Art Department

Instruction and Grading

Art Instruction is modeled on Comprehensive Art Education which divides the study of art into four disciplines (art production, art criticism, art history and aesthetics).

• Art Production, Projects 25-50 points: the rubric is graded according to four criteria:

A.     Composition/Design

                                                              i.      Elements of art: line, shape, value, texture, volume, color

                                                            ii.      Principles of design: space, contrast, emphasis, balance, rhythm

B.     Materials, techniques and processes

                                                              i.      Materials: the thing that makes the image (ie oil paint on canvas)

                                                            ii.      Techniques: how the artist manipulates materials

                                                          iii.      Processes: how the artist conceives of the work, developes the design and completes the image (ie working from life)

C.     Content/Meaning

                                                              i.      Approaches to art

                                                            ii.      Subject Matter

                                                          iii.      Art style, movement or artist

                                                           iv.      Theme of artwork

D. Craftsmanship and work ethic

·        Art Criticism is the acquisition of art production vocabulary is assessed through oral critiques (10 points), written assignments (20 points) and quizzes (100 points).

·        Art History is the knowledge of styles of art and their visual characteristics, time periods, cultures and exemplary artists. Assessment is based on internet research worksheets (16 points), papers (16 points), quizzes and tests (100 points).

·        Aesthetics is the questioning of why humans make art and what how meaning changes across time and between cultures. It is assessed through class discussion (10 points) and written assignments (16 points).

Every art production assignment is preceded by an art history lesson and is based on an artist, art style, art movement or time period. The art department incorporates district initiatives of Writing across the Curriculum and Reading for Information, through papers and worksheets, into these lessons.

In addition to creative art projects, each quarter the student will encounter writing assignments, reading assignments, quizzes, tests, homework assignments and notebook organization grades as well as a multiple choice and written midterm and final.

Grade Weight (a weight of 3 multiples the assignment grade by 3) Points earned divided by total available points determines the quarter grade.

3: Projects

2: quizzes, tests, writing assignments and reading worksheets

1: homework, notebook and preparation grades

Late work: work will be accepted one day after the date it is due and downgraded a full letter grade. After that the student will receive a 0.

Homework/sketchbook: Students must have a small sketchbook approximately 6x8 inches the first week of school. Students will be given quarterly assignment sheets with an assignment each week. Late work is not accepted.

Homework, notebook, sketchbook grades:

3: Great effort, followed directions, understood & explored idea fully

2: good effort, mostly followed directions, could have explored idea more

1: weak effort, little or no work done, no effort to understand or explore

0: no work

Notebook: The student must have a 3 ring binder with a set of dividers labeled and in order for the first day of class following Labor Day. Please have the dividers labeled as instructed.

The Successful Learner

• Takes responsibility for being an active and engaged student
• Nurtures an inquisitive and curious mind
• Engages his/her mind and understands the concepts targeted by the assignment
• Fully prepares for and completes all assignments
• Speaks up, participates and asks questions
• Organizes and maintains all paperwork and materials for the class
• Completes work to the best of their ability and on time
• Reflects on learning experiences and assessments
• Reinforces learning by making connections to other disciplines and interests

The Successful member of an art class

• Respects the teacher, fellow students, materials and the classroom
• Follows school rules
• Follow project and class directions
• Sets up and cleans up and maintains equipment as instructed
• Raises hand to speak and follows the rules of discussion
• Does not distract others or allow others to distract his/herself
• Speaks quietly, appropriately and politely
• Engages his/her mind
• Nurtures curiosity and creativity
• Gives 100% of their ability and effort 100% of the time
• Participates!

 Art Room Behavior Rules

1. Be on time, in your seat and ready to begin.
2. Come prepared, with a pencil, your art binder and your assignment.
3. Practice respectful speech and behavior to everyone and all things at all times. No horseplay.
4. Stay in your seat unless instructed or permitted to do otherwise.
5. Stay on task, work quietly, no socializing, no discussions that are inappropriate, keep volume low, do not distract others.
6. Follow directions and directives the first time that they are given.
7. Store books, set up and clean up as directed. Clean and store all art supplies and equipment that you use. Students not cleaning up as directed will receive a detention.
8. No vandalizing, marking or altering any equipment, supplies or art work ever. Students will be held financially liable for damaged property and will be referred to the office.
9. Listen, take notes, keep all assignments and rubrics and know the details of the assignment. Do not interrupt teacher when giving directions or lecturing through speech or action.
10. The teacher determines and controls the music to be played. No ipods etc.
11. NO FOOD, BEVERAGES OR GUM.

Failure to follow Art Room rules will result in

a.      Detention and/or

b.      Phone call to parent and/or

c.      Points removed from your quarter grade for each instance of any disrespectful, rude, threatening, destructive or disruptive behavior or speech.