Classroom Assessment Isn’t Sexy: The Maine Arts Assessment Initiative Invites Arts Educators to Collaborate and Deepen Their Understanding of Classroom Assessment

• In Event: Roundtable Session 16
  In Roundtable Session: Exploring Teacher Perceptions, Classroom Assessment Practice, and Implications for Achievement

Abstract

Since August 2011, arts educators in Maine collaborated in a three-year, grass roots effort known as the Maine Arts Assessment Initiative (MAAI), with a focus on the improvement of classroom assessment of visual and performing arts educators. The MAAI is a sustained collaboration to focus on assessment to practice deep learning of assessment, the focal point for extended creative group thinking and process (Sawyer, 2011). Based on surveys teachers need to work on alignment with standards, the involvement of students in the development of rubrics and formative assessment, and the integration of arts with other disciplines. Focus group interviews showed that MAAI teachers were encouraged to lead professional development in classroom assessment in their school districts, a new, challenging role.

Author

• Jeffrey S. Beaudry, University of Southern Maine