In Alphabetical Order . . .

Clarity: are instructions/ goals understood?
Must have critical thinking /intellectual thought.
Broken down into clear steps/stages.
Assignment is accessible to variations in skill and intellectual levels--students of various abilities should all be able to complete the task.
Provide adequate, not directive, examples which guide--balance open-endedness with goal.
Relate assignments and the skills developed in that assignment scaffold into the next assignment.
Succinct assignments/concise--250-300 words.
How much does assignment demand from the instructor?
How much does assignment demand from the student?
Will this assignment work for portfolio? 
Does the assignment meet programmatic goals and outcomes?
Clear expectations for students.

More coming. . . .