Grading nearly 1,000 students is a rather daunting challange. With the increased workload given to Mason City's elementary art instuctors, the decision was made to decrease the number of standards that will be reported on at the end of the semester, for some grade levels.
At the end of the first quarter, children are given a productivity grade only. I'm looking for two things when I assign productivity grades. First I assess how well they manage basic classroom procedures such as listening skills and following directions. This grade is combined with an assessment on how well they work independently. If they stay on task and follow classroom procedures with out reminders they recieve a 4; if they need some reminders, a 3, constant reminders;a 2, if they do not follow directions or are unable to complete their work independently they receive a 1.
At the end of the semester I will assign an achievement grade. There have been several changes in how I will be grading this year. First, at semester, kindergarten will receive a productivity grade only. First through third grades will be assesed on productivity as well as media skills. Fourth and fifth grades will be grades on all four standards:subject/content, fundamental concepts, media skills as well productivity. Also, at the end of the semester second through fifth grades will have a "portfolio day" when they and I will look at their body of work, evaluate progress and set personal goals. Artwork will not be sent home with the students until that time. I know parents are sometime anxious to see their child's work. Please be patient, it will get there.