Florida's state writing assessment, rubric by rubric
B.E.S.T (Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking) Writing is Florida's state writing assessment, administered by the Florida Department of Education to students in Grades 4 through 10. Students produce one text-based written response per administration, in either the Argumentation or Expository genre, supported by evidence drawn from provided sources.
B.E.S.T uses the same three-domain holistic-by-domain rubric structure across both genres (Argumentation and Expository) and both grade bands (4-6 and 7-10). Purpose/Structure, Development, and Language are each scored 1 to 4 by demonstrating most of the descriptors in a given score point. The three domain scores are reported independently for a maximum of 12 points per rubric.
The B.E.S.T Writing Assessment was first administered as a field test in spring 2023 and has been administered annually each spring since the 2023-24 school year. The rubrics include an important citation rule on Argumentation: without citation of source evidence, the highest score possible in Development is a 2.
The four Florida B.E.S.T writing rubrics
Each B.E.S.T rubric scores writing on three domains, Purpose/Structure, Development, and Language, with each domain scored 1 to 4. The same 3-domain structure applies across genres and grade bands. Only the descriptor language and expectations change by rubric.
Students respond to a text-based prompt with a claim supported by evidence from provided sources. Scored holistically across Purpose/Structure, Development, and Language (1 to 4 each).
Students explain a central idea using evidence drawn from provided sources. Scored holistically across Purpose/Structure, Development, and Language (1 to 4 each).
Students develop and sustain a position with text-based evidence and address counterclaims at grade-level expectations. Scored holistically across Purpose/Structure, Development, and Language (1 to 4 each).
Students develop a central idea using purposeful transitions and integrated evidence from multiple sources. Scored holistically across Purpose/Structure, Development, and Language (1 to 4 each).
How B.E.S.T Writing scores writing
Every B.E.S.T writing rubric scores responses on three domains, scored holistically by domain. Purpose/Structure (1 to 4), Development (1 to 4), and Language (1 to 4). A response earns its score in a given domain by demonstrating most of the descriptors at that score point.
Scored 1 to 4. Captures the focus and clarity of the claim or central idea, the effectiveness of organizational structure, the variety and purpose of transitional strategies, and the strength of introduction and conclusion. Scored holistically by demonstrating most of the descriptors at a given score point.
Scored 1 to 4. Captures the depth of elaboration, the integration of evidence from multiple sources, and the use of paraphrasing, examples, definitions, narrative, or rhetorical techniques. On Argumentation rubrics, citation is required. Without citation, the highest score possible in Development is a 2.
Scored 1 to 4. Captures vocabulary integration, sentence structure variety and fluidity, grade-appropriate command of grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and spelling, and the tone or voice of the response. Brevity with errors caps the Language score.
Common questions about Florida B.E.S.T Writing writing
What is the B.E.S.T writing rubric?
How many points is each B.E.S.T writing rubric worth?
What does "scored holistically by domain" mean on B.E.S.T?
What is the citation rule on B.E.S.T Argumentation rubrics?
Do students write Argumentation or Expository on B.E.S.T?
Is this rubric the official version from FDOE?
Where can I find the source documents?
Does EnlightenAI auto-score with these rubrics?
Score Florida B.E.S.T writing in EnlightenAI
Train EnlightenAI on any of the four official B.E.S.T writing rubrics and start scoring student writing, with consistent per-domain feedback, in a single class period.