Assessment Overview - Middle School Art 1

Assessment Philosophy

Assessment in Middle School Art 1 focuses on growth, effort, and understanding rather than artistic talent. Our approach emphasizes process over product, encouraging risk-taking and creative exploration while building foundational skills.

Formative Assessment

Daily check-ins, sketching exercises, and in-progress feedback to guide learning.

40% of Grade

Summative Assessment

Completed artworks, projects, and demonstrations of skill mastery.

40% of Grade

Portfolio Assessment

Reflection, growth documentation, and curated collection of work.

20% of Grade

General Art Project Rubric

Criteria	Exemplary (4)	Proficient (3)	Developing (2)	Beginning (1)
Elements & Principles	Demonstrates sophisticated understanding and creative application of elements and principles	Shows good understanding and appropriate use of elements and principles	Shows basic understanding with some correct application	Limited understanding or incorrect application
Craftsmanship	Exceptional attention to detail, neatness, and technical skill	Good craftsmanship with minor imperfections	Adequate craftsmanship with some careless areas	Poor craftsmanship or incomplete work
Creativity & Originality	Highly original work with innovative problem-solving	Creative approach with personal interpretation	Some creativity with mostly conventional solutions	Minimal creativity or copied ideas
Effort & Process	Exceptional effort throughout entire process	Consistent good effort with thoughtful decisions	Generally good effort with some rushing	Minimal effort or significant rushing
Reflection & Vocabulary	Thoughtful reflection using sophisticated art vocabulary	Good reflection with appropriate vocabulary	Basic reflection with some correct vocabulary	Limited reflection or incorrect vocabulary

Portfolio Requirements & Guidelines

Required Components:

Cover Page: Name, class, year with creative design
Table of Contents: Organized by six-week periods/units
Artist Statement: Personal reflection on artistic growth
Best Work Samples: 2-3 pieces per six-week period
Process Documentation: Sketches, photos, notes
Reflection Sheets: Learning documentation

Portfolio Assessment Criteria:

Organization: Clear, logical arrangement
Growth Documentation: Evidence of skill development
Reflection Quality: Thoughtful analysis of learning
Completion: All required components included
Presentation: Professional, neat appearance

TEKS-Aligned Assessment Checklist

Foundations: Observation & Perception

Identifies concepts from direct observation (117.202.c.1.A)

Applies elements of art appropriately (117.202.c.1.B)

Applies principles of design (117.202.c.1.C)

Uses art vocabulary accurately (117.202.c.1.D)

Creative Expression

Creates original artworks (117.202.c.2.A)

Applies art-making process (117.202.c.2.B)

Uses variety of materials effectively (117.202.c.2.C)

Six-Week Period Assessment Calendar

1st Six-Week Period

Elements Portfolio Check

Week 6

2nd Six-Week Period

Design Principles Project

Week 12

3rd Six-Week Period

3D Design Project

Week 18

4th Six-Week Period

Cultural Research Project

Week 24

5th Six-Week Period

Advanced Technique Showcase

Week 30

6th Six-Week Period

Final Portfolio & Exhibition

Week 35