Task development and writing rubrics are complex processes; it should not be assumed that teachers are experts in either of these areas. Most teachers need some professional development in these areas. Providers of professional development should be screened for their expertise in writing rubrics and success in supporting teachers in developing tasks and writing rubrics.

Things to Consider

Research indicates that brief or one-time professional development activities, without follow-up sessions and ongoing teacher support, are ineffective. Some schools hire task specialists to supervise task development and train a group of teachers in writing rubrics. These teachers in turn supervise and train the rest of the teachers on the school's staff.