As a new teacher to this school, I wanted to share my thoughts on grading, as report cards are coming around, and parents will see grades in special area subjects this time.
First off, music in elementary is very experiential. We don't take tests. We occasionally write, since writing is important in all aspects of life, but assessment on writing happens elsewhere in school. Ideally, we'd be able to provide a music assessment on how students are doing in each of the music standards. In class, we make a point to do each of the following...
LISTEN to music
MOVE to a steady beat
SING on pitch
PLAY instruments, in time and in tune
We explore music in various cultures and time periods throughout the year (Music Appreciation) but we always strive do those 4 experiential standards in every class.
Unfortunately, our grade system only allows a number (out of 100). Further, considering that many of the classes only meet once per 6 day cycle (barring interruption for a variety of reasons), doing an individual assessment for each student on each of these would be nearly impossible. We do both informal assessments all the time, but we try to keep the focus on making music in class, and it usually doesn't work to tie these to a number grade.
SO, I try to keep it simple. I always tell the students that the only rule I have in music class is one word: PARTICIPATE! As long as they are involved in what is happening, they are experiencing all of the standards and that is success. I've created a simple rubric I use for grades 3-6. Some of these students are in band also in grades 5 and 6, and I consider that, as well as music class and chorus, in the following. As students get older (into 5th and 6th grade), they have more of an opportunity to move into the "Advanced" category, through practicing at home and engagement in class activities, but in third and fourth grade, we haven't had enough time yet to achieve that. Students in "Basic" and "Emerging" are choosing to not participate in one or more areas of musical standards. Since all students must attend class and are all "participating" to some degree, the lowest grade number I give is 85 (B-) for emerging. I don't like reducing these experiential standards to a number, as it doesn't translate well to music, but this is the system in place. I don't like to give a GRADE below a C, because the letter grade doesn't translate well to compare with other classes. However, students with basic or below basic are missing out on an important music learning opportunity, and I do want parents to be aware of that, and hopefully talk with students about participating better in the future. The expectation is that students will participate (and thus achieve) to a "proficient" level, and a few students will excel (evidenced by practicing at home, participating in class discussions and performance, etc.) and achieve an "advanced" level.
Advanced (100) - Student shows exceptional participation and achievement.
Proficient (95) - Student participates in all class activities regarding musical standards, and regularly works hard to demonstrate achievement in each of the standard areas.
Basic (90) - Student participates sometimes in class activities, but does not participate enough to demonstrate competence in one or more standard area.
Emerging (85) - Student rarely participates, and is thus unable to demonstrate competence in most or all of the standard areas.
Again, as students get older (5th and 6th grade), we will occasionally have assignments that have rubrics specific to them, and those grades will be added in. But the short answer to all of this is - it's hard to GRADE music on a 1-100 scale, as you may imagine. I try to use the system in place to provide a little feedback on the level of participation (and thus achievement) each student shows in music class. Parent, as always, feel free to contact me at jruth@southerntioga.org if you have any questions!
