Word is going round on the Internet that the importance of and expectation of standardized assessment is growing. For many directors this can bring anxiety and confusion, but it doesn't have to.

The responsibility for assessment involves more than just the music teacher; it also requires administrators and decision-makers to treat music education with more importance. The challenge is in formulating an assessment culture appropriate to the school. MENC's statement on Assessment In Music Education goes into more detail.

Where to start and how to create an assessment? Rubrics and adjudication forms are a good start. Use Google and you will find a plethora of examples. Many of your colleagues have already begun the transition into an assessment culture.

The main thing is to know you can handle this transition when it comes to your school. As MENC mentor Dennis Granlie said on the band forum, "Don't sweat assessments! You do assessments in every rehearsal. You probably listen to and analyze recordings of your concerts. It's just a matter of formalizing what you've already been doing."

Part Two
 

Still feeling nervous? Chat with your colleagues on the band forum.

Suggested MENC Resource: Evaluating Teachers of Music Performance Groups by David Doerksen.
 

—Paul Fergus, March 11, 2010. © MENC: The National Association for Music Education