administration


these sheets provide useful information that can aid the teachers in retention as well as preparing for the incoming class. The forms travel with the student from the point at which they enter our program until the time they leave. For adminis- tration, the forms clearly describe what skills and dispositions are to be gained through the study of instrumental music. Unfortunately, many of our principals don’t understand all that goes into teaching instrumental music beyond performances. This system identifies what students are able to do and allows the non-musician to see student growth in instrumental music.


This assessment: • Is individualized for each student.


• Identifies skills/dispositions for many levels of achievement.


• Is used for the duration of the student’s career in our district.


• Has generated very rich discussion as we write curriculum.


• Increases communication about what our students know and can do.


• Accurately monitors student progress.


Sample concepts/skills on the Develop- mental Performance Record:


• Posture, scales, terminology, lesson book progress, key signatures, time signatures, etudes at various levels with performance requirements, sight reading at various levels, solo and ensemble participation (includ- ing solos and ensembles at various classes), tutoring young instrumen- talists, composition, preparing a recital…


We are living in times when accountabil- ity is expected in education. We have an opportunity in music education to shape what that type of assessment looks like for us, and do so in such a way that will be very positive for our students and our programs. Indeed, we may be placing our programs and the music education of our students in harm’s way by not embracing the concept of assessment in our school


Wisconsin School Musician 27


“We are living in times when accountability is


expected in education.”


music programs. I encourage you to work with your colleagues to create meaning- ful common assessments for your school/ program.


Steve Michaels is principal of Hamilton/SOTA 1 Schools and fine arts supervisor in the School District of La Crosse. Email: smichael@lacrosseschools.org


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