Trained panels of judges will assess all Exhibitions presentations. Dates and times for both judge training and actual scoring should be established well in advance to ensure that a sufficient number of judges can be scheduled to participate.

Each judge must score the student presentations using rubrics and should provide thoughtful and constructive written feedback. If possible, videotaping of exhibitions should take place. A video record gives students an opportunity to view their work and, if necessary, make changes or revisions. It may also become part of an exhibition reference library for future students to use when completing their own exhibitions and as a resource for training judges.

Some elements of the Exhibitions may be scored in advance of the culminating oral presentation. This would include the scoring of any written portions of the project, and might include journals, research papers, and written reflections.

In the event that judges fail a student, that student should be told which criteria were not met and given an opportunity to revise the exhibition and present it again.

The judging of exhibitions brings to a close the long and challenging School-Wide Diploma Assessment process for most students. Schools that have had experience with exhibitions typically report that students rise to the occasion and often perform at levels far above those at which they generally performed. These exhibitions often result in opportunities for schools to recognize and celebrate student achievement with all members of the school community. It can–and should–be a source of pride for a school, its students, and families.

The evaluation process also provides schools with a rich source of data about student achievement and should inform future instruction, assessment, and possible curriculum revision.