11 classes of reports written. 5 left.
Here's a sample. Year 5, A- level.
Alice can read and notate rhythms in simple time from whole to sixteenth notes with a very high level of accuracy. She has participated in drumming activities and can perform a 4/4 beat on the high hats and snare drum in time and is developing the ability to also use the kick drum. Alice's recorder playing is progressing well. She is learning to aurally distinguish between different pitches and play phrases that she has heard. She can perform prepared songs on her recorder with a very high level of pitch and rhythmic accuracy. With practice, her tone will become more consistent. Alice is an engaged and capable student. She is a delight to teach.
And another. Year 5, C level.
Hannah can read and notate rhythms in simple time from whole to sixteenth notes with a high level of accuracy. Hannah has participated in drumming activities and can perform a basic 4/4 beat on the high hats and snare drum with some sense of timing. Hannah's recorder playing is developing and with more practice she will be able to accurately play simple tunes.
Are those comments meaningful to a non-music teacher parent?
I can't really comment on how meaningful they'd be, but apparently in Victoria you're no longer allowed to make comments about being "a delight to teach".
ReplyDeleteI'm reasonably musical but had to think carefully to decipher some of the musical terminology - particularly "whole to 16th notes", but also non-musical parents may not know what a 4/4/beat is. However, it's perfectly clear that Alice is going well while Hannah is being damned with faint praise.
ReplyDeleteCaroline - I haven't heard of any rules like that in Qld. But I will check.
ReplyDeleteJon - remember that parents only see their kid's report so don't get to compare. Except with siblings.
Well, if I was Hannah's dad, I'd recognise that she should start learning to run the sound desk now ;-)
ReplyDeleteNot sure I'd put her on the sound desk...
ReplyDeleteSlide show.
ReplyDeleteAnd can you really guarantee that she'll get better with practice? :)
ReplyDeleteYes I can.
ReplyDeleteStarting at a low base line. Not peaked yet.
ReplyDeleteNo one is delightful or a pleasure to teach any more.
In light of the decoding post, it sounds like Alice is tone deaf. Poor Alice.
ReplyDeleteDamning with faint praise is good - the parents need to know. I think they'll get that without seeing Alice's report.
ReplyDeleteAn English teacher-parent might have a problem with the split infinitives in the reports. Not trying to be smart - just mentioning it in case you want to correct it.
ReplyDeletewow! Such detail! Remember, parents will probably ask the child what that all means. I'm actually a performing arts specialist teacher not a music teacher. I nicked the categories given by the Northern Territory curriculum for my comments. For a student in a 3-4 class my comments were like this:
ReplyDeleteAbigail is keen to participate in music and drama activities in the classroom. She understands that music forms an important part of our history and culture. She can identify and respond to music both in the classroom and in the community. Abigail is confident in front of an audience. She learns quickly and is able to recall the words of all songs taught during class time. She is able to use voice and movement to enhance the meaning of a song.
Practice - practise - noun or verb in that context?
ReplyDeleteNoun - practice
ReplyDeleteCorrect in the reports :)
Looks like I need to practise some grammar exercises. I can only improve with practice!
ReplyDeleteI meant to write: Looks like I need to practise some spelling exercises. I can only improve with practice.
ReplyDelete