Grading and assessment guidelines for secondary choral music in the Metropolitian School District of Decatur Township, Indianapolis, Indiana

Abstract

A Curriculum Alignment Document directs secondary choral music curriculum and instruction in the Metropolitan School District of Decatur Township (Indianapolis, Indiana). Using the content and educational priorities of that document as a guide, this paper provides strategies for assessment and grading policies and procedures in the middle and high schools of Decatur Township. This paper first considers the literature and summarizes the substantial findings of researchers and the consensus of pedagogy experts related to grading and assessment practices in music classes. Secondly, a number of specific grading and assessment guidelines are presented and discussed, with special concern noted for validity and reliability in assessment. Finally, the appendix to this document provides sample assessment materials.