In grade seven, art is required for a trimester (12 weeks) for every student. This program is designed to meet as many of the National and Local Arts Standards as set by the National Arts Education Association (NAEA) and DOE and emphasizes an exploration into a variety of art materials and studio techniques used in the production of art works. The course is divided into three units: Drawing/Painting, Sculpture, and Technology. As students study each of these units, they will learn about the use of art elements and design principles, as well as techniques of art critique. Art history will be incorporated into studio projects. A studio notebook is used for assigned drawings, sketches, notes, reflections on artistic problem solving decisions, and ideas. Unit worksheets that include vocabulary and unit exams are required. There will be integration of some art projects with other classes as determined by the Middle School teams each trimester.

The student will:

• Experiment and produce a collection of art works, in a variety of mediums (drawing, painting, sculpture, and printmaking), based on a range of individual and collective experiences.
• Understand and use the elements (line, shape, color, form, space, texture, and value) and principles of design (movement, emphasis, contrast, and balance) in order to communicate specific meanings to others in their artwork.
• During the creative process, reflect on the effectiveness of selected mediums or techniques to convey intended meanings.
• Develop skills with a variety of art materials and competence in at least one medium.
• Discuss and write their analysis and interpretations of their own works of art and the art of others, using appropriate critical language.
• Identify, analyze, describe, and interpret the visual and sensory characteristics that they discover in art.
• Demonstrate the ways in which particular art works and artifacts reflect important aspects of the diverse cultures of the world.
• Create art works that reflect a particular historical period of a culture.
• Produce art works for integrated projects.

1. A wire-bound art sketchbook, 9"x12" at least, plain white paper. *

2. Two pencils.

3. Large eraser.

4. Black ballpoint pen.

5. Folder paper.

*Sketchbook may be purchased at the school store for approximately $4.00

Students are evaluated using a COP (cooperation, organization, participation) system. The COP system is designed to teach and reinforce the study skills necessary for success in school. This includes:

• Being in their assigned seats and prepared for class when the bell rings.
• Bringing their art notebook to class everyday and taking notes as need.
• Maintaining appropriate attitude and classroom behavior that is conducive to a safe, learning environment.
• Keeping a personal record of all grades on the last page of their art notebook.
• Making arrangements to make up missed work and tests as soon as they return from an absence. They will receive the same amount of time to make up work they missed during the absence. Getting notes from classmates and writing them in their notebooks as soon as they return from an absence.
• Keeping art notebook and portfolio organized at all times and has it ready for grading when asked for.
• Cleaning up properly and on time. Put materials in proper place and ensure each item is clean. Violators may serve detention. Allow at least ten minutes for cleaning up.
• Placing artwork in assigned areas for storage and grading.
• Helping each other out whether it’s cleaning, working on a project, or keeping out of trouble.

Components of grades:

Unit exams- there is three unit exams. Each exam will count 5% of your unit grade. A total of 15% of your final grade is based on your unit exam scores.

COP- this will make up a percentage of your grade for each unit. It ranges from 30% for the first unit to 15% for the last two.

Art Notebook and Portfolio- Students are required to keep an art notebook which includes assigned drawings, class notes, handouts, selected photos, homework, and other class related material. A portfolio review will be conducted with each student assessing student progress, improvement, exploration, understanding, reflection, and problem solving.

Classwork and Homework- this is the major part of the unit grade. Classwork and Homework assignments are graded on the following criteria: completion, understanding of objectives, creativity, execution, and neatness.

The grading scale:

Each visual and written assignment, homework, classroom project, vocabulary worksheet, and unit exam will be assigned a point value. Your graded point totals will be compared to the maximum possible total points and the letter grade will be based on the following:

A=90% to 100%

B=80% to 89%

C=70% to 79%

D=60% to 69%

F=below 60%

Policies on make up work

Although it may vary at times, the general rule is students have as many days as they have been absent to complete make up work.

Required Signatures

_____________________________

Parent/Guardian/DA

__________________________________

Student

Please call or email me if you have any questions or concerns.