Bierman Rising Scholarship Judging Rubric for Ethan’s Case Study
All applications are reviewed by a panel of Bierman clinicians and organizational leaders. To ensure fairness, all papers are de-identified before review.
This scholarship is merit-based. There are no “right” answers—reviewers are looking for authenticity, conceptual grounding in ABA, and a clear, learner-centered perspective.
How essays are evaluated
Each essay is scored across three weighted categories for a total of 60 points.
Scoring rubric
1) Personal Motivation & Connection to ABA — 15 points
What we’re looking for: a compelling, reflective narrative that connects your lived experience to ABA and articulates where you hope to go next.
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Compelling Narrative: a clear, thoughtful, authentic reason for choosing ABA.
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Personal Experience: direct or indirect experiences that shaped your choice.
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Future Goals: how you see yourself contributing to the field.
High-scoring responses typically offer a sincere story, make a concrete connection to ABA, and name specific goals. Lower-scoring responses may rely on generic statements or lack a clear throughline.
2) Conceptually Based — 15 points
What we’re looking for: evidence you understand foundational ABA concepts and the ethical responsibility to practice them well.
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Core Concepts: discuss key ideas (e.g., reinforcement, punishment, antecedents, consequences, function of behavior) accurately and meaningfully.
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Ethical Considerations / Evidence-Based Practice: acknowledge ethics or the importance of evidence-based work.
High-scoring responses apply concepts correctly and tie them to practice. Lower-scoring responses mention terms without accurate use or context.
3) Case Study — 30 points
What we’re looking for: a case example that is clearly presented and appropriately interpreted (e.g., problem framing, data-informed reasoning, and takeaways aligned with ABA).
High-scoring responses communicate the case plainly, connect observations to ABA concepts/ethics, and draw reasonable, learner-centered conclusions.
Total score — 60 points (sum of the three categories).
Important notes for applicants
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De-identified review: judges do not see your name when scoring.
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Original work: your submission must be your own; cite collaborators or sources as appropriate (see Terms & Conditions).
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Clarity over jargon: write plainly; accuracy and thoughtfulness matter more than advanced terminology.
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Stay within the prompt: Edition One centers on “Why I Chose ABA.”