Fall 2006
Foundations in Art
Foundations in Art is a visual arts course that focuses on learning the elements of art and exploring a wide variety of materials, techniques and processes. As in any language, Art has its own Foundation. This class will teach you the basics of how to learn, create, appreciate and assess the world of visual imagery in which we live .
Essential Question:
How does learning about the Visual Arts change the way in which you view the world?
Content Standards
These are statements that describe what students should know or be able to do in
Foundations in Art by the end of the year:
Art History
Become familiar with a variety of historical and cultural concepts, artistic approaches and styles.
Experience a variety of other work to inform artistic decisions.
Respond to and analyze techniques and styles from artists of different time periods and cultures.
Technical Skills
Explain and demonstrate quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Demonstrate knowledge of several art media and techniques.
Demonstrate and discuss an understanding of 2-dimensional design.
Demonstrate and discuss an understanding of 3-dimensional design.
Creative Problem-Solving Skills
Describe and demonstrate knowledge of visual composition.
Identify and use the elements of design.
Become familiar with the principles of design.
Use knowledge of color to enhance and create an expressive work of art.
Demonstrate and describe how to solve problems creatively.
Reasoning/Thinking Skills
Develop goals for the year in terms of creative and technical skills. These may include areas to improve upon or areas you would like to learn more about.
Revisit your goals periodically, add to and/or check progress. Document and/or record evidence along the way.
Discuss and explain your work, using correct vocabulary in oral and written critiques.
Process Standards (Work Habits)
The following are skills students will develop to enhance the process of learning.
Students will:
Use time wisely and productively.
Attend class on a regular basis.
Come to class on time, prepared, with necessary materials.
Keep a sketchbook, documenting progress/improvement throughout the year.
Show responsible care of materials and contribute to clean up in the classroom.
Provide constructive criticism when discussing artwork.
Participate in small group discussions and work effectively with others.
Maintain a positive attitude and put forth their best possible effort.
Materials
Pencils - Bring to class on a daily basis
Sketchbook(9x12) - spiral bound is preferable
Visual Arts Grading System
Everything we do in class contributes in some way to your overall grade. There are three ways in which I collect EVIDENCE OF STUDENT LEARNING (valid, reliable, evaluation of student learning is gathered over time through a variety of ways):
Observation - What I observe during class about each student's process of learning;
Conversations with Students - What students observe, articulate, and show about their learning and understanding;
Student Work - What students demonstrate about they know and are able to do.
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All assignments/projects are based on meeting the standards or essential learning for the course and are graded on a 4 point scale. 4 is at the top , 1 is at the bottom. Specific criteria and rubrics are given to students for all major assignments, so they are clear how to be successful. When entered into the on-line grade book, the 4 point system is “translated” into the following 100 point scale:
Exceptional, Extraordinary Work (when merited) 4++=100
Exceeds the Standard 4=97
3.5=94
Meets the Standard 3=90
2.5=87
Approaching the Standard 2=83
1.5=79
Does Not Meet the Standard 1=76
**This translation scale is borrowed and adapted from Robert Marzano, author of several educational text books.**
Our Curriculum in the Visual Arts is standards-based and the 4 point scale is what works well to communicate a student’s demonstration of knowledge. However, the software that we use for our on-line grade book is designed using the 100 point grading system, therefore a translation scale from 4 points to 100 points is necessary.
Your final grade will reflect your demonstration and growth in meeting the Content Standards (see attached). Each area may be weighted differently. Work habits will be noted on a weekly basis; I will be looking for trends.
Make-up Policy
If you are sick and not in school the day an assignment is due, it is due the first day you return to school. Remember it is your responsibility to make arrangements with me, concerning what you missed when you were not in school. Under extraordinary circumstances, please contact me asap, so that together, we can make a plan to get caught up and turn in or modify missing work.
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