The first marking period was a busy, busy, busy one! From day one I never felt like I was ahead of things, I am so glad we had fall break so I could finally get things in order.
This year has been fabulous so far, I have been particularly impressed with the Kindergarten class this year!
There were many changes to the art room with getting 7 new computers into the art room, a new rewards system, a treasure box, and some extra decorations :)
Also there is a new grading scale for all related arts teachers. If you have not been following along on gradespeed, the new scale for K-1 is:
E = Excellent 90-100
S = Satisfactory 80-90
P= Progressing 70-80
N = Needs Improvement 60-70
U = Unsatisfactory 59 and below
for grades 2-4 the grading scale is now an A-F instead of the previous E, S, N
A = 90-100 Excellent
B = 80-90 Above Average
C = 70-80 Average
D = 60-70 Below Average, but passing
F = 59 and below not passing
So our grades are being diversified, where as previously E was 90-100, S was 70-90, and N was 69 and below. So I wanted a more diverse rubric, instead of using a 5 pt. scale, I am using a 10 point scale for all projects. I use a rubric based around the suggested district rubric and include my specific objectives for the lesson.
Our students that are struggling with craftsmanship or rushing projects would be low C's and D's. The only reason a student would ever get an F in art is not completing assignments because it is very hard to bring up a zero if they are not participating.
Our new teacher evaluation rubrics are set up a similar way and typically reflect a bell curve. I have high expectations for my students and consider the bell curve when grading, but I know my grades lean a little more towards mostly the front of the spectrum. I think these high expectations reflect in the amazing art that comes out of this school, and I find great satisfaction when students find a creative way to solve a problem!
As we all adjust to the new grading system, I try my best to keep as many updated grades as possible on gradespeed so parents can review. I am always open to talk to any parent if they have a concern.
I know most parents want their students making A's and B's and I am really glad we are switching to that style in art because I think it helps add validity to our subject and I have seen it motivate plenty of my students already to put more effort in their work. But I know that students have different talents, so I am trying to rely on some others to include in grades for our students that struggle a little more with artistic skills. So we are including some writing in the art room this year with journal entries in our sketch books about some things we are learning in the art room. Students are not being graded on spelling/grammar, but actual content and participation, so easy full credit for simply writing in their sketch books. I might also begin to include a few short quizzes to help bolster grades of students that really get the concept but have difficult expressing it in art. Some of us are less artistic, but I believe all my students are artists and it is my job to help find that talent and hence improve their grades! IEP's are also considered when grading.
I appreciate your support as well all adjust and I am embracing the change because I like math and doing grades....although it does take an awful lot of time :)
