Arkansas's state writing assessment, rubric by rubric
ATLAS (Arkansas Teaching and Learning Assessment System) is the state's annual summative assessment. The writing portion uses text-based writing rubrics, where students produce one extended written response based on one or more provided source texts.
ATLAS uses the same three-domain analytic rubric structure across all three writing genres (Opinion, Informative/Explanatory, Argumentation) and across grade bands (3-5 and 6-11). Purpose/Focus/Organization is scored 0 to 4. Evidence and Elaboration is scored 0 to 4. Conventions of Standard English is scored on a 2-point sub-scale (0 to 2) that begins at score point 2.
The Arkansas Department of Education adopted these text-based writing rubrics, originally updated October 2014 and developed within the PARCC consortium, for the 2023-24 school year. The descriptor language, score-point structure, and three-domain framework all match the source PDFs published by ADE.
The four Arkansas ATLAS writing rubrics
Each ATLAS rubric scores writing on three analytic domains, Purpose/Focus/Organization (0 to 4), Evidence and Elaboration or Development and Elaboration (0 to 4), and Conventions of Standard English (0 to 2, beginning at score point 2). The same three-domain structure applies across genres and grade bands; only the descriptor language and expectations change by rubric.
Students respond to a prompt with an opinion supported by text-based evidence from one or more provided sources. Scored on Purpose/Focus/Organization (0 to 4), Evidence and Elaboration (0 to 4), and Conventions (0 to 2).
Students explain a controlling idea using text-based evidence from one or more provided sources. Scored on Purpose/Focus/Organization (0 to 4), Evidence and Elaboration (0 to 4), and Conventions (0 to 2).
Students respond to a prompt with a clear claim supported by evidence from provided sources. Alternate or opposing claims are required starting at grade 7. Scored on Purpose/Focus/Organization (0 to 4), Evidence and Elaboration (0 to 4), and Conventions (0 to 2).
Students explain a controlling idea or main idea using text-based evidence from provided sources. Scored on Purpose/Focus/Organization (0 to 4), Evidence and Elaboration (0 to 4), and Conventions (0 to 2).
How ATLAS scores writing
Every ATLAS writing rubric scores responses on three analytic domains. Purpose/Focus/Organization (0 to 4) and Evidence and Elaboration (0 to 4) each use a 5-point scale. Conventions of Standard English (0 to 2) uses a tighter sub-scale that begins at score point 2.
Scored 0 to 4. Covers how well the response is sustained within the purpose, audience, and task; whether an opinion, controlling idea, or claim is clearly stated and maintained; effectiveness of organizational structure; and the use of transitional strategies. At Grades 6 to 11 Argumentation, alternate or opposing claims become a scored bullet starting at grade 7.
Scored 0 to 4. Covers integration of text-based evidence; use of elaborative techniques; expression of ideas; academic and domain-specific vocabulary; and sentence structure variety. At Grades 6 to 11, references to sources are expected to be precise and integrated smoothly for the top score.
Scored 0 to 2 on a tighter sub-scale that begins at score point 2. Covers usage, punctuation, capitalization, sentence formation, and spelling. A response with frequent and severe errors that obscure meaning earns 0 regardless of strength in the other domains.
Common questions about Arkansas ATLAS writing
What is the ATLAS writing rubric?
How many points is each ATLAS writing rubric worth?
How is the ATLAS rubric different from PARCC-derived rubrics in other states?
When does ATLAS expect counterarguments?
Is this rubric the official version from the Arkansas Department of Education?
Where can I find the source documents?
Does EnlightenAI auto-score with these rubrics?
Score Arkansas ATLAS writing in EnlightenAI
Train EnlightenAI on any of the official ATLAS writing rubrics and start scoring student writing, with consistent per-domain feedback, in a single class period.