National Assessment of Educational Progress. Music Objectives

Specific music objectives for which exercises were developed to assess music achievement, and actual procedures for establishing these objectives, comprise this brochure. The Educational Testing Service (ETS), awarded the task of developing music objectives in 1965, met with a group of experts in music to define the scope of music assessment. The panel viewed tasks and objectives as synonymous, pointing out that since music is a personal, aesthetic experience it is not easy to assess. With the advice of specialists, a final set of objectives, including attitudes, for music assessment was completed. Six broad major objectives, measured by certain proficiencies at specific age levels -- 9, 13, 17, and young adults 26 to 35 -- are for students to: 1) perform a piece of music; 2) read standard musical notation; 3) listen to music with understanding, perceiving the elements and structure of music; 4) to be knowledgeable about some musical instruments, terminology, methods, literature, and history; 5) know about musical resources of the community and seek musical experiences by performing music; and 6) make judgments about music, and value the personal worth of music. (Author/SJM) Primary type of information provided by report: Assessment Instrument (Objectives); Procedures (Objectives Development)