1)Each student is capable of growth and success in the area of visual perception. Consequently, students can have success in producing interesting works of art.

2)Each student has the capacity to use materials in a creative manner.

3)Each student's work is valuable. Beyond any aesthetic appeal, each project has the potential to serve as a unique reflection of a student's learning, planning, creativity, spontaneity, patience, ability, and problem-solving skills.

4)The art classroom can serve as a catalyst for developing a positive attitude for learning "across the curriculum".

1)Provide students with opportunities to experience success in the production and display of visual works of art.

2)Provide opportunities for experiences whereby art elements and principles may be applied.

3)Encourage reasonably paced progress in an atmosphere of realistic deadlines.

4)Encourage students to recognize the connection(s) between art production and the "academic world".

In regards to art work, students are given considerable latitude in the choosing of subject matter for most assignments. Occasionally, due to time and space constraints, less freedom is given. However, even in those cases, there may be any number of unique qualities that may be present in a student's individual project. Students are encouraged to be original and creative in their approach to most assignments. Exceptions may include units that stress specific techniques, or directions.
In regards to conduct , each student receives a copy of a "Parent/Guardian" letter that contains class rules and procedures on the first day of class. This letter requires both student and parent signatures. Other information related to expectations may be found in the section below, entitled "Traits Which Affect Student Learning/Success".

Most two-dimensional artwork completed by seventh and eighth grade students will remain in the classroom until the end of the semester. All projects will then be placed in a student-made portfolio so that students may transport their work home in a safe manner. Once home, should the decision be made to display a project, it is advisable to do so in an area that does not receive direct sunlight. Fluorescent lighting may also cause fading, so take this into consideration when deciding where to place artwork. Prints, such as those produced in block printing, should be handled with care. Water-based inks can smear, if handled in a careless manner. The portfolio should be regarded as a record of past learning and experiences. Should a student continue to study art, the portfolio will grow and change over time.
Sixth grade students will be provided a smaller, but adequate folder for the purpose of transporting two-dimensional projects at the end of each 9 week grading period.

1)a willingness to follow class rules, specific directions as presented by the teacher;
2)an ability to transfer past learning to new projects;
3)a willingness to think and plan one's work prior to beginning a project;
4)a willingness to learn from various resources, including peers, the work of
"famous" artists, or the teacher;
5)creativity /spontaneity, i.e. an attitude that is open to "exploring the possibilities".
6)patience with one's self, resulting in a willingness to allow a project to develop over
a period of days (versus a one class-period project);
7)interest and enjoyment in drawing, etc. outside of class

1)excessive absences/tardies
2)a constant desire to compare one's work with that of classmates
3)inefficient use of time, difficulty staying on task

 Numerical grades will be assigned, as is the case with all elective classes. It is important to note that elective class grades do affect a student's eligibility to participate in U.I.L. activities. 

 The following criteria will be used when assigning grades for class projects: originality; following specific directions; effort; use of time; neatness; application of recent learning; overall quality; creativity. Students will often have access to books and "idea sheets" as an aid to inspiration, and/or observation. However, tracing is unacceptable, unless it is the tracing of one's own work.

Helpful links for "art smarts": 

  http://www.artlex.com

http://witcombe.sbc.edu/ARTHLinks.html