Assessment Design and
Framework

Field 011: Dance

The assessment design below describes general assessment information. The framework that follows is a detailed outline that explains the knowledge and skills that this assessment measures.

Assessment Design

Format Computer-based test (CBT)
Number of Questions 100 multiple-choice questions
Time* 2 hours
Passing Score 220

*Does not include 15-minute CBT tutorial

Framework

Pie chart of approximate test weighting outlined in the table below.

Domain Range of Competencies Approximate Percentage of Assessment Score
I Dance Movement and Creation 0001–0005 46%
II Dance in Society 0006–0009 36%
III Dance Education 0010–0011 18%
Domain I–Dance Movement and Creation

0001 Understand concepts fundamental to dancing and creating dances and their relationship to learning and performance.

Includes:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of vocabulary and conceptual skills important to learning, composing, performing, observing, notating, and evaluating dance movement and various genres of dance.
  2. Identify the characteristics and analyze the uses of locomotor and nonlocomotor movements in dance.
  3. Understand and analyze the use of the basic elements of dance (e.g., body, space, time, energy, relationship) in learning, composing, performing, observing, notating, and evaluating dance.
  4. Demonstrate knowledge of the use of varied techniques for movement and dance and understand the value of kinesthetic and aesthetic awareness in learning, composing, performing, observing, notating, and evaluating dance.

0002 Understand and apply basic elements, principles, processes, and structures of choreography.

Includes:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of basic vocabulary and conceptual skills related to choreography (e.g., movement creation, phrasing, transitions, unity, contrast, spatial relationships, dynamics).
  2. Identify the characteristics of compositional structures and devices (e.g., narrative, accumulation, rondo, canon, theme and variation) and choreographic processes (e.g., improvisation, exploration, chance).
  3. Analyze the uses of compositional structures and devices (e.g., narrative, accumulation, rondo, canon, theme and variation) and choreographic processes (e.g., improvisation, exploration, chance).
  4. Recognize potential sources for choreographic ideas and analyze ways in which movement can be used to convey ideas, including the use of technology and media arts to inspire, create, accompany, or record dance.
  5. Apply creative-thinking, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills in choreographing movement and dance works.

0003 Understand and apply relevant principles of interpretation and analysis important for responding to and reflecting on choreography and dance performance.

Includes:

  1. Understand and apply aesthetic and technical vocabulary and conceptual skills used in the interpretation and evaluation of dance (e.g., choreographic intent and style, musicality, skill of performers, elements of production).
  2. Apply critical and creative thinking to describe, analyze, interpret, and evaluate ways in which formal, technical, and expressive aspects of a dance can create and communicate meaning.
  3. Evaluate and discuss dance from varied perspectives (e.g., choreographer, dancer, teacher, critic, audience member).
  4. Demonstrate knowledge of the developmental progression of aesthetics and artistic direction (e.g., stages of cognitive development, personal and cultural perspectives).

0004 Understand principles and practices of dance performance and production.

Includes:

  1. Understand and apply basic vocabulary, concepts, and processes related to dance performance and production (e.g., energy, projection, warming up, rehearsals, stage directions, personnel).
  2. Understand principles and practices related to preparing for and staging a dance performance (e.g., choice of venue, rehearsal processes, evaluation and refinement), including the roles and responsibilities of personnel involved.
  3. Understand and analyze the use of theatrical elements (e.g., sound collage, scoring, music, lighting, multimedia, costumes, props, text/spoken word) in dance performance to enhance artistic expression.
  4. Understand and analyze the uses of technology, media arts, and documentation in dance creation and performance.

0005 Understand human anatomy and kinesiology, the development of kinesthetic awareness, principles of physical conditioning and training, and safe and healthful practices as related to dance learning and performance.

Includes:

  1. Demonstrate and apply knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology as related to dance and movement, including the development of somatic and kinesthetic awareness.
  2. Demonstrate and apply knowledge of safe practices (e.g., warming up, stretching, partnering, use of shared space) and strategies that promote personal health and injury prevention, care, and rehabilitation as related to dance training and performance.
  3. Demonstrate and apply knowledge of principles and practices of physical conditioning that promote focus, alignment, strength, flexibility, coordination, and skills important to dance and movement training and performance.
  4. Identify and analyze basic health and nutritional practices that promote a healthy lifestyle as a dancer.
Domain II–Dance in Society

0006 Understand the history and fundamental characteristics of major forms of concert and performance dance globally, including skills and concepts important to learning and performing diverse genres of concert and theatrical dances.

Includes:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of movement vocabulary and conceptual skills used in creating, describing, interpreting, and analyzing various genres and styles of concert and theatrical dance.
  2. Identify and analyze distinguishing aesthetic characteristics, techniques, movement patterns, and varied styles of concert and theatrical dance (e.g., classical ballet, jazz, contemporary, modern, Indian classical, butoh, Chinese classical, African, Latino, hip-hop, Irish step dance, tap).
  3. Demonstrate knowledge of the history of concert dance globally, including the identification and analysis of historical periods, major stylistic traditions, and the contributions of significant dance artists.

0007 Understand the history and fundamental characteristics of major forms of traditional and cultural participatory dances and the skills and concepts important to learning and performing diverse genres of participatory dance.

Includes:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of movement vocabulary and conceptual skills used in creating, describing, interpreting, and analyzing various forms of traditional, ritual, and participatory dance.
  2. Identify and analyze distinguishing aesthetic characteristics, techniques, movement patterns, and varied styles of traditional and participatory dances globally (e.g., American Indian traditional and powwow dances; Southeast Asian religious and court dances; African traditional dances; hula; Latin American social dances; Pacific Asian, Euro-American, and African American vernacular dances; folk dances; zydeco; contra dance).
  3. Demonstrate knowledge of the history of participatory dance globally, including the identification and analysis of historical periods, major stylistic traditions, and the contributions of significant dance artists.

0008 Demonstrate knowledge of the characteristics, functions, and practice of dance within various global cultures.

Includes:

  1. Identify basic movement vocabulary and dance forms and styles that are characteristic of major world cultures.
  2. Identify and analyze the aesthetic, social, and cultural functions of dance within various cultures in past and present societies.
  3. Understand and analyze the relationship between sociocultural traditions and the characteristics and practices of dances in various cultures.

0009 Understand the connections between dance and the other arts, other content areas, and lifelong interests and activities.

Includes:

  1. Understand and analyze similarities and differences among vocabulary; concepts; and the processes important to skill development, creating, performing, and responding in dance and the processes and content of other arts disciplines.
  2. Understand and analyze similarities and differences among creating, performing, and responding in dance and the processes of learning and understanding in other academic disciplines.
  3. Understand and analyze ways in which participation in dance develops knowledge and skills that can contribute to adult life through work, recreation, and personal health (e.g., body awareness, healthy lifestyles, career choices, participatory dance opportunities, cultural activities).
Domain III–Dance Education

0010 Understand the role of dance in education in the United States and the characteristics of constructive learning environments.

Includes:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of the nature, meaning, and language of dance education in the United States from historical, cultural, and philosophical points of view.
  2. Demonstrate knowledge of safe, stimulating, and well-managed learning environments that encourage positive social interaction and respect for differences among students, including constructive rehearsal etiquette.
  3. Demonstrate knowledge of effective classroom management and record-keeping techniques and the ability to manage studios and performance facilities.

0011 Demonstrate knowledge of strategies for effective dance instruction and assessment of student learning.

Includes:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of instructional strategies and methods for dancing, composing, and performing, including understanding of child growth and development as related to dance.
  2. Demonstrate understanding of the development and implementation of standards-based curricula and current methods and resources, including new technologies, in instructional design and implementation (e.g., active engagement, cooperative learning).
  3. Demonstrate and apply knowledge of varied assessments to inform, evaluate, and ensure student learning in dance-related activities.
  4. Demonstrate and apply knowledge of strategies for collaboration and communication with students, other educators, families, and the community to support student learning in dance.
  5. Demonstrate knowledge of resources and opportunities for professional development as a dance educator.