Tools for Assessing Behavior

Students and teachers can use these rubrics to assess students’ readiness for learning on a daily basis. The rubrics includes key affective qualities needed to become an engaged learner and a good citizen who is kind, respectful, and responsible. They address diligence, self-direction, a willingness to keep trying when challenges arise, and taking care of business in general. In addition, the rubrics offer ways to measure progress toward National Standard Four: “The physically literate individual exhibits responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others." 


​Modify the rubrics below to fit the needs of your class (elementary, middle school, high school, college) by adding or deleting criteria. For example, in a college activity course you could add "Turning off your cell phones" under "Respect." Read the JOPERD article "Are Your Students READY for Learning?" for more information.

Ready Rubric - Front Page

Picture of the Ready Rubric - Front

Ready Rubric - Back Page

Picture of the Ready Rubric - Back

Tips for Implementing These Rubrics

  • Additional columns: "Focus of the Day" (students indicate whether they met the day's focus) and "Self Efficacy" (students indicate how confident they are in the lesson's skills).
  • Equipment should be put away before students access their rubric.
  • Involve the class in making the criteria. Make rubrics on double-sided card-stock and use different colors for each class/team.​
  • Modify the rubric to fit the needs of your class.
  • Practice filling out the rubric with your students for the first week.
  • Refer to the criteria throughout the unit.
  • ​Start with one class to get accustomed to the process.
  • Use rubrics to return student work, placing their work behind their rubric (ensure students scores are not visible to others).
  • Use the comment section to communicate with your students.
  • Use the top section of the rubric to get to know your students and develop rapport.​

Additional ​Examples of Behavior Rubrics

Thanks to Casey Brown, Curtis Bushta, Marci Jung, Jessica Shultz, and Renee Twinney for the following examples.

Class Badges and Rewards​

​These applications allow users to give students badges or awards for specified achievements. You can use them to reinforce positive behaviors and/or other accomplishments.​