In this choice-based classroom, students are introduced to concepts and materials but allowed the opportunity explore authentic self-directed artistic interests. Some students work collaboratively while others are independent. Some students enjoy repeating ideas and exploring them in depth, while other students learn by trying a little bit of everything. In this class, students are learning through their own experiences, by observing the experiences of their peers, and the support they receive from, me, their teacher. I guide them by asking questions about their intentions but try to stay away from statements that pass judgement on a student’s choices or work. These daily conversations are a formative assessment that allow for individualized reflections and meaningful feedback during class. We do a daily self-assessment grade that we call a “citizenship grade” at the end of each class. Students are asked to reflect on how they listened to directions, used materials and their class time, treated others, cleaned up in a timely manner and followed classroom routines and expectations. Students are usually very accurate in these self-assessments. At the end of each marking period, I also ask students to sit with me and reflect on their class time by dictating a narrative assessment for their report cards. Together we reflect on their accomplishments in art for the marking period. I ask them to often describe something they are proud of or perhaps something that was really challenging. Then I’ll ask them questions to push them to articulate what was valuable about that experience for them. Their answers are often surprising and serve as an authentic assessment of what the students really learned in art class.