Grading in Music Class

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I often get asked by parents, "Why did my child get a ____ in music class?"
​Just like other subjects in school, music is a graded subject where students are constantly being assessed (formally, and informally) during music class based on the National Core Arts Standards. 

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​Participation is Key!

A large part of a student's success, and trimester grade, comes from the student's ACTIVE participation in music class.  I expect 100% participation from ALL students at ALL times. Whether it is singing, playing an instrument, doing a worksheet, working in groups, or engaging in discussion, I require every student to participate to the best of his or her ability. If students feel uncomfortable with an activity, it is probably because it is a new experience for them, and if they try it, they might decide that they enjoy it. Often, a student may understand a concept or may be able to perform a musical skill, but he or she chooses to not participate in that activity in class. If I cannot see their progress, I cannot give them a passing participation grade for that activity.



Informal Assessments

Students are also assessed in their progress in developing musical skills.  Most assessments are done informally, within a class activity, song, game, or dance.  I watch the students and keep track of their progress by using rubrics.  I routinely give students the expectations through the rubric system. Often in the older grades, students learn to use the rubric to assess themselves through self reflection, evaluation, and group discussion.

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Formal Assessments

Formal Assessments are given in the form of performances, compositions, and quizzes. Many of these are our district-wide common assessments that are used to document student progress in all our elementary buildings. Time is given in class for all assignments so nothing is to be taken home for homework.

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If you have any questions about my grading policies or our district common assessments, please feel free to contact me for a conference.