Comments on: State Mandated Music Assessments- HELP!

By: Ken Pendergrass

Ken Pendergrass — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 04:25:45 +0000

To Travis, Stengel99 and Robert-

Thanks for your comments and feedback. I may post about this again if we get any results back.

Since the initial “mandate”- the state has pulled back a bit…apparently data does not need to be submitted “at this time…but districts are encouraged to pilot the program regardless….”

By: Robert Rowe

Robert Rowe — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 22:14:32 +0000

Also in PA, and while there are not state music/art/dance/theater assessments, we have our state standards. I wouldn’t be opposed to state assessments, but here’s my thought: Ensembles are optional (i.e. not required by every student like the “other subjects”). I’d be concerned about students not wanting to take another test if they don’t have to.
That said, our district’s scale/rudiment, and repertoire requirements would work well as a personal state assessment. I believe testing ensembles would be much more difficult.

By: Stengel99

Stengel99 — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 04:02:58 +0000

Ken,
I can see the potential benefit of assessing a large ensemble. I certainly agree with Travis’ comment that we need to learn to speak the language of our administrators so they can see the benefit of what we do and understand the importance of certain musical events. Having a rating system like those already in place at most state festivals is a great way to mark progress and room for growth.
However, I think assessing individuals on the kind of level you’re referring to would be a slippery slope. I could easily see many of my students quitting because they didn’t get a decent score. A big question would be what to do when students fail.

By: Travis J. Weller

Travis J. Weller — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 03:49:41 +0000

Ken,

I really enjoyed reading your blog this evening.

It would be interesting to see the day that State Wide Art Assessment ushered in a new era of funding. I can only imagine things like - “We have to cancel that basketball game! This is the band’s dress rehearsal for their concert!” or “Don’t keep those two clarinets in English! They can read the Scarlet Letter some other time - right now the Rondo by Mozart awaits!”.

Our state assessments are really driving education in PA. We here about data driven instruction - aka let’s collect data about where we are weak and teach to our deficiencies on the test. I explained to my HS and MS Principal a couple of months ago that taking all three of my bands to a PMEA Adjudication was the musical equivalent of taking the PSSA Reading and Math. Amazing how the argument turns in your favor when you speak their language.

Thanks for blogging! I am sure to be stopping back in the future!