Beth, It's awesome that you are using rubrics and encouraging the students to review them so that they know what is expected. Using the rubrics also helps you (as you know) be consistent in your feedback. Students at times do not review the rubrics to begin with, but typically after the first assignment is graded, they learn quickly how helpful the rubric is. It's important not to put informaiton in the rubric that tells them exactly what to do, but the standards with which you will hold them accountable. For example, if they are writing a report or analysis of something they have read, the rubric should include something such as 5 points = No grammatical or spelling errors 3 points = 1-2 grammatical or spelling errors 0 points = More than 2 grammatical or spelling errors You are right that the students can improve their work and it also elminates the questions from students such as: "Why did I get 10 points taken off for this assignment?" It's clear with the rubric. Thanks!