> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.goguardian.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Use AI Rubric Grading in Pear Assessment
> Generate a rubric with AI or add one manually, then turn on AI evaluation to auto-score essay questions before you review and release results.
Pear Assessment can automatically score essay questions and draft feedback using a grading rubric. This article covers how to attach a rubric to an item, turn on AI evaluation for a test, and review AI-generated scores and feedback before students see them.
Enable auto evaluation by AI (Essay question with Rubric) is a beta feature. Its accuracy may vary.
## Create or Edit a Manually Graded Item
When you create or edit a manually graded item, such as an essay question, go to the **Scoring** step of the item editor.
1. Click **Generate Rubric Using AI**. Pear Assessment drafts a rubric based on the question prompt you've written.
2. Review the generated rubric and edit it to match your expectations.
If you'd rather build your own rubric, select **Add Standards Aligned Rubric** instead. Choose **Create New Rubric** or **Use Existing Rubric**, then define or select the rubric for the question.
AI evaluation works the same way whether the rubric is AI-generated or added manually.
If you edit the AI-generated rubric, or use a manual rubric instead, AI evaluation still runs as long as a rubric is attached to the question.
## Add the Item to a Test and Enable AI Evaluation
After you add your rubric-aligned item to a test, go to the test's **Settings** page.
1. Scroll to the **Student Tools** section. If the test includes at least one rubric-based question, you'll see **Enable auto evaluation by AI (Essay question with Rubric)**.
2. Turn on this setting to activate AI scoring for eligible items in the test. Pear Assessment automatically evaluates student responses once they're submitted.
## Submit the Test
When a student submits their test, Pear Assessment immediately evaluates responses to rubric-based questions and generates:
* A score based on the rubric
* Written feedback aligned to each rubric criterion
These AI-generated scores and feedback stay hidden from the student until you review and approve them.
## Review AI Scores and Feedback in the Live Class Board
1. Open the **Live Class Board** and locate the test. Access responses through **Student View** or **Question View**.
For rubric-aligned items, you'll see the **AI Evaluation Done** tag next to the question.
2. Check the student scorecard for the AI-generated score and criterion-based feedback. Click the box below **Student Feedback!** to view the feedback.
3. After you review the evaluation, select **Feedback Is Reviewed**, then click **Save** to confirm and post the feedback.
This makes the score and feedback visible to the student. Until you select this box, the student can't see the AI-generated results.
## Edit Scores or Feedback (Optional)
If the AI-generated score or feedback doesn't match your expectations, edit them before approval. Pear Assessment provides a starting point. You control all final grades and feedback.
## Frequently Asked Questions
### Do I Have to Use AI to Generate a Rubric?
No. You can use your own custom rubric. AI evaluation works as long as a rubric is attached to the question.
### Are AI-Generated Scores Visible to Students Immediately?
No. AI results stay hidden until you manually approve and release them.
### Can I Override the AI-Generated Score or Feedback?
Yes. You can edit both the score and feedback before marking the feedback as reviewed.
### Will AI Evaluation Work if There's No Rubric?
No. A rubric is required for AI evaluation. You can create one manually or use AI to generate it.
### What if I Update the Rubric After a Student Has Submitted the Test?
Editing and regrading aren't currently supported by AI auto-evaluation.
### Does AI Auto-Evaluation Work with Express Grader?
No. If a test is submitted and responses are entered using [Express Grader](/products/pear-assessment/use-express-grader-to-manually-enter-answers-scores-and-comments), AI auto-evaluation doesn't trigger. AI scoring only runs when a student submits a test with rubric-attached items under standard workflows.