Assess

What is a grade? Is it a measure of competence or is it an average of test scores? How does behavior enter your grades?

Attendance and promptness are part of our standards and of our grades. That is an essential quality of performance and being a musician. I also ensure that all nine music standards are reflected somewhere in each quarter. Major concert time obviously favors Standard 1, 2 (Sing, Play).

I work hard to get everyone an A in the class. The bell curve does not make for a quality ensemble sound (and where did that idea come from that it is sound educational practice anyway??).

I'd love some comments or suggestions on how to ensure the grade at the end of the year means something.