Assessment

Oh no! It's the big A word. ASSESSMENT! While it can be scary and intimidating to create numeric grades for an entire student body, there are simple tools that I use to make my job a little easier. I do not believe in grading an elementary student based on how well they can draw. That's so.... subjective!

For the past several years, I have been a member of an elementary art PLC (professional learning community). Last year, we met once a month to discuss teaching strategies, assessment, evaluation, and a slew of other fun topics. During one meeting, we decided to design a basic rubric that could be used across the board in an elementary art room. Here is the result.

Now, I know that this a VERY simple rubric. However, I have had a beneficial time using this skeleton to create worthwhile assessment of student work. The rubric basically scores being on task, craftsmanship/ creativity, and following directions and meeting goals.

When it is time to assess student work, I will review the objectives for the lesson and write the goals on the board. Students are required to self assess as to whether or not they completed all the goals. In essence, we create a checklist. For instance...

Did you...

*Create an animal with shapes and textures

*Fill the space with a habitat for your animal

*Show foreground, middleground, and background

Using a 10 point system makes grading simple and easy. I post the rubric and the grading scale in a highly visible place in my room, so as to familiarize students with the process from the beginning of the year. It also enables me to remain transparent when discussing my grading practices with colleagues and parents. I want everyone to understand that my class is a standards based class, with true numerical grades and assessments.