1. VASE Juror Training

2. Welcome

3. Mission The mission of the TAEA Visual Arts Scholastic Event is to recognize exemplary student achievement in the Visual Arts by providing art students a program and a standard of excellence in which to achieve.

4. VASE Philosophy VASE and Jr. VASE affords students a positive opportunity to develop creative works of art and to analyze their artworks with a trained professional juror. Unlike a competition, VASE has established a standard of excellence which every student is encouraged to reach.

5. VASE History 1994 first Regional High School VASE Event held in Houston 1998 First State VASE Event held at University of Texas Arlington 2000 State VASE Event moves to University of Houston-Clear Lake 2000 Junior VASE (Grades 6-8)

6. The Regional Event Only academically eligible high school students in grades 9-12 from throughout Texas can participate in VASE Only academically eligible Intermediate/Middle School students in grades 6-8 from throughout Texas can participate in Junior VASE At the Regional Event, students are interviewed with their artwork by a juror The student’s artwork is juried on its originality of concept, technical expertise, understanding of the TEKS, and the interpretation of the student’s stated intent. From more than 23,907 High School entries in 2010; 2,082 were selected as State Qualifiers and advanced to the State VASE Event held at the UHCL campus in April.

7. Adjudication Criteria Creativity Technique and technical expertise Originality of concept Understanding of the TEKS The interpretation of the student’s stated intent Grid Drawing is an acceptable instructional strategy and no student should be penalized for using this technique

8. Criteria for Regional Jurors Certified Art Educator/classroom teacher from public or private schools, colleges or universities Completion of the TAEA Juror Certification Training program Serve as a juror at a Regional Event with a favorable evaluation of your work In some cases producing artists, not involved with education, may be certified as a VASE juror

9. Training VASE Juror Training is required every three years TAEA and VASE will provide training opportunities at the TAEA annual conference and at the State VASE Event VASE training can only be provided by a presenter approved by TAEA and the VASE Blue Ribbon Committee Online Juror Training is also now available.

10. Setting Standards TAEA & VASE Adhere to: The National Visual Art Standards established by the National Art Education Association (NAEA) The Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for Visual Art The VASE Standard of excellence

11. JUROR TRAINING PHILOSOPHY It is our sincere belief that VASE be carried out in the spirit of a positive learning experience. Jurors need to be mindful that the spirit of the Regional Event is to help students grow in their knowledge and application of the visual arts. Jurors should be honest, fair and NURTURING as they judge the student’s art production and encourage the students to verbalize their personal art experience. Jurors are to refrain from judgmental comments and anti-teacher/program remarks.

12. VASE is to be a motivating experience for each student regardless of his or her ability or art level. Competition is a real world activity and this event should be encouraging and serve as a growth experience. Jurors are to provide support, create a climate of reassurance and concern, and encourage young artists to reach for the highest standard of excellence in their artworks.

13. Develop original works Work from direct observation – could be from life OR from student photos or student-directed photos Use professional photographs as a reference only, not as a “primary source” Work from multiple images not one photo Be “Risk takers” with media and/or content (these students should be rewarded and celebrated) Students are Encouraged to…

14. Regional Jurying – Encouraging Area Jurying – Selecting State Jurying – Distinguishing Gold Seal – Designating Exemplary

15. What to Look for… Students that take an assignment to the next level using personal and cultural experiences Technical Proficiency Strong composition Personal Expression to the art making experience Historical or Cultural reference

16. Students should Avoid… Copying or reproducing a published image Direct references from previous historical artworks The use of any mechanical or projection devices to reproduce images Any content that may offend the moral standards of the community

17. Jurors should Avoid… Disqualifying students once the interview has begun. Only the Regional Director can DQ. If you have a question about disqualification of artwork, flag the jury foreman on duty in your hallway and ask to see the Regional Director after the student has left Inappropriate Comments regarding matting and preparation of work, poor technology, teacher’s skills, overall campus art program

18. the Student Scoring Rubric The Scoring Rubric is divided into two parts 1.The Interview- 1/3 of score is derived from the 8 minute interview 2.The Work of Art- 2/3 of score is based upon the artwork

19. Juror Rating Form (Student Scoring Rubric) Juror verifies the level [division] of student Important to calibrate your judging standard based upon the level and experience of the student Jurors are encouraged to make notes during the interview listing key words the student has used in reference to art history, or art elements and principles

20. Divisions Divisions Division I 0 to 1 credit in art Division II 1.5 to 2 credits in art Division III 2.5 to 3 credits in art Division IV 3.5+ credits and/or AP/IB* * If a student enters a work of art in the AP/IB division, he/she is not able to compete in a lower division

21. J r VASE Divisions J r VASE Divisions White Division (Beginning) Students in this division have never participated or medaled in JrVASE Red Division (Intermediate) Students in this division have participated and medaled in the White Division of JrVASE Blue Division (Advanced) Students in this division have participated and medaled in the Red and White Division of JrVASE. Students may participate and medal in this division in more than one year.

22. Introductions Greet the student at the door Welcome the student to VASE Introduce yourself After the student hands you the Juror Rating Form, check 3 things: Make sure the Artwork Media and the Artwork ID# listed on the Student Intent Form matches the Media and ID# listed on the Juror Rating Form Also check the Division (Level) so that you will have the Student’s Art Experience in your mind during the interview

23. The Interview Get to know the student Introduce the student to the interview process Begin the eight minute interview – stay on time. Remember to let the student do the talking

24. Setting the Mood for Success If the student seems nervous, set him at ease Be warm and friendly, shake hands, small talk, etc. Identify the time constraints Explain the process Thank student for their participation

25. Be An Active Listener Make eye contact with student Look engaged in the process Smile and keep your energy level high Encourage, then encourage more

26. Questioning Strategies Ask open ended questions. Avoid questions that require only “ yes or no ” response Encourage students to elaborate on their responses Ask about historical connections Question student about their personal interpretation

27. Two Glows & a Grow At the conclusion of the interview find two positive items to compliment the student on their success At the conclusion of the interview find one area of growth for the student

28. Sample interview

29. “Hi, Welcome to VASE! I’m Mr. Smith and you are?” Shake their hand if you’d like, take their artwork and paperwork off their hands. Set up the artwork so that you can both see it while you talk about it. If the student has two pieces check to make sure the piece you are scoring and the piece you are seeing are the same. Do not judge the same student twice! “Have you participated in VASE before?” If they have, welcome them back. If they have not, briefly explain the interview process. “So, what level of art are you in?” By looking at their paperwork you will be able to see how many credits they have. 0.5-1 =Art I 1.5-2 =Art II 2.5-3 =Art III 3.5+ =Art IV or AP “Wow, this is a beautiful painting, was it a class assignment?” If it was, ask a few specifics about the assignment like “what were the general guidelines of the project?” or “did you study any artists in conjunction with the project?” or “did you focus on specific elements and principals of art?” If it was not a class project, see the next sample interview question.

30. “What was your inspiration for the piece?” They might rattle off a long story about it or they may look confused! If they seem confused ask them specific questions about the piece like “who is this woman in the piece?” or “I see that you used various values of blue, is blue your favorite color?” Asking simple questions like this will often spark conversation. “Tell me about how you made this.” You are looking for a technical answer like “I worked from a still-life that my teacher set-up and this was the first time I used chalk pastels.” Again, you may have to pull the answer out of them! You want to know if they worked from a photo or a still-life, if it is 2-D, if they had ever worked in this medium before this piece, etc. “Tell me what you like best about this piece.” Agree with them or tell them what you like best about the artwork. “If you could change anything, what would it be? Why?” If they mention one, discuss how this change may or may not enhance the piece and why. If they do not mention one, say something like “If I had one suggestion at all, I would suggest…”

31. “If you have not already, mention an area that could use polishing.” For example, “You have a lot of negative space in the background that detracts from the focal point…is there something you can add to the background to make it more interesting?” “Conclude by identifying the strengths of the piece.” Reiterate the strengths even if you have already discussed them…leave on a positive note! “Thank them for participating and tell them to return to their teacher!” “Remind students that you will be keeping their artwork just for a little while. It will be returned to them at the conclusion of the event.” You will keep their artwork and paperwork, score it, write comments and then send artwork and paperwork with a student runner. DING! Your eight minutes are up!!

32. Video This is NOT a real interview but a training tool The students are not actual VASE participants, they are actors Cameras and/or recording devices are NOT permitted inside the actual juried interview

33. Oh, No! Here we go!

35. WHAT IF……? What if a student reveals that the work has been copied or traced?  DO NOT be critical of the teacher or student  DO NOT Disqualify the Artwork, Jurors cannot disqualify artwork (remember procedure from several slides back)  DO redirect the questioning to find out what technical skills were learned in lesson  Encourage originality of artwork in the future  “ You seem to be successful in this media, I encourage you to use your own creativity to investigate original subject matter”

36. Scoring artwork

37. The student will bring the Juror Rating Form to you, along with their artwork. You will not fill out the rating form until you have finished the interview and the student has left the room, but taking notes during the interview is OK.

38. Student Info Make sure you are scoring the correct piece by looking at the Artwork ID#! Verify the media. Check the Division so that you will interview and score according to art level. Verify that the division the student is in is correct. A simple, “I see you are in AP Art,” will do…no need to drill them! If the division seems to be incorrect, continue on with the interview and call for the Regional Director afterwards.

39. Scoring the Interview In this section you will score the interview you had with the student. Remember, you are not to fill out the form until the interview is complete and the student is gone. You will give the student a 1, 2, 3 or 4 for each category in this section. Add up the total and write the number in the box. The interview score counts as one third of the student’s final score.

40. Scoring the Artwork In this section you will judge the student on their technique and skill. You will give the student a 2, 4, 6 or 8 for each category in this section. Add up the total and write the number in the box. The interview score counts as two thirds of the student’s final score.

41. The Comments!!! This is where you will write your two positive comments and one comment on something that can be polished.

42. The Total Score Add the total for the interview and the total for the artwork and put that number in this box. Please use a calculator!

43. Scoring Range Circle the correct scoring range in both spots. Write in the regular numeral score at the bottom, 1, 2, 3 or 4.

44. Sign and date Last but not least, sign and date the rating form. Put your juror number and room number under your signature. Sign legibly! (If you can’t sign legibly…print)

45. Rating Scale exhibits mastery at achieving Rating IV Superior – student exhibits mastery at achieving the objectives the objectives exhibits consistent skill at Rating III Excellent – student exhibits consistent skill at achieving the objectives. achieving the objectives. exhibits inconsistent attempts at Rating II Average – student exhibits inconsistent attempts at achieving the objectives achieving the objectives student exhibits no attempts at Rating I Below Average – student exhibits no attempts at achieving the objectives achieving the objectives

46. Written Comments Two glows and a grow Stay subjective and do not interject personal views Focus on the positive Take the time to write neatly Written comments are also for the growth of the teacher

47. EXAMPLES OF “GLOW” COMMENTS “Excellent use of value – strong contrasts exist in all details.” “Very accurate facial proportions, nicely done!” “Great use of implied line.” “Strong composition with a nice balance of positive and negative space.” “The focal point is well defined, nice work.” “Excellent concept! A new and creative approach to the subject.” “Very nice use of color.” “Your craftsmanship is amazing, keep up the great work!”

48. EXAMPLES OF “GROW” COMMENTS “Develop your values to create stronger contrast.” “Composition is lacking a center of interest” “Be careful – Smudges and fingerprints detract from your drawing.” “Try making the direction of light consistent throughout your artwork.” “To create unity, try balancing the shapes and colors throughout the work.” “Negative space is not ‘broken’ up with a variety of shapes and sizes.”

49. The Paperwork Use the tools provided for proper math calculations Sign and date the Regional Juror’s Rating Form Be consistent when indicating the Roman Numeral circled and the Total Rating Score The paper work and the artwork must be given to the runner at the same time

50. SEND THE ARTWORK ON ITS WAY DO NOT give the artwork and Juror Rating Form back to the student! Place the completed Juror Rating Form in the envelope provided. Give the artwork and envelope to a student runner who will be circulating the hallways picking up artwork. If there is no runner available, hold on to artwork in the room until a runner comes by.

51. Pitfalls Jurors who are stressed by time limitations Jurors who concentrate on negative Jurors who fail to calibrate for different levels of students Jurors who do not support the growth of the students by writing comments from the interview process Jurors who bring personal bias to the juror process Jurors who treat the interview and comment writing like a college critique Jurors who try to maintain a quota system or bell curve when giving ratings

52. Rating Examples

53. 4 Division 4

54. 4 Division 3

55. 4 Division 2

56. 4 Division 1

57. 3 Division 4

58. 3 Division 3

59. 3 Division 2

60. 3 Division 1

61. 2 Division 4

62. 2 Division 3

63. 2 Division 2

64. 2 Division 1

65. 1 Division 4

66. 1 Division 3

67. 1 Division 2

68. 1 Division 1

69. What do we do with this one? Division 4

70. KEEP IN MIND… You will be interviewing students with different levels of experience. Make sure that you pay close attention to how many credits of art each student has. You should not judge a Division 1 (usually Art 1) student as hard as you judge a Division 4 (usually AP Art) student. It is permissible for a student to have a school district designee in the interview room with them. This is not a college critique. Every student should have a positive experience at VASE!

71. We are not necessarily here to make them better artists. We are here to build self-esteem! Do not criticize the quality of their supplies. Teachers may be working with a limited budget. For example, never suggest a student use a higher grade of paint. If the student is in your room, interview them. You do not have the right to disqualify artwork. Each piece goes through a qualifications check but some pieces may slip through the cracks. After the student has left, you can question a piece of artwork by flagging down the Jury Foreman in the hallway and asking to speak to the Regional Director. The Regional Director is the only one who can disqualify artwork. If disqualified, artwork will not be scored.

72. Do not fuss at students for not knowing the elements and principals of art...chances are they are nervous! Let them use your cheat sheet or look at their paperwork on the back of their artwork, if need be. student exhibits no attempts at achieving the objectives” and if a student has done the work to come to VASE, he probably has made some attempt to achieve the objectives. If you feel that every student you interview deserves a high rating, give them one! We do not require you to give a certain number of 1s, 2s, 3s and 4s (no quota systems or bell curves). We do however, encourage you to be careful awarding 1s & 2s – especially in Division 1. Remember that a “1” represents “Below Average - student exhibits no attempts at achieving the objectives” and if a student has done the work to come to VASE, he probably has made some attempt to achieve the objectives.

73. If a score is one point below what it takes to go to the next higher rating (a 50, 36, or 24), add one point to go up to the next level, or take one point away to make it solidly in the lower level. “One Point Misses” are very difficult for students and teachers to live with. Don’t interview the same student twice! If you know the student you are supposed to interview please send them to the Jury Foreman to have them re- assigned to another juror.

74. the Area Event Area event is juried immediately after the Regional Event is complete All jurors are required to participate in the Area judging Jury teams will decide which works will advance to State VASE

75. DECIDING WHO GOES TO STATE Each division may send a percentage of their 4’s to state. Find the division you will be judging according to the assigned list your jury foreman gave you at the beginning of the day. Within your assigned division you will choose which pieces you feel should go to state and place a post-it note on them. If your division can send 15 pieces to state, each judge will receive 15 post-its of a specific color for the division you are judging to put on your favorite pieces (you will put your initials on each post-it). The pieces with the most post-its will advance to state. If there is a tie, this process will be repeated on a smaller scale.

76. As a group, you will walk over to the display area. All artwork that received a 4 in the Regional Jurying will be laid out on a gym floor (or other large area). Find the artwork in your assigned division. As a Division Group, you will view all Rating 4 videos and/or DVDs (if there are any). You must remember to consider these electronic media artworks along with all Rating 4 3-D works when selecting state qualifying artwork.

77. Professional Consideration Be on Time Be professional Be committed to the Process Be thorough in completing your paperwork Do NOT “No Show”, if an emergency arises contact the Regional Director or Jury Foreman to let them know if you are not available

78. remaining a certified juror Jurors are required to complete certification training once every three years Certification training will be offered at TAEA Fall Conference and State VASE Event All certified jurors will be archived in a state database for each Regional Director In the very near future only Certified Jurors will be invited to jury Regional VASE events. We are not at this point, yet

79. Division 4

80. Division 1

81. Whew!! We’re Finished!