4-Point Likert Scoring Rubric with Benchmarks and Cut Scores

This rubric translates students’ pre- and post-survey responses (1–5 scale) into a 4-point performance framework. It helps identify mastery levels and flag areas for targeted support.

Scoring Levels & Cut-Score Ranges

• Level 1: Beginning (Average response ≤ 1.49) – Minimal awareness or application

• Level 2: Emerging (1.50–2.49) – Developing awareness; inconsistent application

• Level 3: Proficient (2.50–3.49) – Solid understanding; usually applies skills

• Level 4: Advanced (≥ 3.50) – Deep understanding; consistently applies and extends skills

Overall Cut-Score Interpretation

• Average ≤ 1.49: Intensive support needed
  
• 1.50–2.49: Additional practice and reinforcement recommended
  
• 2.50–3.49: Meets expectations; monitor for continued growth
  
• ≥ 3.50: Exceeds expectations; consider peer-mentoring roles

Criteria & Performance Descriptors

Usage Notes

1. Calculate each student’s average response for items linked to a criterion.
2. Map that average onto the 4-point level ranges above.
3. Use cut-scores to decide group or individual interventions.
4. Compare pre- and post- scores to measure growth.

This rubric aligns with the 10-Item Pre/Post Likert Survey Knowledge Attitudes Self-Efficacy and supports data-driven decisions about classroom and small-group instruction.

Worksheet: Ad Analysis Organizer – Claims, Tricks, Missing Facts

Use this organizer to decode two ads for vapes, alcohol, THC, or pills. In pairs, fill in each section. Leave space for your answers and questions.

Ad #1: ________________________

(Insert Ad Image or Title)

Brand/Product Name:

1. Main Claim(s) the Ad Makes:

1. Persuasive Tactics (list at least two):
   a. ____________________________
   
   
   b. ____________________________
   
   
2. Health Risks Missing from the Ad (list at least two):
   a. ____________________________
   
   
   b. ____________________________
   
   
3. Questions I Have About This Ad or Product:

Ad #2: ________________________

(Insert Ad Image or Title)

Brand/Product Name:

1. Main Claim(s) the Ad Makes:

1. Persuasive Tactics (list at least two):
   a. ____________________________
   
   
   b. ____________________________
   
   
2. Health Risks Missing from the Ad (list at least two):
   a. ____________________________
   
   
   b. ____________________________
   
   
3. Questions I Have About This Ad or Product:

Reflection

What patterns do you notice about how ads promote substances?

Which missing fact do you think is most important for teens to know, and why?

Decision Pathway Mat – 5-Step Model

Use this mat in small groups to work through each step when faced with a substance-related choice. Write your answers in the spaces provided.

Scenario 1: A friend offers you an unregulated THC vape cartridge.

Step 1: Stop & recognize the choice
What is being asked of me? What kind of decision is this?

Step 2: Identify options & gather facts
List possible choices and relevant information (health, legal, social).

Step 3: Weigh pros & cons
For each option, note at least one pro and one con.
• Option A pros:
• Option A cons:
• Option B pros:
• Option B cons:

Step 4: Choose & act on the healthiest option
Which option will you pick? How will you respond?

Step 5: Reflect on the outcome
After the scenario, how did your choice work out? What did you learn?

Scenario 2: Someone at a party offers you prescription pills that aren’t prescribed to you.

Step 1: Stop & recognize the choice
What exactly are they asking? Why might this be risky?

Step 2: Identify options & gather facts
List your possible responses and what you know about prescription misuse.

Step 3: Weigh pros & cons
• Option A pros:
• Option A cons:
• Option B pros:
• Option B cons:

Step 4: Choose & act on the healthiest option
State your decision and the refusal or alternative you’ll use.

Step 5: Reflect on the outcome
What happened? How could you handle a similar offer in the future?

Scenario 3: Your own choice

Use this space to practice with a different situation (e.g., peer pressure around alcohol or vaping).

Describe the scenario:

Step 1: Stop & recognize the choice

Step 2: Identify options & gather facts

Step 3: Weigh pros & cons

Step 4: Choose & act on the healthiest option

Step 5: Reflect on the outcome

Fishbowl Practice: Assertive Responses & Help-Seeking Lines

In this discussion, students will role-play refusing peer offers and asking for help. Use the fishbowl format: 4 students in the inner circle (role-players), everyone else in the outer circle (observers).

Setup & Roles

Inner Circle (Role-Players):

• Pick one of the prompts below.
• Use assertive “I” statements, clear refusals, and help-seeking phrases.

Outer Circle (Observers):

• Listen actively without interrupting.
• Use the Observation Guide to note:
  • One strength you heard
  • One suggestion for even clearer communication

Scenario Prompts

1. Prescription Pills Offer
   A friend hands you pills at a party and says, “Try one—everyone’s doing it.”
2. THC Vape Push
   Someone at a gathering keeps pressing you to take a hit from their vape pen.

(After one round, inner circle members rotate so every student has a turn.)

Sentence Stems & Strategies

Assertive Refusal Stems:

• “No thanks, I’m not comfortable doing that.”
  
  
  
• “I choose to keep my body healthy, so I’ll pass.”
  
  
  

Offer an Alternative or Exit:

• “How about we go grab a soda instead?”
  
  
  
• “I need to head out now—let’s catch up later.”
  
  
  

Help-Seeking Lines:

• “I’m feeling pressured—can we talk to a counselor or another adult?”
  
  
  
• “I’d appreciate help if I ever feel this push again.”
  
  
  

Observer Guide

Use this checklist while watching inner circle:

• Strength (what the speaker did well):






• Suggestion (one way to improve clarity or confidence):

Whole-Class Debrief

After all rotations, discuss:

• What refusal line felt most clear or confident?
• How did it feel to ask for help?
• Which strategy could you use in a real situation?

(Write quick notes or share aloud.)

Journal: Stress-Busters Menu – Pick Five Drug-Free Alternatives

Use this journal to brainstorm and plan five healthy ways you can manage stress without using substances. Think about activities, people, or techniques that help you feel calm, energized, or balanced.

1. Strategy 1: ____________________________

1. Strategy 2: ____________________________

1. Strategy 3: ____________________________

1. Strategy 4: ____________________________

1. Strategy 5: ____________________________

Reflection Questions

Which strategy are you most likely to try this week, and why?

How will you remind yourself to use this strategy when you feel stressed?

Who could support you in using these strategies, and how might they help?