11/16/2001

Grading Student Artwork

Dear Beth,

We have a new art teacher at our elementary school. She has decided to "raise the standards" in art, so now my children are receiving both letter and number grades on their art projects. My 9-year-old son has twice received a "C" with the number grade of 78 on art work that his father and I loved. Because the works are beautiful, we want to display them. Our son doesn't want us to hang them, because he received a "C".

I sent a letter to the principal, and she called me right away, stating that certain skills need to be taught in art, and evaluations are being written by both the teacher and student.

I was under the impression that art came from your heart and soul and to have it critiqued at such a young age could have long term effects, as well as crushing a child's spirit. I am trying to get material so that I may give it to our principal so that she can make some changes that will allow our children to have an art class where their work can be embraced -- not critiqued under such strict standards. Do you have any advice or material that can help me?

I know that there are certain skills that children must master in art. I am not arguing that point. I just wish that it would be less structured to allow children to freely express themselves. I read an article recently that reported that children who were allowed to express themselves in art, actually did better in math, science, and other areas.

Note from Beth Bruno: I forwarded this letter to a national listserve for art teachers. What follows are some of their thoughts on this fascinating topic.

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I am a K-5 art teacher in Oklahoma. At my school we only give S, E, and in very unusual cases a U in art. Kids often press teachers who give these grades for letter grades. I usually say an S is a good B or maybe a C ... really just does the "work." E is like an A - does the work with added creative touches and effort.

I don't know where you are geographically, but teachers and students are being pressed all over the nation for "test scores". The art test questions for elementary are for the most part definitions and applications of those definitions, such as the elements and principles of design. Our scores are listed in the newspapers and the pressure in some schools and areas is fierce.

Your art teacher may be in a school that has something on the line, such as funding, and has put pressure on teachers for testing and grades. This often does stifle creative spirits. As a mother, you understand this and should work for change.

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I felt I couldn't let this letter go by without addressing the issue of art and grades. All through school my son LOVED to draw. I never asked him anything about his artwork at school. As he grew older and entered middle school he began to show a real admiration for art. Still, I knew nothing about "art," yet I took him to exhibitions and museums to expose him to the works of great artists. He had never had an art teacher, just his classroom teacher.

When he entered high school he chose art as an elective and did well enough in his first class to get the merit award from that teacher. He loves to draw, and I could see as his years were progressing, so were his talents. His second art class in high school was a disaster. He hated his teacher and she showed every criticism for his work. He often talked about how her ideas and his were different, but why was he wrong when it looked good to him? I often stood up for him and his "bad" art grades.

His junior year in high school he decided he had had enough of this teacher and her criticism. Therefore, no more art classes. He did continue to express himself in his art but took a different path in his studies.

To make a long story short, he graduated from college last May with a degree in Fine Arts and Communications. He is working with a multi- media firm in Houston and doing "his" art. I know there are concepts that we must teach, and drawing is sometimes the window to the soul. Don't let this teacher drag your son's art down with her. Keep letting him express himself and letting him understand art for what it is. It is meaningful for him and her criticism is only one point of view.

I'm very proud of my son and what he has become. Not bad for someone whose art teacher said "should look for other outlets to express himself."

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As an art teacher, I find grading individual artwork a challenge. Although I find most children's artwork beautiful, I don't believe my tastes should play a role in grading an artwork. Every viewer has his or her own tastes.

So, in order to be fair, I use specific criteria when grading. Did the student complete the project within a given time frame? (I allow students additional time out of class if they haven't wasted time in class). Are all of the objectives met(following directions)? Did student behavior effect his/her artwork in a negative way? Did the student use the supplies/materials appropriately (correctly and safely as demonstrated)?

As the saying goes, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." Famous artwork that sells publicly and privately for millions of dollars is loved as well as disliked by many people. That is why artwork should be graded according to specific criteria. -- Kathy, Art Teacher in New Jersey

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Readers, what do you think about assigning letter and number grades to a child's artwork?

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Please send questions or comments to bbruno@snet.net.