Grading Policy
Cactus Ranch Fine Arts Grading Policy
Kindergarten, First Grade & Second Grade
The students receive 2 separate grades in Fine Arts. The first is on skill
development and the second is on classroom performance (participation,
effort and behavior).
In both areas the following rubric is used.
4 – Exhibits understanding beyond grade level expectation
3 – Exhibits mastery of skill/concept
2 – Exhibits skill/concept with minimal guidance
1 – Exhibits skill/concept with direct guidance
Skill/concept grade
Many of the concepts and skills in Fine Arts are ongoing skills that are
developed, to a great extent, over many lessons and projects.
Your child will most likely not receive a “3” (mastery) in skill
development until the last grading period when the concepts for that grade
level have been completed.
A “2” means that your child is understanding and developing the skills for
his/her grade level at an appropriate pace and is on course for mastery.
Participation Grade
This grade is given each 9 week period and is based on participation,
effort and your child’s adherence to the “Social Contract” developed for
each learning environment. These behavioral skills/expectations are the
same that are used throughout our school community. They include, but are
not limited to, respect, co-operation, cheerful participation, honesty,
treating equipment/tools properly.
A “3” means that your child is following the above guidelines all of the
time.
A “2” means that there have been numerous reminders about ‘conduct’.
Third Grade, Fourth Grade & Fifth Grade
The students receive 2 separate grades in Fine Arts. The first is on skill
development and the second is on classroom performance (participation,
effort and behavior).
Skill/concept grade
There will be 3 – 4 grades given in each area (Music & Art) per nine week
grading period. These grades include completed projects, skill assessments
and ongoing projects/skill development.
An “E” means that your child has participated in and completed each
project/lesson and has shown understanding of the concepts presented. They
have put forth their best effort and are doing ‘excellent’ work.
An “S” means that they have completed the projects but do not show complete
understanding of the concepts taught or have not done their best work.
A “U” means that they have not understood the concepts and or have not put
forth the effort to complete the project/lesson adequately.
Participation Grade
The participation is many times related to the skills/concept grade. If a
student is not participating properly in class it will be directly
reflected in the quality of their work.
“E” – Excellent
“S” – Satisfactory
“N” – Needs improvement
“U” – Unsatisfactory
Classroom Management: Reminder, Warning, Final Warning, Think Sheet (kept
on file in the classroom/or sent home for the parents signature/or phone
call to parent), soft referral to the office – notice sent home to parent,
Office referral that is kept in the students permanent file (Parents are
notified).