Rules, Procedures, Grades

Students are expected to adhere to the rules set up for the music classroom (See below.)  Rules are posted several places in the room, are shared orally and practiced during the first few weeks of music class.  If a student consistently has trouble following the rules in music class, parents will receive notification, via a progress report at the mid-term or on the report card at the end of the 9 weeks.  Grades are earned in music, as in all classes.  Music class has stringent objectives, as do other subjects.  Grades are based on 3 criteria:         

1. Performance on state objectives (The Music Stuff),  

2. Participation (The joining in and making a good attempt stuff), and  

3. Behavior (The following the rules and behaving so I and others can learn stuff). 

 (Essential Questions for students: Am I participating?  Am I behaving correctly? Am I learning?) These will be judged in a variety of ways, but the most common will be teacher/student observation.  I will give each student a grade of 1,2,3, (or 4) each week when s/he attends music class.  

If it appears that a student has had 2 or more weeks with a grade of 1 or 2 at the mid-point of the grading period, I will send a note to you in the progress report.  

Local regulations for a level 4 say that students should be performing consistently a year above grade level in that area.  Therefore, I don't give 4's typically in music, unless a student demonstrates tremendous musical knowledge above and beyond what I am teaching.  4s would be like extra credit grades -- soaring above what they SHOULD KNOW.

To earn a 3, students should be CONSISTENTLY following all rules for the music classroom, participating consistently in class with a good attitude, and able to master the skills reflected in the objectives.  (Think of it as an A or B). 3's are on target and mean a student is performing at or slightly above the expectation for the grade level. 

A level 2 is earned if student's behavior and/or participation is INCONSISTENT, or if they can't quite meet up to musical expectations on a weekly basis. (Think of it as a C) If a student has 2 or more weeks where they've earned a weekly grade of 2, you MAY see a 2 on the report card, as that indicates they are not consistently meeting expectations.  If one or two happen early on in the 9 weeks, and they earn 3s the second half, then I give them the benefit of doubt, and record a 3 for them.

A level 1 is earned if a student does not participate, performs far below the expected musical level or behavior is consistently disruptive. (Think of this one as an F.) 

If a student sits in time-out in music class, it is an automatic level 1 for the day's class. (a warning will be given first unless the behavior is serious enough to warrant immediate time-out with no warning.  ex.: physical violence, extreme disrespect to another person, etc.)  If a student continues to be disruptive, cannot follow directions in time out, or another adult has to be called because the behavior is so severe, we cannot conduct class, they receive a grade of 0 for the day.

**Note: I see grades as tools of communication, and grades in my class are not meant to be punitive.  They are designed to let you know how your child is performing as a student in my class.  A 2 in Music will not harm their scholarship opportunities or their college application.  It WILL let YOU, the parent, know if  your student is having difficulties with either musical learning, participation, or following directions/following rules.  Please communicate with me if you have any issues or questions.  I am happy to discuss their grades with you.

Also, with 500 students we see each week and back-to-back classes, it is not feasible for Encore teachers to call or communicate with you every time your child has an issue.  In music class, the mid-term report is the communication that will let you know your child isn't doing their best in music classes.

If you have any questions or concerns, please shoot me an email: tfletcher@whiteville.k12.nc.us or feel free to call me here at school:  910-642-4119, ext. 2502, but please understand that if I'm with a class, I will need to return your call in order to protect everyone's instructional time.