Rubric for Computer Programming

Christopher League, November 2013

Can be adapted for assignments to produce software artifacts in CS102, 117, 120, 130, 155, 156, 161, 164, 601, 631, 653, 673, 690, and
others. As stated on AAC&U VALUE rubrics, “evaluators are encouraged to assign a zero to any work…that does not meet beginning (cell
one) level performance.”
Syntax
Ability to understand and
follow the rules of the
programming language.
Logic
Ability to specify
conditions, control flow,
and data structures that are
appropriate for the
problem domain.
Correctness
Ability to code formulae
and algorithms that
reliably produce correct
answers or appropriate
results.
Advanced Proficient Approaching Proficiency Beginning
4 3 2 1
Program compiles and Program compiles and is Program compiles, but Program does not compile
contains no evidence of free from major syntactic contains errors that signal or (in a dynamic language)
misunderstanding or misunderstandings, but misunderstanding of contains typographical
misinterpreting the syntax may contain non-standard syntax – such as the semi- errors leading to undefined
of the language. usage or superfluous colon in if(exp);{} names.
elements.
Program logic is correct, Program logic is mostly Program logic is on the Program contains some
with no known boundary correct, but may contain right track with no infinite conditions that specify the
errors, and no redundant an occasional boundary loops, but shows no opposite of what is
or contradictory error or redundant or recognition of required (less than vs.
conditions. contradictory condition. boundary conditions (such greater than), confuse
as < vs. <=) Boolean AND/OR
operators, or lead to
infinite loops.
Program produces correct Program produces correct Program approaches Program does not produce
answers or appropriate answers or appropriate correct answers or correct answers or
results for all inputs tested. results for most inputs. appropriate results for appropriate results for
most inputs, but can most inputs.
contain miscalculations in
some cases.
 Advanced
4 3
Completeness Program shows evidence
Ability to apply rigorous of excellent case analysis,
case analysis to the and all possible cases are
problem domain. handled appropriately.
Clarity Program contains
Ability to format and appropriate documentation
document code for human for all major functions,
consumption. variables, or non-trivial
algorithms. Formatting,
indentation, and other
white space aids
readability.
Modularity Program is decomposed
Ability to decompose a into coherent and reusable
problem into coherent and units, and unnecessary
reusable functions, files, repetition has been
classes, or objects (as eliminated.
appropriate for the
programming language
and platform).
Proficient Approaching Proficiency Beginning
2 1
Program shows evidence Program shows some Program shows little
of case analysis that is evidence of case analysis, recognition of how
mostly complete, but may but may be missing different cases must be
have missed minor or significant cases or handled differently.
unusual cases. mistaken in how to handle
some cases.
Program contains some Program contains some Program contains no
documentation on major documentation (at least the documentation, or grossly
functions, variables, or student’s name and misleading indentation.
non-trivial algorithms. program’s purpose), but
Indentation and other has occasionally
formatting is appropriate. misleading indentation.
Program is decomposed Program is decomposed Program is one big
into coherent units, but into units of appropriate function or is decomposed
may still contain some size, but they lack in ways that make little
unnecessary repetition. coherence or reusability. sense.
Program contains
unnecessary repetition.