Grading and rubrics

ASSESSMENTS

Students will be assessed informally at each class.  In addition, specific formal assessments will individually be given on a specific assignment. These will take place at various times throughout the year.  Students will be given advance notice of these formal assessments of at least one, possibly two, weeks’ notice.

Daily Participation:  This includes general effort, positive attitude, cooperation, citizenship, enthusiasm, respect. The following will adversely affect a student’s daily grade -  lack of effort during class, disruptive behavior during class, consistent lateness to class, forgetting an instrument, and/or improper care of instrument. 

Students receive and E, S, or M per quarter based on the following criteria: 

• Effort and Participation 

• Daily Preparation 

• Classroom behavior 

• Completion of in-class activities/assignments like written activities in the book, board-work, etc. 

Skill Development/Playing Tests:   5th grade students typically have one or two tests within each quarter/nine weeks. 

Written Tests/Homework:  In music, this is called PRACTICING.  Progress and enjoyment will follow, but the classroom is not their practice time.  Set aside at least 3-4 a week where they get their instrument out at home to play the music we have in our book or folder.  . 

Concerts:  Each students is required to participate in all scheduled concerts for the entire year.