The power of art lies in the meaning that it brings to both creator and viewer; the question then is, how do you know if art is "good?"
In art education, our goal is for students to learn the skills and techniques necessary in order to make their meaning known. Assessment of work is based on how well students execute techniques and demonstrate knowledge of concepts.
On report cards, students will see grades for:
Student has a tries new things, takes risk, perseveres, encourages classmates and themselves
Student's understanding of concepts (for example: mixing red and yellow make orange, using lines to show emphasis, combining simple shapes to draw an animal)
and
Student's creative thinking (for example: innovative use of materials, imaginative inventions, unique subject matter)
and
Student's problem solving (for example: assessing areas for improvement, fixing mistakes, accomplishing goals within limitations)
Student's mastery of techniques and quality of craftsmanship (for example: fills in all the white spaces, cuts by turning the paper not the scissors, has control of a paintbrush)
Student interactions with the studio and materials, peers, and teachers
Each category is evaluated based on evidence demonstrated in the student's portfolio and classroom performance. They earn one of the following descriptors:
The student consistently goes above and beyond the grade level standard.
The student meets the grade level standard.
The student is progressing toward the grade level standard.
The student is beginning to develop toward the grade level standard.