5.  PAPER SECTIONS a. Introduction and birth options(4 pts total) In this section, provide your reader with a general overview of your community. Name and location of the community b. Birth Options in Community Number of resident births, settings, providers Types of birth care providers in the community (physicians, CNMs/CMs, other midwives Percentage of births attended by midwives (in the community or state) Percentage of births reimbursed by Medicaid  Percentage of Medicaid reimbursement for CNMs/CMs compared to physicians. (i.e. are midwives reimbursed the same [100%] as OB/GYNs in your state) c.  Five Indicators Assessed (5pts) Maternal Mortality Infant Mortality Prematurity Low Birth Weight Very low Birth Weight For each of the five indicators address the following three points with citations:  Describe or define what the indicator measures How it is calculated? Include the numerator and denominator and the time frame (such as “per year”). For example, one way to report preterm birth rates would be ( the number of preterm births divided by the total births/year x 100 to arrive at a percentage). Explain why the indicator is important? We all acknowledge that maternal death is a tragedy, but saying that it’s a tragedy does not explain why that particular indicator, the maternal mortality rate, is a valuable public health tool to monitor.  Why is it an important window into the health status of women and/or infants, and/or children, and/or families in a community or country?  i.e. Why do public health providers and or public health officials monitor this indicator? What are some of the health or economic consequences associated with a particular indicator?  How does monitoring a specific indicator assist health professionals institute measures to limit or prevent its prevalence. Do not copy and paste from a source. Paraphrase and cite. d.  Data analysis table (30 pts) Change table headings to reflect your county and your state View example table in the template provided above Clearly indicate the year and source for each cell as superscript followed by a brief citation in a Key under your table. See the example table above. All of the citations used for your table MUST BE FULLY listed on your APA reference page.  Superscripts should be in alphabetical (or numerical) order in the cells from left to right. To create a superscript in Word, highlight the text you want to change to a superscript, click the superscript button (looks like x exponent 2). It is located in the Home tab, in the font group, next to Bold Italic and Underlines keys). Note- it is NOT a footnote. Do not click “insert footnote”. MMR: Unless you live in a very large city (New York, LA, Detroit, etc) you are not likely to find the MMR for your county. For that cell, please insert N/A*.  Then, in the key, list two credible sources where you searched unsuccessfully for that data.  Citing Healthy People 2020. See Common References link in NM700 ToolBox e. Comparative Data Analysis (5 pts) Conduct a descriptive data analysis. i.e. describe the differences or similarities between local, state, national, and HP2020 data.  Whenever you describe data, you need to provide comparative statistics in order for your reader to follow your logic. (i.e. show statistics) In order to compare the MCH indicators for your community, you’ll need to compare the data you find about your community with the data for your state and for the US, and with the baseline and goals set by Healthy People 2020. If all of your local data is better or equal to the state, national or HP2020 goals then you can make a general statement or refer your reader to your table. If any of your local indicators are greater than your state, national or HP2020 data, then you should provide comparative figures for each of the indicators within your written analysis. Keep in mind you are writing an academic APA paper. Consider your analysis similar to the “report of data” section in a study. Just provide the facts. You can elaborate on the facts in the summary section. Example documentation.  “In Stockbridge, Georgia the percentage of preterm births is 5% which is lower than the state level of 6% but higher than the national figure of 4%. According to HP2020, the preterm birth weight in Georgia approaches the baseline of 5.5%, however, falls short of the national goal of 4%” f. Discussion- Health Disparities (3 pts) Identify a local MCH disparity by documenting a correlation between one local demographic factor and one poorly performing local MCH indicator. Identify a local MCH indicator (one of the 5, MMR, IMR, PTB, LBW or VLBW) will be the one that is performing most poorly based on your table above. Then, Identify a HEALTH DISPARITY in your community. This could be but is not limited to race, ethnicity, income level, maternal age, maternal education, marital status, maternal pregestational obesity, etc. (If your health disparity is not one of these, consider checking it with your course faculty). This data will not be found in your table. You will have to dig deeper here to find evidence for a health disparity in your community. You must compare the data of your targeted sub-population to similar sub-populations to document that there is a disparity within your target group. You may compare groups based upon race, educational level, poverty, marital status, etc.  Example socio-economic factor: maternal age-Teenage mothers Example Key MCH Indicator: Higher rates of low birth weight babies. If you suspect that teenage pregnancies are associated with low birth weight then your documentation should read as follows:         “In 2010 in XXX county, women aged 15-19 had a low birth weight of 2.5% compared to women aged 20-29 who had a low birth weight of 1.3%, women 30-39 whose LBW was 1.6% and women  > 45 whose LBW was 2.6% in the same year (Source, year).” (note that you do not have to include state or national data when you are documenting a local disparity) What if you are aware of a high percentage of a social demographic factor in your community but cannot find the data to show a correlation to a poorly performing local  MCH indicator?  This problem might arise for some of you especially those who live in small or rural communities. It is important to keep in mind that the purpose of this section is to document a local not a statewide health disparity. You cannot impact statewide or national change as a solo midwife or one within a small group. If you are aware that i.e. there is a high incidence of adolescent pregnancy within your community, it is not sufficient to document that % as a health disparity. To meet the requirement for the assignment, you must link adolescent pregnancy to a poorly performing MCH indicator. Your choices are as follows: 1. Choose a local social demographic factor to link to a poorly performing local MCH indicator within your local community. (easiest option) 2. Document a relationship between the social demographic factor and a poorly performing MCH indicator on the state or national level, THEN LINK IT TO THE LOCAL SOCIAL-DEMOGRAPHIC PROBLEM. i.e. You have the data (not opinion) that there is a high rate of late or no prenatal care (pnc) within your community, however, you cannot find the data to link late or no pnc to a higher incidence of PTB or LBW, etc. When you research the state or national data you find statistics that document that women who receive late or no prenatal care have a higher prevalence of PTB compared to those who begin care during the first trimester. Knowing that your local data documents a higher percentage of late to no prenatal care compared to the state or national data, (this requires that you provide data to compare the % of late or no pnc in your local community compared to the state or national data) you can then make an evidenced-based inference to suggest that there could be a relationship between late to no prenatal care and higher rates of PTB in your local community. Keep in mind that you are conducting descriptive statistics, therefore, they are likely inherent limitations to your ability to make statistical inferences.  (check with faculty if you want to choose this option and need more direction)  g. Key indicator. (3 pts) Identify one local MCH indicator that you think is in greatest need of improvement and provide a rationale. Your decision should be evidenced-based.  What have you learned about the five MCH indicators, the health disparity you identified, the overall analysis of your local data or your personal knowledge, if you are able to provide a sound rationale? The key indicator might be different from the MCH health disparity that you previously indicated. i.e. The data show a local race-related healthy disparity that documents a higher rate of IMR among blacks. However, in your community AA make up 2% of your overall local population. Your data table also shows that overall the % of PTB in your community is above the state, nation, and HP2020. In this example, you might decide to identify PTB as your key indicator because 1. It is a contributor to IMR or 2. PTB is higher in your community than in other geographic areas.  “The key indicator that is most need of improvement is _____” and give a rationale.  Summary-Supportive MCH Policies or Services. (3 pts) You might choose one of the options below or a combination of both. Option one; Reflect on which changes are needed within your community to improve the key local indicator. Are you aware of any local or state policies or supportive practices designed to improve this particular indicator?  How could you as a CNM integrate the policy or practice into your care? Are there any local agencies that might employ the policy or practices and with whom you could partner as a CNM?  i.e. You are aware of a state initiative that provides funding to programs that provide home visitation to women who are at risk for PTB. You might consider applying for the funding to hire a community health worker(s) who could provide home visitation to at-risk women, OR you might refer your clients who are at risk for PTB to a local agency that receives funding under this state initiative.  Option two. If you are unaware of state or local funded initiatives, consider improvements in health care policy, clinical practice, public advocacy, or education that you might want to initiate to address the key indicator. Consider how the midwifery model of care can improve outcomes in your community. Provide data or citations that provide support to your improvement plan. 6. SUBMIT PAPER Place your completed community assessment table in the dropbox for Assignment #6, no later than Friday of Week 7.  Remember that all assignments submitted electronically must be saved in  Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx). Two percentage points will be deducted for papers that are submitted in pdf. or other formats where faculty are unable to make comments. Save this paper for PC713 – Principles of Independent Practice.     Rubric Maternal-Child Health Indicators Maternal-Child Health Indicators CriteriaRatingsPts This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Community Introduction and birth options 4.0 pts Distinguished Introduction provides a complete description of the community 3.0 pts Proficient The introduction omits 1 of the required topics or the topics are not well explained. 1.0 pts Apprentice The introduction omits 2 or more of the required topics or the topics are not well explained. 0.0 pts Novice Unacceptable 4.0 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Explanation of the five MCH indicators. 5.0 pts Distinguished Provide a clear definition of the individual indicators and correctly describe how to calculate each of the five MCH indicators. Concisely describe the significance of each indicator to MCH or the overall public health. 3.0 pts Proficient Omit one MCH indicator or give an incomplete definition, calculation and or significance of one of the five indicators. 1.0 pts Apprentice Omit 2 or more MCH indicators with incomplete definition, calculation or significance of each indicator. 0.0 pts Novice- Unacceptable 5.0 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Data Analysis Table 30.0 pts Distinguished – Data analysis table is complete with statistics and reference sources. 25.0 pts Proficient – Data analysis table is missing 1-2 required elements 20.0 pts Apprentice – Data analysis table is missing 3 or more required elements 10.0 pts Novice- Data table is missing 5 or more required elements 30.0 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Comparative data analysis 5.0 pts Distinguished Detailed and thoughtful comparative analysis between the local, state, national data and HP2020 baseline and goals. Includes statistics in comparisons. 3.0 pts Proficient Omit analysis and comparison for one indicator between local data to state, national or the HP baseline data and goals. Limited inclusion of statistics. 1.0 pts Apprentice Omit analysis and comparison for two or more indicators between local data to state, national or the HP baseline data and goals. Did not include statistics in comparison. 0.0 pts No Marks 5.0 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Documentation of local a MCH disparity. 3.0 pts Distinguished Identified a local MCH disparity by demonstrating a causal relationship between a local demographic factor and a poorly performing local MCH indicator. 2.0 pts Proficient Identified a poorly performing local MCH disparity but failed to demonstrate a correlation between it and local demographic factors.r. 1.0 pts Apprentice The author omits the selection of a local MCH indicator that needs improvement. May include relevant community information 0.0 pts Novice No marks 3.0 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Identify key local MCH indicator 3.0 pts Distinquished Identification of one local key MCH indicator that is in greatest need of improvement. Provide a rationale for the selection. 2.0 pts Proficient Identified one local MCH indicator that is in need of improvement but failed to provide a rationale for the selection. 1.0 pts Apprentice The author omits the selection of a local MCH indicator that needs improvement 0.0 pts No Marks 3.0 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Summary-Supportive MCH policies or services 3.0 pts Distinguished A detailed explanation of a policy or service that is in place or could be developed to improve the key indicator. 2.0 pts Proficient Provided superficial suggestions for a policy or service that is in place or could be developed to improve the key indicator. 1.0 pts Apprentice Did not identify or suggest any policies or services that are in place or could be developed to improve the key indicator. 0.0 pts No Marks 3.0 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Organization (80% of total points allocated for writing) Max 5 pts 5.0 pts Distinguished The paragraph contains a topic sentence and each paragraph addresses only one topic. The writing contains an introduction, a conclusion, and smooth transitions. The writing engages the reader using an original prose style that is appropriate to the subject. Language is precise. Sentences are varied but not noticeably so. Active voice is apparent. 3.0 pts Proficient Most paragraphs contain a topic sentence and address only one topic. The writing is organized well and an introduction and conclusion are present. However, some transitions are awkward. The writing keeps the reader’s attention through a carefully crafted prose style. Language used is mostly appropriate to the subject and assignment. 1.0 pts Apprentice Many paragraphs lack a clear topic sentence or may contain more than one topic. The paper demonstrates a rudimentary organization but ideas need to be more fully developed. The writing is clear and jargon-free but some topics and terms require a more complete explanation and/or development. 0.0 pts Novice The writing is noticeably lacking in organization. Paragraphs do not contain topic sentences and there is more than one topic addressed in each paragraph. There is no clear introduction or conclusion. The language used is not appropriate to the subject matter or the assignment. 5.0 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Mechanics  (20% of total points allocated for writing) Max 2 pts 2.0 pts The writing is free of grammatical, proofreading, and stylistic errors. APA formatting is flawless. (2pts) 1.0 pts The writing may exhibit a few minor errors in grammar, style, and/or APA format but the errors do not impede the flow of reading. 0.5 pts The writing could benefit from additional proofreading, as some errors impede the flow of the reading. There are several errors in APA format. (0.5 pts) 0.0 pts The writing 5.  PAPER SECTIONS a. Introduction and birth options(4 pts total) In this section, provide your reader with a general overview of your community. Name and location of the community b. Birth Options in Community Number of resident births, settings, providers Types of birth care providers in the community (physicians, CNMs/CMs, other midwives Percentage of births attended by midwives (in the community or state) Percentage of births reimbursed by Medicaid  Percentage of Medicaid reimbursement for CNMs/CMs compared to physicians. (i.e. are midwives reimbursed the same [100%] as OB/GYNs in your state) c.  Five Indicators Assessed (5pts) Maternal Mortality Infant Mortality Prematurity Low Birth Weight Very low Birth Weight For each of the five indicators address the following three points with citations:  Describe or define what the indicator measures How it is calculated? Include the numerator and denominator and the time frame (such as “per year”). For example, one way to report preterm birth rates would be ( the number of preterm births divided by the total births/year x 100 to arrive at a percentage). Explain why the indicator is important? We all acknowledge that maternal death is a tragedy, but saying that it’s a tragedy does not explain why that particular indicator, the maternal mortality rate, is a valuable public health tool to monitor.  Why is it an important window into the health status of women and/or infants, and/or children, and/or families in a community or country?  i.e. Why do public health providers and or public health officials monitor this indicator? What are some of the health or economic consequences associated with a particular indicator?  How does monitoring a specific indicator assist health professionals institute measures to limit or prevent its prevalence. Do not copy and paste from a source. Paraphrase and cite. d.  Data analysis table (30 pts) Change table headings to reflect your county and your state View example table in the template provided above Clearly indicate the year and source for each cell as superscript followed by a brief citation in a Key under your table. See the example table above. All of the citations used for your table MUST BE FULLY listed on your APA reference page.  Superscripts should be in alphabetical (or numerical) order in the cells from left to right. To create a superscript in Word, highlight the text you want to change to a superscript, click the superscript button (looks like x exponent 2). It is located in the Home tab, in the font group, next to Bold Italic and Underlines keys). Note- it is NOT a footnote. Do not click “insert footnote”. MMR: Unless you live in a very large city (New York, LA, Detroit, etc) you are not likely to find the MMR for your county. For that cell, please insert N/A*.  Then, in the key, list two credible sources where you searched unsuccessfully for that data.  Citing Healthy People 2020. See Common References link in NM700 ToolBox e. Comparative Data Analysis (5 pts) Conduct a descriptive data analysis. i.e. describe the differences or similarities between local, state, national, and HP2020 data.  Whenever you describe data, you need to provide comparative statistics in order for your reader to follow your logic. (i.e. show statistics) In order to compare the MCH indicators for your community, you’ll need to compare the data you find about your community with the data for your state and for the US, and with the baseline and goals set by Healthy People 2020. If all of your local data is better or equal to the state, national or HP2020 goals then you can make a general statement or refer your reader to your table. If any of your local indicators are greater than your state, national or HP2020 data, then you should provide comparative figures for each of the indicators within your written analysis. Keep in mind you are writing an academic APA paper. Consider your analysis similar to the “report of data” section in a study. Just provide the facts. You can elaborate on the facts in the summary section. Example documentation.  “In Stockbridge, Georgia the percentage of preterm births is 5% which is lower than the state level of 6% but higher than the national figure of 4%. According to HP2020, the preterm birth weight in Georgia approaches the baseline of 5.5%, however, falls short of the national goal of 4%” f. Discussion- Health Disparities (3 pts) Identify a local MCH disparity by documenting a correlation between one local demographic factor and one poorly performing local MCH indicator. Identify a local MCH indicator (one of the 5, MMR, IMR, PTB, LBW or VLBW) will be the one that is performing most poorly based on your table above. Then, Identify a HEALTH DISPARITY in your community. This could be but is not limited to race, ethnicity, income level, maternal age, maternal education, marital status, maternal pregestational obesity, etc. (If your health disparity is not one of these, consider checking it with your course faculty). This data will not be found in your table. You will have to dig deeper here to find evidence for a health disparity in your community. You must compare the data of your targeted sub-population to similar sub-populations to document that there is a disparity within your target group. You may compare groups based upon race, educational level, poverty, marital status, etc.  Example socio-economic factor: maternal age-Teenage mothers Example Key MCH Indicator: Higher rates of low birth weight babies. If you suspect that teenage pregnancies are associated with low birth weight then your documentation should read as follows:         “In 2010 in XXX county, women aged 15-19 had a low birth weight of 2.5% compared to women aged 20-29 who had a low birth weight of 1.3%, women 30-39 whose LBW was 1.6% and women  > 45 whose LBW was 2.6% in the same year (Source, year).” (note that you do not have to include state or national data when you are documenting a local disparity) What if you are aware of a high percentage of a social demographic factor in your community but cannot find the data to show a correlation to a poorly performing local  MCH indicator?  This problem might arise for some of you especially those who live in small or rural communities. It is important to keep in mind that the purpose of this section is to document a local not a statewide health disparity. You cannot impact statewide or national change as a solo midwife or one within a small group. If you are aware that i.e. there is a high incidence of adolescent pregnancy within your community, it is not sufficient to document that % as a health disparity. To meet the requirement for the assignment, you must link adolescent pregnancy to a poorly performing MCH indicator. Your choices are as follows: 1. Choose a local social demographic factor to link to a poorly performing local MCH indicator within your local community. (easiest option) 2. Document a relationship between the social demographic factor and a poorly performing MCH indicator on the state or national level, THEN LINK IT TO THE LOCAL SOCIAL-DEMOGRAPHIC PROBLEM. i.e. You have the data (not opinion) that there is a high rate of late or no prenatal care (pnc) within your community, however, you cannot find the data to link late or no pnc to a higher incidence of PTB or LBW, etc. When you research the state or national data you find statistics that document that women who receive late or no prenatal care have a higher prevalence of PTB compared to those who begin care during the first trimester. Knowing that your local data documents a higher percentage of late to no prenatal care compared to the state or national data, (this requires that you provide data to compare the % of late or no pnc in your local community compared to the state or national data) you can then make an evidenced-based inference to suggest that there could be a relationship between late to no prenatal care and higher rates of PTB in your local community. Keep in mind that you are conducting descriptive statistics, therefore, they are likely inherent limitations to your ability to make statistical inferences.  (check with faculty if you want to choose this option and need more direction)  g. Key indicator. (3 pts) Identify one local MCH indicator that you think is in greatest need of improvement and provide a rationale. Your decision should be evidenced-based.  What have you learned about the five MCH indicators, the health disparity you identified, the overall analysis of your local data or your personal knowledge, if you are able to provide a sound rationale? The key indicator might be different from the MCH health disparity that you previously indicated. i.e. The data show a local race-related healthy disparity that documents a higher rate of IMR among blacks. However, in your community AA make up 2% of your overall local population. Your data table also shows that overall the % of PTB in your community is above the state, nation, and HP2020. In this example, you might decide to identify PTB as your key indicator because 1. It is a contributor to IMR or 2. PTB is higher in your community than in other geographic areas.  “The key indicator that is most need of improvement is _____” and give a rationale.  Summary-Supportive MCH Policies or Services. (3 pts) You might choose one of the options below or a combination of both. Option one; Reflect on which changes are needed within your community to improve the key local indicator. Are you aware of any local or state policies or supportive practices designed to improve this particular indicator?  How could you as a CNM integrate the policy or practice into your care? Are there any local agencies that might employ the policy or practices and with whom you could partner as a CNM?  i.e. You are aware of a state initiative that provides funding to programs that provide home visitation to women who are at risk for PTB. You might consider applying for the funding to hire a community health worker(s) who could provide home visitation to at-risk women, OR you might refer your clients who are at risk for PTB to a local agency that receives funding under this state initiative.  Option two. If you are unaware of state or local funded initiatives, consider improvements in health care policy, clinical practice, public advocacy, or education that you might want to initiate to address the key indicator. Consider how the midwifery model of care can improve outcomes in your community. Provide data or citations that provide support to your improvement plan. 6. SUBMIT PAPER Place your completed community assessment table in the dropbox for Assignment #6, no later than Friday of Week 7.  Remember that all assignments submitted electronically must be saved in  Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx). Two percentage points will be deducted for papers that are submitted in pdf. or other formats where faculty are unable to make comments. Save this paper for PC713 – Principles of Independent Practice.     Rubric Maternal-Child Health Indicators Maternal-Child Health Indicators CriteriaRatingsPts This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Community Introduction and birth options 4.0 pts Distinguished Introduction provides a complete description of the community 3.0 pts Proficient The introduction omits 1 of the required topics or the topics are not well explained. 1.0 pts Apprentice The introduction omits 2 or more of the required topics or the topics are not well explained. 0.0 pts Novice Unacceptable 4.0 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Explanation of the five MCH indicators. 5.0 pts Distinguished Provide a clear definition of the individual indicators and correctly describe how to calculate each of the five MCH indicators. Concisely describe the significance of each indicator to MCH or the overall public health. 3.0 pts Proficient Omit one MCH indicator or give an incomplete definition, calculation and or significance of one of the five indicators. 1.0 pts Apprentice Omit 2 or more MCH indicators with incomplete definition, calculation or significance of each indicator. 0.0 pts Novice- Unacceptable 5.0 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Data Analysis Table 30.0 pts Distinguished – Data analysis table is complete with statistics and reference sources. 25.0 pts Proficient – Data analysis table is missing 1-2 required elements 20.0 pts Apprentice – Data analysis table is missing 3 or more required elements 10.0 pts Novice- Data table is missing 5 or more required elements 30.0 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Comparative data analysis 5.0 pts Distinguished Detailed and thoughtful comparative analysis between the local, state, national data and HP2020 baseline and goals. Includes statistics in comparisons. 3.0 pts Proficient Omit analysis and comparison for one indicator between local data to state, national or the HP baseline data and goals. Limited inclusion of statistics. 1.0 pts Apprentice Omit analysis and comparison for two or more indicators between local data to state, national or the HP baseline data and goals. Did not include statistics in comparison. 0.0 pts No Marks 5.0 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Documentation of local a MCH disparity. 3.0 pts Distinguished Identified a local MCH disparity by demonstrating a causal relationship between a local demographic factor and a poorly performing local MCH indicator. 2.0 pts Proficient Identified a poorly performing local MCH disparity but failed to demonstrate a correlation between it and local demographic factors.r. 1.0 pts Apprentice The author omits the selection of a local MCH indicator that needs improvement. May include relevant community information 0.0 pts Novice No marks 3.0 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Identify key local MCH indicator 3.0 pts Distinquished Identification of one local key MCH indicator that is in greatest need of improvement. Provide a rationale for the selection. 2.0 pts Proficient Identified one local MCH indicator that is in need of improvement but failed to provide a rationale for the selection. 1.0 pts Apprentice The author omits the selection of a local MCH indicator that needs improvement 0.0 pts No Marks 3.0 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Summary-Supportive MCH policies or services 3.0 pts Distinguished A detailed explanation of a policy or service that is in place or could be developed to improve the key indicator. 2.0 pts Proficient Provided superficial suggestions for a policy or service that is in place or could be developed to improve the key indicator. 1.0 pts Apprentice Did not identify or suggest any policies or services that are in place or could be developed to improve the key indicator. 0.0 pts No Marks 3.0 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Organization (80% of total points allocated for writing) Max 5 pts 5.0 pts Distinguished The paragraph contains a topic sentence and each paragraph addresses only one topic. The writing contains an introduction, a conclusion, and smooth transitions. The writing engages the reader using an original prose style that is appropriate to the subject. Language is precise. Sentences are varied but not noticeably so. Active voice is apparent. 3.0 pts Proficient Most paragraphs contain a topic sentence and address only one topic. The writing is organized well and an introduction and conclusion are present. However, some transitions are awkward. The writing keeps the reader’s attention through a carefully crafted prose style. Language used is mostly appropriate to the subject and assignment. 1.0 pts Apprentice Many paragraphs lack a clear topic sentence or may contain more than one topic. The paper demonstrates a rudimentary organization but ideas need to be more fully developed. The writing is clear and jargon-free but some topics and terms require a more complete explanation and/or development. 0.0 pts Novice The writing is noticeably lacking in organization. Paragraphs do not contain topic sentences and there is more than one topic addressed in each paragraph. There is no clear introduction or conclusion. The language used is not appropriate to the subject matter or the assignment. 5.0 pts criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Mechanics  (20% of total points allocated for writing) Max 2 pts 2.0 pts The writing is free of grammatical, proofreading, and stylistic errors. APA formatting is flawless. (2pts) 1.0 pts The writing may exhibit a few minor errors in grammar, style, and/or APA format but the errors do not impede the flow of reading. 0.5 pts The writing could benefit from additional proofreading, as some errors impede the flow of the reading. There are several errors in APA format. (0.5 pts) 0.0 pts The writing exhibits substantial errors in grammar and style so that the basic ideas are lost. There are numerous errors in APA format. (0 points) 2.0 pts Total Points: 60.0 revious Next  substantial errors in grammar and style so that the basic ideas are lost. There are numerous errors in APA format. (0 points) 2.0 pts Total Points: 60.0 Previous Next