In plain English
This level means the work has not yet reached the target quality being assessed. In a rubric, it shows the work is under the expected standard. More improvement is required for it to meet that standard.
In context
Here, "needs improvement" labels the achievement band showing that the work is below the expected standard and must improve to meet it.
- Situation
- Submitting assignments, reading rubrics, grades, feedback, and resubmission rules
- What it communicates
- labels a below-target achievement band in a rubric or feedback summary
Meaning limits
By itself, this term does not say how far below the standard the work is or what specific improvements are needed.
Examples
“On the writing rubric, Maya's draft was marked needs improvement because it was below the expected standard.”
“Sam's essay remains in the needs improvement band for use of evidence.”