Standards Based Grading in the Arts

The Arts at Aversboro

Wake County Public School System converted to the Standards Based Grading System for all elementary schools during the 2004-2005 school year. Prior to the adoption of this new system, students earned grades of Commendable, Satisfactory, or Needs Improvement in arts classes. Under the Standards Based Grading system, arts students earn a content grade and a participation grade for their work in art and music each semester.

General Rubric for Standards Based Grading in Music

Music instruction is based on the nine competency goals from the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. Mrs. Hopkins observes students demonstrating musical skills through classroom assessment activities. Please refer to the charts below to see how the grades are determined.

Music - Content
Level 4	Student can show mastery of the skill by performing alone, showing leadership by demonstrating the skill for others, or by using the skill to create new ideas. Student thinks: "I can perform a solo!", "I can teach others!", "I can accept a new challenge!", "I can create something new!"
Level 3	Student can demonstrate the skill in a classroom setting with peer support. Student thinks: "I can do it in music class with my classmates."
Level 2	Student can demonstrate the musical skill with teacher assistance and/or modification of the activity. Student thinks: "I can do it with help from Mrs. Hopkins. I can do it if Mrs. Hopkins makes it easier."
Level 1	Student chooses not to participate in music class activities. Student thinks: "I don't want to try it."

Music - Participation
Level 3	Student consistently participates and follows the rules of the music class. Student thinks: "I follow the rules and participate each week."
Level 2	Student does not consistently participate and/or follow music classroom rules. Student thinks: "I only participate sometimes. I have had my name in the 'Check Your Behavior' box at least three times. I have interrupted our learning."
Level 1	Student does not participate in music class activities or is repeatedly disruptive. Student thinks: "I have had my name in the 'Discipline Book' more than once. I usually do not participate."

Sample Rubric for Standards Based Grading in Art

Art instruction is based on the eight competency goals from the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. Ms. Sligh creates a rubric for art projects that students complete during art instruction. Please refer to the chart below for a sample rubric.

Art - Content
Level 4	Excellent - exceeded expectations.
Level 3	Good - met and went a little beyond expectations.
Level 2	Fair - just met requirements.
Level 1	Poor - made some attempt at the requirements.
Level 0	Unsatisfactory - did not attempt the requirements.

Requirements for 1st Grade Primary Colors Fish Project

Teacher Evaluation	4	3	2	1	0
Artistic Merit of Work Creative, unique, eye-catching Placement of fish on background paper
Use of Art Materials Mixing of primary colors: technique Are there three secondary colors?
Design Principles/Elements Geometric and organic shapes are drawn in a pattern Colors are marked in a pattern
Craftsmanship Neatness of work Correctly made 3-D cylinders, so fish can pop-out
Conduct and participation during this project