Teacher Evaluation and Student Learning Assessment

The best advocacy for music in schools is the quality of learning that occurs in your music program. In the current educational environment where documentation of student learning is valued as teacher effectiveness, it is essential that our profession can clearly identify what students are to have learned in our classes and how well they can apply their learning in authentic demonstration of achievement.

With the new National Standards for Music Education and the accompanying Model Cornerstone Assessments, we have a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate the quality of student learning while providing evidence of successful music programs. Consider becoming involved with the national pilot of the Model Cornerstone Assessments. You can find the National Standards and the Model Cornerstone Assessments currently ready for viewing at http://www.nafme.org/my-classroom/standards/.

Dr. Frederick Burrack from Kansas State University and Dr. Steve Oare from Wichita State University are guiding a pilot for all music educators across the state that wish to participate in a state pilot of these assessments. They hold the possibility to provide a foundation for assessments you select in your school's KEEP teacher evaluation process. Involvement is a great form of advocacy. If you would consider participating, please submit contact information at the following link: https://kstate.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_6ofT98LqKfDQnid.