Art and Design

crobbins@adrian.k12.mi.us
Ms.Robbins https://creativemindsart.weebly.com/.

This is a visual design theory course that introduces the core concepts of visual design –
Visual elements, principles of design and creative process. Composition issues and
strategies valid in all areas of design are explored through examples, exercises, critiques
and creative projects.

We introduce and refine our creative problem-solving skills. We work to understand and
analyze design problems, developing distinctive concept statements and then creating
and refining designs that manifest that concept. We explore designers and artists of the
past and present for examples of successful visual design solutions. The course involves
a balance of lecture and discussion along with extensive design exercises and design
problems.

Developed concepts ground great design. Inspiration, of whatever sort, begins a

concept. Talent and technical skills are needed to implement and present designs, but
the practice of refining, revising and gradually improving solutions is the most valuable
and necessary ability for successful designers in any field. You must be willing to
develop your ideas – this is primarily a matter of disciplined analytic and creative work,
not pure inspiration. You must dedicate your attention to the problem, research existing
solutions, generate ideas, and improve them. The fact is that some designers don’t
bother to improve their initial ideas. You are expected to refine your ideas and designs
as far as well-managed time permits. You are graded, in part, on how successfully,
critically, and persistently you improve your concepts.
Supplies
Students are provided with all the supplies. But materials you will need to bring
daily include a pencil, folder or something to store artwork in, sketchbooks, and
growth mindset.

Grading
Students are graded by their creativity, neatness, craftsmanship, and quality of
their work. Adrian Public Schools follows the National and State Visual art
Standards which can be found at: https://www.nationalartsstandards.org/.

• Daily points 10 pts / day

o Earn them by following the rules, working hard and being
respectful
o You will lose 5 pts for being tardy each time
o You will lose 5 pts for cleaning up early
o You will not earn you 10 pts if you are absent (school related
absences / court/ medical do not count against you)
o You can make up your 10 pts (from absences) by submitting
one drawing / painting for each absence
• Projects/ Exams 10 pts – 200 pts
• Final Grade – Your final grade will be a combination of the above
point system
• All projects and exam grades are based on a rubric. On the last
page is the general rubric, but it may vary on certain projects

Late work
At Adrian High School, we really want students to try their best and encourage
students to be responsible for turning in their work on time. Attached is a few
homework passes, just in case they may need a little extra time to complete their
work.

Late 1 day – Students will be deducted one letter grade from the original grade
earned, if the assignment is one day late.

Late 2 days – Students will be deducted two letter grade from the original grade
earned, if the assignment is two day late.

Past 2 days – Students will earn half credit for late homework assignments after
two days, unit the end of the unit.

Students’ grades are based on total point earned

Late work is better than no work!!!!

Lessons
See attached. Lessons are subject to change.

Expectations and rules

• All of Adrian High School’s school rules apply in this room.
• If you are going to be absent for any reason, please discuss ahead of time /
catch up after you return.
• Us kind words and actions. GIVE RESPECT, GET RESPECT.
• Use materials in a responsible and safe manner. Put them back when you
are finished and make sure you have properly cleaned up.
• Follow directions
• Always try your best. Not everyone is good at everything! But at least you can
say you tried!
• Cell phones: at this time, can be used with EAR BUDS, for music and image
research only. They may only be used during work time, Cell phones are
NOT to be used for social media, calling, or texting during class. During
certain times you will be asked to put cell phones away.
• Clean up after yourself
• Control your body at all times. Poor language, bad behavior, and rudeness
are not acceptable or tolerated. THIS IS YOUR WARNING!
• Be here and be on time. It is expected of you now and will be expected of you
in life. If you are gone, it is your responsibility to make up the work and check
in with the teacher.
o If you are absent, you will need to make up the work. Please see me
for the assignments.
o See the APS Attendance Policy for attendance information and
guidelines.

Daily Routine
Students are greeted at the door, students begin working on bell ringer/
sketchbook assignment that will be on the board. Attendance is taken. Recap,
directions, and possibly a demonstration will happen next. After will be either
work time or critique/discussions. Clean up is extremely important!!! If you have
finished early, work on your sketchbook assignments. Please stay seated after
you have cleaned up. When asked to line up, please push in your chairs and
check that your area is 100% clean!
 General Rubric
Scale Concept Creativity Craftsmanship Work Ethic
Advanced Understands Expresses oneself Produces quality images Demonstrates the
A+ 100-97% art concepts in in an independent and objects that exceed characteristics of a global
A 96-93% a manner that and individual grade level citizen in a manner that
A - 92-90% exceeds grade manner to create expectations. exceeds grade level
level original images expectations.
expectations. and objects in a -Uses time effectively
way that exceeds -Listens -attentively
grade level -Follows directions
expectations. -Works independently
-Shows respect
-Cooperates with others

Proficient Understands Expresses oneself Produces quality images Demonstrates the

B+ 89-87% art concepts. in an independent and objects. characteristics of a global
B 86-83% and individual citizen.
B- 82-80% manner to create -Uses time effectively
original images -Listens -attentively
and objects -Follows directions
-Works independently
-Shows respect
-Cooperates with others

Basic Needs Needs Needs improvement in Needs improvement

C+ 79-77% improvement in Improvement the quality of images demonstrating the
C 76-73% understanding expressing oneself and objects produced. characteristics of a global
C- 72-70% art concepts. in an independent citizen.
and individual -Uses time effectively
manner to create -Listens -attentively
original images -Follows directions
and objects. -Works independently
-Shows respect
-Cooperates with others

Minimal Does not Does not express Does not produce Does not demonstrate the
D+ 69-67% understand art oneself in an quality images and characteristics of a global
D 66-63% concepts. independent and objects. citizen.
D- 62-60% individual manner -Uses time effectively
to create original -Listens -attentively
images and -Follows directions
objects. -Works independently
-Shows respect
-Cooperates with others

Missing Unable to Unable to grade. Unable to grade. Unable to grade. Student

E 0% grade. Student Student did not Student did not turn in did not turn in work.
did not turn in turn in work. work.
work.
 Please RETURN BY ____________________________
Dear parent(s) and / or Guardian(s),

My name is Ms. Robbins and I am your student’s art teacher for the trimester! I
have been teaching art for over 5 years, but this is my first year at Adrian High School! I
have a Bachelors of Fine Arts and as a Visual Art Teacher from Eastern Michigan
University, with a minor in photography. Please note that the easiest way to contact me
is via email at crobbins@adrian.k12.mi.us . I can assure you of a prompt reply.

Please read the above syllabus to ensure you agree to my expectations for your
student in my class. If you have any question, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.
Also, it is important to fill out the contact information so that I can contact you with what
is happening in the classroom. Please include your email so that I can send you our
weekly newsletter from my art website https://creativemindsart.weebly.com/.

Thank you. I look forward to seeing you soon,

Sincerely,

Ms. Robbins
_________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________ _________________

_______ Yes, I have read and agree to the above terms and conditions of Art
and Design syllabus. I understand what is expected when I enter into art
room. I have thoroughly read over the rubric and understand the grading
process and late policy. I also understand that I can keep updated on
happenings, art lessons and more if I provide my email and contact
information. Please know that you can contact me at any time (best through
email) if you have any questions.

Parent signature: ______________________________

Student signature: ______________________________

Email address: _________________________________

Phone: _______________________________________