The following is information specific to middle school art students. As I am
sure you are all aware, the art grade now has an integral role to play in a
student's GPA. IN REGARD TO TESTING, test grades will count as 25% of the
overall class grade, and there will only be 3-4 tests for the semester. I
have made these tests a note-taking exercise because I truly believe that
students will need good note taking skills in high school and beyond. The
following describes the stucture of these sessions.
When students arrive for class they are instructed to get out a sheet of
paper and something to write with. We then go over all of the material that
has been discussed in class which corresponds to notes on the board. We
discuss questions and answers as they freely take notes. They are aware that
these notes will be accessible to them during the test - they can refer to
their notes for answers to the questions. In this first test in February
there were 10 questions, and one bonus question worth 5 points. The test is
given immediately after the note taking and discussion have taken place, in
that same class period. The entire proceedure takes most students less than
the 45 minutes alloted. No one has not finished by the end of class.
I feel it is important to address this process because even though there were
numerous students who made grades of 100-105, some students made failing
grades. The ones who did make failing grades were told that the grade could
be brought up by submitting a one page paper on the artist we had been
studying: Henri Matisse, and that failing grade tests needed to be signed and
returned. At this time, mid-March, I have had one student who has written the
paper for an improved grade. E-letters will be going out to parents notifying
them of current grade status. Note taking is so very necessary to their
educational future, that I do intend to continue to impress upon students
this need for attentive listening. Any comments or concerns are welcome.
ART CLUB BEGINS SEPTEMBER 20TH, 3:30 IN ROOM 207. THE FIRST SESSION RUNS
THROUGH OCTOBER 25TH.
ART CLUB members will be expected to bring a canvas ( of any size) and paint
for the next, 2nd, meeting. Brushes, and other necessary tools will be
supplied. During the six week course students will produce 2 to 3
paintings,
and will need as many canvases.
The paint should be acrylic, but not necessarily of professional quality.
Please purchase what you feel is reasonable. The colors should be blue, red,
yellow, white and black. These are the basics. More is fine if you choose to
buy a set.
Let's paint!!!
