Unit Plan 23 (Grade 7 Art): Portfolio Review & Self-Assessment
Grade 7 portfolio unit where students use rubric criteria to evaluate artwork, identify strengths, set growth goals, and reflect on artistic development.
Focus: Assess personal growth using rubric criteria by evaluating artwork with clear standards, identifying strengths and next steps, and setting goals for future artmaking.
Grade Level: 7
Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Reflection & Assessment • Portfolio Development)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students step back from day-to-day projects to review their artwork as a portfolio and reflect on how they have grown as artists. Using a common rubric and clear criteria (craftsmanship, composition, originality, communication of idea, effort/growth), they practice evaluating their work and supporting their judgments with specific evidence from the artwork. Students organize their pieces, choose representative works, and write a self-assessment that highlights strengths, challenges, and future goals. By the end, they will understand assessment as a tool for growth, not just for grades.
Essential Questions
- How can using a rubric and clear criteria help me see my artwork more accurately?
- What does it mean to give evidence-based feedback about art, instead of just saying “I like it” or “I don’t like it”?
- How can reviewing my portfolio help me recognize my artistic growth and areas to improve?
- What artistic goals make sense for me next, based on the patterns I see in my work?
- How can self-assessment make me a more independent and reflective artist?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Use an art rubric with established criteria (e.g., craftsmanship, composition, originality, communication, effort) to evaluate their own artwork (VA:Re9.7a).
- Provide constructive, evidence-based feedback about their work, citing specific visual details to support ratings (VA:Re9.7a).
- Organize a small portfolio selection that represents their skills, experiments, and growth over time (VA:Re9.7a).
- Write a self-assessment that describes current strengths, challenges, and at least two realistic growth goals (VA:Re9.7a).
- Participate in a brief portfolio conference (peer or teacher) using rubric language and evidence to discuss progress and next steps (VA:Re9.7a).
Standards Alignment — 7th Grade (NCAS-Aligned)
- VA:Re9.7a — Evaluate artwork using established criteria and provide constructive, evidence-based feedback.
- Example: Students use a rubric to assess composition strength.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can use a rubric to rate my artwork based on specific criteria.
- I can point to evidence in my work (lines, color choices, composition, craftsmanship) to explain my ratings.
- I can select artworks that best show my skills and growth over time.
- I can write a self-assessment that clearly explains what I do well and what I want to improve.
- I can set reasonable art goals for myself and explain why they matter.