Below are my specific guidelines for grades in 1st trimester for 4th and 5th graders.
During 1st trimester, we were primarily getting used to the procedures and expectations of the music classroom. Because of this, the grades for 1st trimester are truly a beginning (jumping off) point. Throughout the year, growth should be shown in some, if not all of the areas presented.
Effort:
The effort grade is based on daily interaction and motivation in the music classroom.
Most students receive a "2" in this category, which means that they are paying attention and participating as required a majority of the time.
A "3" indicates that a student went above and beyond to participate in music activities a majority of the time.
A "1" indicates that the student on multiple occasions was not participating in the activities/ not following directions during music.
Performance:
This trimester the performance grade is solely based on their singing (which was what a majority of the activities focused on this trimester). Students recorded themselves singing the song "Simple Simon" (5th) or "Funga Alafia" (4th) with the rest of the class, but had their iPad mics close to their mouths so I could hear how they sounded with the class.
Most students received an "M" in this category. It meant that they matched the pitch of the tune most of the time.
An "E" means that they were singing in tune for the whole melody.
A "P" means that they were not singing in tune for at least 25% of the song, or that they sang the right contour (highs and lows) of the melody but were not matching the pitch of the other students.
An "N" means that they were either not using a singing voice (talking) or that they were singing, but consistently were not on the correct pitches (notes).
Reading/Writing:
This trimester the reading/writing grade was based on 2 assignments: their music tutor score (which is a note reading game) and a quiz on the elements of music (which I have been reviewing the entire trimester).
Most students received a "P" in this category. Since we have not delved fully into note reading many students are still at the "P" level on the Music Tutor Game. If they also got and "P" or "N" on their quiz they would receive an "P".
It was not possible for your child to receive an "E" this trimester because we did not go beyond the scope of the 5th grade curriculum. It will be possible for your child to receive an "E" in 2nd and 3rd trimester.
If your child received an "M" it means that they had some combination of "AP"s, and "M"s on their two assessments.
If your child received an "N" it means that they had an "N" on both of their written assessments.
Listening:
The listening grade was based on a listening quiz consisting of a clapped rhythm that they would identify, and listening examples that they would categorize into instrument families.
Most students received an "M" on this portion of their grade. It means that they missed 1-2 questions on the listening quiz.
If your child received an "E" it means that they got all of the listening questions correct.
If your child received a "P" it means they missed 3-4 questions on the quiz.
If your child received an "N" it means they missed 5-6 questions on the quiz.
If you have any questions please feel free to email me at akaria@op97.org. Your child can show you their singing assessment and the music tutor game on their iPads. With permission, students can play the music tutor game at home to improve their note reading skills.
Anjali Karia, K-5 Music