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Lesson Plans


Re: Grading in Elementary art

[ Thread ][ Subject ][ Author ][ Date ]
Woody Duncan (wduncan)
Fri, 01 Oct 1999 22:54:01 -0500

Grades ???? hey I know Art is important, but why the fuss about
grades in Art. Your old system sounded great to me. Students
should learn that there are more important things than grades.
In Art they should create because it is good for the heart and the
soul, not for a grade. When they are older perhaps they will find
a job that is good for their heart and soul and not do it for the money.
Then they can look back and thank their Art teacher.
Woody in KC

DaynaB62 wrote:
>
> Questions for all you experienced art teacher gurus out there:
>
> I'm in a new k-5 school this year and I understand that my predecessor was a
> really tough grader. Several parents had questions in past years and had
> complained, "What does my child have to do to get an O in art ??!!) PE was
> just as tough. We give O for Outstanding, S - Satisfactory and N-needs
> improvement and that's it. This is a very high-test-scoring school with many
> kids testing as GT and very supportive and involved parents.
>
> In my former (rougher) school, I basically gave O's to students that showed
> up, tried everything, cooperated, demonstrated an understanding of the art
> objectives, included the things I was asking them to include, were
> respectful, didn't throw objects, curse me and didn't carry on loud, rude
> conversations while I was giving directions.
>
> In the new school, all the children are respectful, eager to try everything,
> take pains to include the things they need to, finish the projects, are
> cooperative and follow directions. Basically, a dream school. (And yes, I
> know I am lucky.) They work hard to attain good grades as it is important to
> them and their families and I am at a loss as how to grade them. I don't
> think they should have to struggle for an O in art.
>
> I am sure to tell them that they needn't be 'talented' to get a good grade in
> art.
> To me, an O equates to an A or a B and an S is closer to a C. An N would be
> a child that doesn't do the work or try to complete it. I guess that's my
> problem and I am worried that I might be considered an 'easy' grader. But
> then again, this is still elementary art and why should they be
> discouraged????
>
> Advice, please!
>
> Dayna

-- 
This E-mail message is from Artist/Teacher Woody Duncan
             Rosedale Middle School in Kansas City, Kansas
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