Assessment

E-portfolio-standard G

What is the role/ importance of assessment in art education? What methods of assessments have you used?

Assessment is important in art education to ensure authentic learning.  Additionally, good assessment in the art classroom highlights the importance of art education.  

I have used a variety of assessment tools while student teaching and I believe this is the best way to get authentic assessment and impress the importance of art education to students and adults.  In my classroom I have used rubrics, self-evaluation, reflections, and oral presentations.  I have found that using a variety of techniques and describing them before beginning the project helps students to understand the expectations and to work to achieve a high standard.

Using assessment tools like writing reflections and self-evaluation are helpful not only in assessing student work but as artifacts to present to parents, administrators and colleagues helping to show that the art classroom is about more than "making cool stuff".  I have worked hard in my student teaching experience to create units of instruction and assessment that are interdisciplinary.  I usually require research and writing with each project.  I believe this helps not only to provide "proof" of the importance of art education but also makes the instruction more valuable to the students.