The document discusses the important elements of rubrics for assessing student learning, which include criteria, levels of performance, and descriptors. Criteria are the traits or dimensions used to judge student responses. Levels of performance establish a scale to rate each criterion. Descriptors spell out the expected performance at each level for each criterion. Guidelines for developing rubrics include identifying desired qualities, choosing an analytical or holistic rubric type, and defining lowest performance standards. Tips include collaborating with colleagues, gathering sample rubrics, keeping rubrics short and simple, focusing on different skills per item, and student learning development.