Robert J Marzano et al. (2012)  Becoming a Reflective Teacher.  Marzano Research Laboratory

Having a Model of Effective Teaching Chapter 2

What will I do to establish and communicate learning goals, track student progress and celebrate success?

The Orff Schulwerk (Sing Say Dance Play) and Kodaly music teaching methods blend well together in my experience to provide appropriate musicianship building learning targets and goals.  I have also mapped out the specific skills I expect my students to acquire in each grade K-5.  Gradually, each target becomes a tool in their musician's tool belt.

For example, in Kindergarten we learn the difference between loud (f) and soft (p), ...by 6th grade we make choices and experiment using dynamics in various ways in the pieces we play and we listen to music and discuss how other musicians "colored" the music and shaped it with dynamics.

I do post current learning targets and refer to them regularly (communicate).  I am also recording our finished work more often.  We've been watching our concerts for a number of years now, but new technology tools have made recording in the classroom possible and practical. (celebrate success)

Improving how I track progress is my goal this year.  I've tracked active participation (key in the performing arts) in past years and I continue to do that as accurately as I can with about 175 students coming through my door each day.

This year in 5th and 6th grade I've also developed 2-3 (for each reporting period) formative assessments that are content and performance based to help the students apply and demonstrate their progress at the same time.  This could be helpful in grades 4-6.  I believe K-3 class time should focus on developing musicianship and assessment at this level is reflecting on recordings together and anecdotal comments when a child is struggling (usually related to child development).