Why Meeting Project Expectations Earns 90% (A)
I know students, for the most part, want to earn their “A” and anything less is a disappointment. Never mind that “C” is supposed to be average, or “B” is above average, they want that “A.” I also think it’s unfair to “grade” artwork based on an emotional or arbitrary scale of good to bad. There is value in a Basquiat, a Picasso, and a da Vinci approach to art. Does a Jackson Pollock deserve less credit than Chuck Close because of some skillset? It's like asking is a rabbit better than a fish.
I set rigorous goals in my projects and give a list to students to EARN their “A” or 90%. If they want a higher grade, they need to exceed expectations. To me 100% DOES NOT mean perfect… it means you have gone above and beyond the expectations in a significant way.
For example, some goals I may set for a project could be:
I also create a list of optional things they can do to exceed expectations that are beyond the scope of the skills I am focused on in that particular project or unit.
The video below walks you through some real examples of my grading.
I set rigorous goals in my projects and give a list to students to EARN their “A” or 90%. If they want a higher grade, they need to exceed expectations. To me 100% DOES NOT mean perfect… it means you have gone above and beyond the expectations in a significant way.
For example, some goals I may set for a project could be:
- Include tertiary color mixtures
- Incorporate a fully resolved background
- Include shadows that vary in intensity
I also create a list of optional things they can do to exceed expectations that are beyond the scope of the skills I am focused on in that particular project or unit.
- Include complex patters and/or textures
- Use complementary colors in shadows avoiding the use of black
- Incorporate a technique you have researched on your own
The video below walks you through some real examples of my grading.
Meeting expectations earns a 90% on my project rubric. No matter their level of experience or artistic ability of my students, all can earn that “A” if they meet the goals/requirements of my project. BUT Just because a student CAN earn an “A” on every project does not guarantee they will earn an “A” for the course. Though 50% of their grade is based on projects, the other 50% is broken down this way:
10% is based on classwork/worksheets/homework
15% is based on quiz assessments
25% is based on tests, exams, reports
These non-project assessments moderate grades so many of my students earn a “B”, or low “A”, and some earn high ”C’s”. Grades above a 95% happen, but they are rare. I believe the average student, in my course, earns about an 88%. Half earn below that.
10% is based on classwork/worksheets/homework
15% is based on quiz assessments
25% is based on tests, exams, reports
These non-project assessments moderate grades so many of my students earn a “B”, or low “A”, and some earn high ”C’s”. Grades above a 95% happen, but they are rare. I believe the average student, in my course, earns about an 88%. Half earn below that.
| Universal Project Rubric |
This rubric has been updated since my video.
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