From: wetzelartclass .

< >
Date: Fri, Apr 18, 2014 at 8:32 AM
Subject: Re: current grade
To: < >


,
Thanks for checking with me. After I read your email, I checked my Moodle page and
realized I probably don't make the grading system as clear to parents as we talk about
in class. I will go back and change that. We talk about it in class with the students, but I
realize they don't always communicate how they are doing with their parents.

So to clarify my grading system: We have five 100 pt projects that are graded based on
the students' ability to follow directions. Those projects are on the Moodle page. We use
the same rubric as the high school and students know what objectives they need to
meet before each project. It is written on the board every day, so students are well
aware what is expected.
We are almost finished with the first project, a self-portrait. If students do their work and
follow direction, there is no reason they will get less than an A in this class.
We also have three 10-point projects that students get full credit for just participating.
I used to have deadlines throughout the quarter, but it caused students to rush through
their work and make sloppy mistakes. For the past two years I have switched the due
date to the last week of class for all projects. This way if students need more time on
their self-portrait, but finish photography early, they can manage their time. This has
proven to make sure students make the best art and complete more.

I understand that the downside to this is that parents aren't getting an update via Infinite
Campus. Although it has made their work and progress better throughout class. As you
know, grading for art can be subjective is not the same as other classes. I will consider
what I can change to help better inform parents.

As far as is concerned, he is doing well with his work. He has just started on the
last step of his final project. If he continues working at this rate, he will have an A in my
class. He can bring work home and show you his progress as well. Today, we are
moving on to a new project. Since many students aren't finished with their first project,
students can always be working on different projects when they finish one thing early.
Throughout the quarter, students will be working at different paces and on different
projects.

The only concern related to grades that you would need to have is if your child was
coming to class and doing nothing everyday, and I contact those parents.

I'm attaching a picture of 's work so far. He is doing a great job on his self-
portrait!
You don't need to be concerned about his grades in this class. His artwork and work
ethic are very good in class.


!photo.JPG




On Thu, Apr 17, 2014 at 9:28 AM, < >

Miss Wetzel,

is held accountable for his grades, particularly as he becomes busier during the
spring with baseball and soccer, and the expectation is that he is responsible and
current with assignments in all of his classes.

After receiving the correct progress report of 's grades, I noticed that he does
not have a grade for your class. Please reply with an explanation for why his grade is
missing as well as where he currently stands in your course.


Thanks,
.