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Re: Art classes are "blow-off" classes

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From: Dave Haines (dhaines_at_TeacherArtExchange)
Date: Tue Jan 04 2005 - 08:45:14 PST

 I've kind of developed (over the years) that it's a 'luck of the draw" as far as the make up of your class (pupils/students) you are given to work with. Sometimes luck is on my side and I wind up with nice groups. However, around here, there are far too many who are not taking any of their classes seriously. (I seem to have an over abundance of these this year). For instance, I have an 8th Per. Drawing Class where 5 'pupils' have almost entire straight F's for the first two grading periods...(now I'm speaking of straight Fs in all courses). I feel that many of you here do not have this type of problem, but others of you are, I'm sure, experiencing exactly the same situation). It all relates to the overwhelming factors that contribute to what is or is not happening on the home front, socio-economic factors, your locale, etc.
So with a class like this, these type of pupils 'feed' off of one another. It makes for a bad class atmosphere for sure. But one simply has to stick to their guns and work at providing the best you can for all....keep the ones that you have interested 'interested!' Those who choose not to perform must be prepared to fail. I remember that a few years ago I had a 'pupil' of this type who had me three times for various art classes (and never passed one). This is not because I did not make the effort to encourage or because I expect too much. It happens because simply choose to 'leave themselves behind.' This particular kid had no animosity toward me because he continually failed my class. In fact, we always remained on friendly terms. I ran into him awhile back at a local home supply store and we had a real nice conversation on fly fishing (an interest we both share). Go figure.
As far as the 'dumping' into art class as the end of first semester...I solved that problem early on my setting up my courses as yearly (first semester must be taken before a student can be in second semester).
Dave H
  ----- Original Message -----
  From: Aartteachr@aol.com
  To: ArtsEdNet Talk
  Sent: Monday, January 03, 2005 8:26 PM
  Subject: Re: Art classes are "blow-off" classes

  He didn't take it seriously, did not finish 3 assignments at the end of the semester and ended up with a 77. The parent complained to me and wanted me to give him an incomplete so he could come in to do the work the following semester. Admin backed me up with a firm NO! The kid got the 77. I have him again for next semester for 2D Design. Let's see what happens. The parent tried to get him out of my 2D class. Admin said no. The kid wished he had study hall back!
  They are learning H.S.art is NOT a blow-off class!!! :>)

  Marsh ---

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