For Teachers » Judging Criteria

Judging Criteria

Colorado History Day follows the same criteria as National History Day.
Make sure that your students cover three important areas:

I. Historical Quality: 60% of final score

The most important aspect of an entry is its historical quality, which determines 60% of the total evaluation. The judge's evaluation should rest on the students' success at conducting historical research, interpreting their research and drawing conclusions. A superior rating reflects positive responses to the following questions:

• Is the entry historically accurate?
  
• Does the entry provide analysis and interpretation of the historical data in addition to an accurate description?
  
• Does the entry demonstrate an understanding of the historical context?
  
• Does the annotated bibliography demonstrate a balanced presentation of materials?
  
• Does the entry demonstrate a balanced presentation of materials?
  
• Does the entry demonstrate use of available primary sources?

Although historical quality is most important, entries must be presented in an effective manner. This section is worth 20% of the total evaluation. Keep in mind the following questions:

• Is the entry original, creative, well organized, and imaginative in subject and presentation?
  
• Is the entry effective in communicating the significance of the topic?
  
• Is the written material clear, grammatical and correctly spelled?
  
• In a performance, do the students display stage presence?
  
• Is the visual material clear and appropriate for the type of entry?
  
• Do the students display adequate familiarity with their equipment?
  

An entry must clearly explain the relation of the topic to the annual History Day theme. This section is worth 20% of the total evaluation. The topic should be placed in historical context, and the entry must demonstrate the student's understanding of the significance of the topics in history. The relationship of the entry's topic to the yearly theme should be explicit and should be integrated into the entry itself.

Teachers, please work with your Regional Coordinator to increase participation and to set standards on the local level that will, in turn, make your Regional Contest a more successful and rewarding experience for both teachers and students. We trust that by sharing your experiences, others will benefit from models that work.