VanderCook College of Music
Assessment System
Mission Statement
The mission of VanderCook College of Music is to enrich the lives of present and future generations by developing uniquely skilled music teachers who exhibit strong character, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence.
VanderCook’s Institutional Assessment Plan includes the guiding questions we ask regarding the health of the college as a whole, as well as individual degree program outcomes, general education outcomes, course level outcomes, and co-curricular outcomes.
Assessment Statement
VanderCook is committed to a practical, hands-on program that prepares candidates to be effective professional music educators and responsbile, well-informed citizens. VanderCook follows a standards-based approach focused on the college’s mission, Conceptual Framework, dispositions and outcomes, in addition to state and national standards for certified teachers.
Assessment is an ongoing process aimed at understanding and improving candidate learning. It involves both gathering and using information to modify and improve candidate outcomes.
Assessment is the mechanism used to keep standards high while assuring that candidates acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to become effective music educators. Throughout its century-long history, VanderCook has assessed performance to determine the academic, musical, and pedagogical skill level of its candidates, and continues to be steadfast in the evaluation of its programs.