Mona Lisa Self Portraits

Self Portraits are my chosen project for showing student growth in the art room this year.  All grades began the year by drawing a self portrait with instruction the first weeks of school.  My intent is to have students draw three portraits this year.  Classes are working on the 2nd portrait now.  Fourth grade students were given the task of studying a print of the Mona Lisa and recreating it with their own self portrait.  Getting them past the intimidation factor was the biggest hurdle achieved by assuring them that I would only be assessing the portrait itself for growth.  Here are a few of their interpretations along with the self assessment rubric they were given.

RUBRIC FOR SELF EVALUATION OF PORTRAITS

U/ 0	S- / 1	S / 2	S+ / 3
Student shows no attempt to “look like a scientist” when drawing a portrait.  No signs of understanding the mathematics of the face.  Features are comic in nature and do not look natural.	Student did not demonstrate an understanding of the mathematics of the face.  Eyes are too high, mouth is too small or misplaced.  Nose is misplaced or appears to be only a shape.  Show no attempt to “look like a scientist”	Student demonstrates an understanding of the mathematics of the face.  Most parts of the face are placed well.  Shows skills in “looking like a scientist”	Students shows correct placement of all the parts of the face.  Shows an understanding and applying the mathematics of the face.  Very skill in “looking like a scientist”

I've been learning

Final days of my AOE class "Showing Student Growth in Art".  It has not been a disappointment.   I have been challenged to extend my thinking and definitely stepped outside of my comfort zone.  The discussions have been enlightening and thought provoking.  I will begin school in a few weeks fully armed to face the discussions of DDMs (District Determined Measures) and feel like I can make an worthwhile contribution.  I was most surprised to learn how far ahead other districts seem to be in this new phase of teacher evaluation.  I was thankful to be able to view some of the materials other educations are using and to gain deeper understanding as they shared previous experiences.  

And now....summer vacation!

Back to Class with AOE!

                 Showing Student Growth in Art

I just joined the community and gave my introduction bio. Off and running for AOE class #2.  I took the Assessment course a couple of months back.  It really challenged me to think about my teaching in a new way and also to analyze my feelings about assessment.  With the Common Core in place and the new teacher evaluation expectations, Student Growth is something I need to know more about.  I'll try to post as much as I can this month, especially since it is our final weeks of school and I will have lessons I want to share but please bear with me if I seem to disappear as the ever studious student.  I'll let you know how the course goes but I know I will walk away with new information for the fall and how I will document Student Growth with my students.