Author: Peterson, Joan

Publication Year:

Media Type: Periodical (article)

Summary:

Abstract:

School reform has a central challenge. How does the teaching profession attract novices of the highest caliber and retain the very best veterans? In 1986, a pivotal report, A Nation Prepared: Teachers for the 21st Century, called for a national, voluntary certification system to assess and certify teachers who meet high and rigorous standards in different content areas and grade levels. To address this issue, the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) was formed in 1987 to identify highly accomplished teachers and thus bring status and recognition to those most able to influence change in U.S. schools. Among the first teaching certificates that NBPTS is developing is the certificate for Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood/Art. (EAYA/Art). National EAYA/Art certification is voluntary, unlike state certification, which is mandatory and varies from state to state. Accomplished art educators, rather than entry-level teachers, are eligible for National Board Certification, which lasts for ten years.

The development of an assessment to measure the performance of highly accomplished art teachers has been a challenging and sometimes daunting task. From the process of developing initial ideas to the final assessment exercises, a variety of perplexing questions and difficult issues were faced, including: What questions will allow art teachers to demonstrate their accomplished practices authentically? What types of evidence should teachers provide to document their teaching practice and produce a valid, reliable and fair assessment? How will teachers' performances be scored? How can fairness to underrepresented groups be ensured? (p. 22)

CONTENTS
The first step - standards.
Developing the assessment.
The portfolio.
The assessment center.
Participants in the process.
By and for teachers.
What has been learned?
Candidate support.
Scoring.
Incentives and rewards.
Implications for art education.

Arts & Intersections:

Categories: Arts Education