What is one disadvantage of using rubrics in assessment?

One notable disadvantage of using rubrics in assessment is that performance levels may not be as precise as traditional grades or percentages. While rubrics provide qualitative descriptions of performance across a range of criteria, they often categorize student work into broad performance levels rather than assigning specific numerical values. This can lead to ambiguity when trying to gauge the exact level of mastery a student has achieved. For instance, a student may fall into a 'proficient' category, but this does not specify whether they are at the low end or high end of that category. Consequently, educators looking for precise measurements may find rubrics less effective in providing the granularity they desire compared to more quantitative assessment methods, which directly translate performance into exact scores or grades.