Unit 5 · Assessment Stanine Rubrics

Assessment Rubrics & Standards

Stanine-based rubrics for Unit 5 Global Indigenous Solidarity activities, aligned with NZ Curriculum levels.

📋 Assessment Overview

Stanine to Curriculum Level Conversion

Stanines 1-2: Level 2 (2B, 2P, 2A)
Stanines 3-4: Level 3 (3B, 3P, 3A)
Stanines 5-6: Level 4 (4B, 4P, 4A)
Stanines 7-8: Level 5 (5B, 5P, 5A)
Stanine 9: Level 6+ (Exceptional)

Assessment Criteria Focus

Cultural Understanding: Indigenous worldviews & values
Critical Analysis: Systems thinking & pattern recognition
Respectful Practice: Protocols & ethical engagement
Action Orientation: Solidarity planning & implementation

🗺️ Global Map Organiser Rubric

Assessment Focus: Understanding global patterns of colonialism and Indigenous resistance

Criteria	Stanines 1-2 Level 2	Stanines 3-4 Level 3	Stanines 5-6 Level 4	Stanines 7-8 Level 5	Stanine 9 Level 6+
Geographic Knowledge Mapping Indigenous territories and movements	Basic location of 1-2 Indigenous groups. Simple map labels.	Identifies 3-4 Indigenous territories with some accuracy. Basic connections shown.	Accurately maps 5+ Indigenous territories. Clear regional connections demonstrated.	Comprehensive mapping of multiple regions. Sophisticated understanding of territorial relationships.	Exceptional geographic analysis. Demonstrates deep understanding of land-based relationships and territorial sovereignty.
Pattern Recognition Identifying colonial strategies and resistance	Lists basic similarities between 1-2 examples. Limited pattern awareness.	Identifies simple patterns across 2-3 examples. Surface-level connections made.	Recognises complex patterns across multiple regions. Makes meaningful connections between strategies.	Sophisticated analysis of systemic patterns. Explains why patterns emerge globally.	Exceptional systems thinking. Analyses interconnections between historical and contemporary patterns with nuance.
Cultural Respect Appropriate terminology and protocols	Basic respect shown. Some appropriate language used.	Generally respectful language. Acknowledges Indigenous perspectives.	Consistently uses appropriate terminology. Demonstrates cultural sensitivity.	Sophisticated cultural awareness. Uses Indigenous names and protocols correctly.	Exceptional cultural competence. Demonstrates deep respect for Indigenous knowledge systems and protocols.
Research Quality Use of Indigenous sources and voices	Limited sources used. Relies mainly on non-Indigenous perspectives.	Some Indigenous sources included. Basic fact-checking evident.	Prioritises Indigenous sources. Good range of perspectives included.	Excellent use of Indigenous scholarship and media. Critical evaluation of sources.	Exceptional research methodology. Demonstrates sophisticated understanding of whose voices to center.

🤝 Solidarity Action Planner Rubric

Assessment Focus: Designing respectful, effective solidarity initiatives

Criteria	Stanines 1-2 Level 2	Stanines 3-4 Level 3	Stanines 5-6 Level 4	Stanines 7-8 Level 5	Stanine 9 Level 6+
Issue Understanding Comprehension of Indigenous rights issues	Basic awareness of an issue. Simple description provided.	General understanding of issue impacts. Some context provided.	Good comprehension of issue complexity. Understands multiple stakeholders.	Sophisticated understanding of issue. Analyses root causes and systemic factors.	Exceptional analysis demonstrating deep understanding of historical context and contemporary implications.
Leadership Protocol Following Indigenous leadership	Basic awareness that Indigenous leadership matters.	Plans to ask Indigenous leaders for guidance.	Clear plan to follow Indigenous leadership. Identifies appropriate contacts.	Sophisticated understanding of Indigenous-led vs. ally-supported actions.	Exceptional protocol awareness. Demonstrates nuanced understanding of how to support without centering oneself.
Action Design Practical and achievable steps	Basic action ideas. Limited planning detail.	Simple but achievable actions planned. Some timeline consideration.	Well-designed actions with clear timeline. Considers resources needed.	Sophisticated action plan. Multiple strategies coordinated effectively.	Exceptional strategic thinking. Demonstrates understanding of movement building and long-term impact.
Reciprocity & Accountability Giving back and staying accountable	Basic awareness of need to give back.	Plans for simple reciprocity. Some accountability measures.	Clear reciprocity plan. Good accountability structure identified.	Sophisticated understanding of reciprocal relationships. Strong accountability measures.	Exceptional grasp of reciprocity principles. Demonstrates deep understanding of long-term relationship building.

🎬 Video Analysis & Discussion Rubric

Assessment Focus: Critical media analysis and respectful engagement with Indigenous voices

Criteria	Stanines 1-2 Level 2	Stanines 3-4 Level 3	Stanines 5-6 Level 4	Stanines 7-8 Level 5	Stanine 9 Level 6+
Content Analysis Understanding Indigenous perspectives shared	Basic recall of video content. Simple summaries provided.	Good understanding of main messages. Some analysis attempted.	Strong comprehension of Indigenous perspectives. Makes connections to broader themes.	Sophisticated analysis of worldviews presented. Understands nuanced cultural concepts.	Exceptional grasp of Indigenous knowledge systems. Demonstrates deep cultural understanding and respect.
Critical Thinking Connecting to global patterns and local context	Makes basic connections between examples.	Identifies some patterns across different Indigenous experiences.	Makes meaningful connections to local Aotearoa context. Good pattern recognition.	Sophisticated analysis connecting global and local Indigenous experiences.	Exceptional systems thinking. Demonstrates deep understanding of global Indigenous solidarity networks.
Discussion Participation Respectful and thoughtful engagement	Participates when prompted. Basic respectful language.	Regular participation. Shows respect for Indigenous perspectives.	Active, thoughtful participation. Consistently respectful and culturally aware.	Leadership in respectful discussion. Helps others engage appropriately.	Exceptional discussion leadership. Models best practices for engaging with Indigenous content.
Application to Action Connecting learning to solidarity practice	Basic awareness that learning should lead to action.	Simple connections made between learning and potential action.	Clear links between video content and practical solidarity steps.	Sophisticated understanding of how to apply learning to support Indigenous movements.	Exceptional integration of learning with action planning. Demonstrates deep commitment to ongoing solidarity.

🌿 Values in Action Scenarios Rubric

Assessment Focus: Applying Indigenous values to ethical decision-making

Criteria	Stanines 1-2 Level 2	Stanines 3-4 Level 3	Stanines 5-6 Level 4	Stanines 7-8 Level 5	Stanine 9 Level 6+
Values Identification Recognising Indigenous values at stake	Identifies 1-2 basic values like "respect".	Recognises several relevant values. Basic understanding shown.	Identifies multiple values accurately. Understands their significance.	Sophisticated understanding of complex value systems. Explains interconnections.	Exceptional grasp of Indigenous value systems. Demonstrates deep cultural understanding and nuanced thinking.
Ethical Reasoning Applying values to decision-making	Basic reasoning provided. Simple right/wrong thinking.	Good reasoning that considers multiple perspectives.	Strong ethical reasoning based on Indigenous values. Considers consequences.	Sophisticated ethical analysis. Balances competing values thoughtfully.	Exceptional ethical reasoning. Demonstrates wisdom and deep cultural understanding in complex situations.
Cultural Protocols Understanding appropriate processes	Basic awareness that consultation is needed.	Understands importance of seeking guidance from appropriate people.	Clear understanding of protocol requirements. Identifies appropriate authorities.	Sophisticated protocol awareness. Understands process and relationship requirements.	Exceptional understanding of cultural protocols. Demonstrates deep respect for Indigenous governance and decision-making.
Action Planning Practical steps aligned with values	Basic action ideas that show good intentions.	Simple but appropriate action steps planned.	Well-designed action plan aligned with identified values.	Sophisticated action planning that balances multiple considerations.	Exceptional action planning. Demonstrates strategic thinking and deep understanding of effective solidarity.

🎯 Assessment Guidelines

Holistic Assessment Approach

Growth-Focused: Assess progress from starting point, not just final performance
Multiple Opportunities: Allow students to demonstrate learning through various formats
Cultural Responsiveness: Consider different ways students might express understanding
Self and Peer Assessment: Include reflective and collaborative evaluation

Moderation Guidelines

Consistency: Use rubrics consistently across all students
Cultural Expertise: Seek guidance from Māori and Indigenous educators where possible
Best Fit: Use professional judgment to find best stanine fit rather than averaging
Documentation: Keep samples of work at each stanine level for reference

🌱 Cultural Note: These rubrics center Indigenous ways of knowing and being. They value relational thinking, cultural protocols, and collective wellbeing alongside individual achievement. Assessment should support student learning journey toward becoming effective allies and global citizens.

Unit 5: Global Indigenous Solidarity