Exhibitions

Exhibitions were first proposed by Theodore Sizer and the Coalition of Essential Schools. Sizer believes that American schools should be restructured so that students have to meet certain performance standards in order to graduate.

The diploma should be awarded on a successful final demonstration of mastery for graduation–an Exhibition. This Exhibition by the student of his or her grasp of the central skills and knowledge of the school's program may be administered by the faculty and higher authorities. (Horace's School 208)

Because philosophies and essential learning results vary from school to school, exhibitions will then vary from school to school; however, Horace's School contains a number of examples.

Exhibitions differ from performances in that they are designed for public accountability and are a "high stakes" assessment of student application of knowledge. The key, then, in designing quality exhibitions is a clear concept of what students should know and be able to do. Crucial to successful exhibitions is the formulation of clear guidelines and incremental deadlines.