Intelligence; Music; Performance Based Assessment; Performance Factors; Visual Arts

This report presents the findings of a collaboration between the Evaluation and Research Departments and the Arts Education Department of the Wake County (North Carolina) Public School System with teachers of the district to pilot performance assessments in art programs. In an effort to accurately assess the arts, various alternative (non-linguistic and logical-mathematical) methods were explored that allowed the evaluation of strengths and learning styles, such as spatial, kinesthetic, and musical. The difficult challenge of evaluating student growth and progress in the often subjective character of the arts with objective assessment was visited by teachers--first in staff-development workshops and then in their classrooms. The evaluation process was a valuable tool for teachers, and it benefited the teachers in: (1) lesson planning; (2) evaluating student success; (3) increasing accountability to principal, parent, and student; (4) sharing overall progress of the arts in education with others (e.g., funding agencies); and (5) aiding in cross-curriculum assessment. Working drafts for dance, music, drama, and visual art of their arts assessment models are included in this report. (DQE) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document