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Lesson Plans


RE: elementary report card time

From: Karen Polastri (kpolastri)
Date: Thu Feb 24 2000 - 11:27:18 PST

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    As a lurking parent with teenagers I wanted to respond to the comments about
    making comments in relation to grades. I was an A and B student throughout
    my education. And I can say that even though the grades kind of became
    "routine," the comments from teachers were much more meaningful and
    satisfying. You could have a classroom full of "A" students, but what makes
    them all unique and special is their character, personality, etc. All
    students want to hear about what special qualities they have, whether they
    do "A" or "D" work.

    I also wanted to add that my faith in the educational system is renewed
    daily reading posts from all you teachers who are dedicated, caring,
    thoughtful, creative, smart, and very underappreciated. (There's a program,
    at least in California, for the business community to "shadow" a principal
    for a day...I think parents and the business community should shadow a
    teacher for a day!!)

    Karen in Sacramento, California

    -----Original Message-----
    From: Anna N. [anna]
    Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2000 10:45 AM
    To: ArtsEdNet Talk
    Subject: elementary report card time

    HI everyone,
    I know there was a discussion going on a few months or so ago about grades
    for elementary art...it was interesting. I feel that there should be
    "grades" but not in the traditional success/failure model, but more
    commentary. I do not feel the procedure that is in place now at my school
    is meaningful at all towards the process of art. I do portfolio
    assessment, oral, student self, and occassional worksheets..and all of
    these are meaningful, but they do not show up on a report card.
    I am considering providing a supplement to the standard grading method for
    art in our school. (report card =participation and conduct only)
    While I truly wish I could write a papragraph for each student, I cannot.
    I have carpel tunnel syn. in both wrists, just writing a letter hurts. And
    we have 400 students. Im wondering what other alternative forms are out
    there. Ive been considering making a sheet up with checkmarks for
    objectives/commments (for art class in general, not project specific) but
    the philosophy in our district(for elementary) is we shouldn't be grading
    art. I think we can and should. Though it's not the artwork I want to
    grade, its the process, and the kids. Obviously not on taste, judgement,
    "likes/dislikes". But certainly on effort, participation in group
    discussion, attention to objectives, demonstrated skills learned, etc....
    I realize they are formulating their skills and creativity etc... at this
    age, and I wouldn't dream of grading them on a class norm, or age based
    system. But they learn things in here, not just art concepts but history,
    math science etc...and it seems like this is wasted to some degree without
    some acknowledgement and measurement and feedback (at report card time). I
    want to make this meaningful, not with letter grades but maybe comment
    blurbs that can be checked etc? Isn't art as important as any other
    class?!!! (I know it is!) Any ideas? Has anyone done this? How did you
    convince your administration? What kinds of forms have you used? What
    about sending home a copy of student self eval of a project? (thought of
    sending them all,m but then well never have the originals for the end of
    the year...and they just get lost at home!)
    Any ideas would be appreciated.

    Thanks in advance,
    Anna N. 

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