerpt in support of the argument, accompanied by appropriate analysis - you may use your preferred citation style;
• Organizes ideas with logical structure, clear paragraphs, and transitional words/phrases;
• Uses grammar and mechanics to effectively communicate meaning to readers;
• Maintains academic integrity by demonstrating your original work and appropriately paraphrasing and citing relevant information from the Marshall et al. (2017) reading excerpt. Including outside sources beyond the Marshall et al. (2017) reading excerpt provided above is not required for this essay; if you use them, however, then you must cite any information you summarize, paraphrase, or quote in your preferred citation style.

Assessment Rubric

Criteria

Ratings

Pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome

Central idea of essay...(weight = x1)...Score possible = 0 - 5

5 pts Assessment score: 5 Central idea is focused, clear, and directly responds to the prompt, and ideas are fully developed

4 pts Assessment score: 4 Central idea is clear and related to the prompt, and ideas are developed

3 pts Assessment score: 3 Central idea is clear and connected to the prompt, and ideas are somewhat developed

2 pts Assessment score: 2 Central idea is muddled or strays from the prompt, and ideas are not fully developed

1 pts Assessment score: 1 Central idea is unidentifiable or appears unrelated to the prompt, and ideas are not developed

0 pts Assessment score: 0 Essay does not follow academic integrity standards; or no essay was submitted

5 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome

Paraphrase and analysis...(weight = x1)...Score possible = 0 - 5

5 pts Assessment score: 5 Clear, accurate, and relevant paraphrased evidence is integrated from the reading to support the overall argument, accompanied by strong analysis and citation and/or attribution

4 pts Assessment score: 4 Relevant and accurately paraphrased and/or quoted evidence is provided from the reading to support the overall argument, accompanied by analysis and citation and/or attribution

3 pts Assessment score: 3 Clear connection to the reading is provided through somewhat accurate paraphrase, quotation, and/or allusion, with an attempt to provide analysis and citation/attribution

2 pts Assessment score: 2 Vague or inaccurate connection to the reading is provided through paraphrase, quotation, and/or allusion, with weak analysis and inconsistent citation/attribution

1 pts Assessment score: 1 No evidence (paraphrase, quotation, or allusion) is provided from the reading

0 pts Assessment score: 0 Essay does not follow academic integrity standards; or no essay was submitted

5 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome

Organization...(weight = x1)...Score possible = 0 - 5

5 pts Assessment score: 5 Ideas are well organized with logical overall structure, clearly developed paragraphs, and effective transitional words/phrases

4 pts Assessment score: 4 Ideas are organized with logical structure, clear paragraphs, and appropriate transitional words/phrases

3 pts Assessment score: 3 Ideas are organized but lack logical structure, clear paragraphs, or appropriate transitional words/phrases

2 pts Assessment score: 2 Ideas are loosely organized but lack logical structure, clear paragraphs, and/or appropriate transitional words/phrases

1 pts Assessment score: 1 Ideas are disorganized with unclear structure, paragraphs, and transitional words/phrases

0 pts Assessment score: 0 Essay does not follow academic integrity standards; or no essay was submitted

5 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome

Grammar and Mechanics...(weight = x1)...Score possible = 0 - 5

5 pts Assessment score: 5 Use of grammar and mechanics skillfully communicates meaning to reader

4 pts Assessment score: 4 Use of grammar and mechanics is straightforward and effectively conveys meaning to reader

3 pts Assessment score: 3 Few inaccuracies in grammar and mechanics distract reader from meaning

2 pts Assessment score: 2 Some inaccuracies in grammar and mechanics limit reader's access to ideas

1 pts Assessment score: 1 Multiple inaccuracies in grammar and mechanics impede reader's access to ideas

0 pts Assessment score: 0 Essay does not follow academic integrity standards; or no essay was submitted

5 pts