GACE: Art Education

The Art Education assessment, offered as part of the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators, is divided into two tests.

The first test consists of 60 selected-response questions (80% of the test score) and 2 constructed-response assignments (20% of the test score). The content areas covered by the first test are artistic skills, artistic knowledge, and connections between skills and knowledge. The topics covered by the artistic skills and knowledge subarea are: the materials, tools, methods, processes, techniques, and technologies used in drawing, painting, creating prints, photography, sculpture, ceramics, pottery, fiber arts, graphic design, video art, computer art, and mixed media art. The topics covered by the connections between skills and knowledge subarea are: the connections between the visual arts and other arts; the life skills developed through practice and appreciation of visual art; and the career opportunities available in the visual arts.

The second test consists of 60 selected-response questions (80% of the test score) and 2 constructed-response questions (20% of the test score). The content areas covered by the second test are aesthetic understanding, critical analysis, and the historical and cultural context of art. The topics covered by the aesthetic understanding and critical analysis subarea are: the elements of art; the principles of design; the communication of ideas in visual art; the commonalities, distinctions, and connections among works of art; the relationship between art and society; and the basic principles of analysis, interpretation, and evaluation of works of art. The topics covered by the historical and cultural context subarea are: works of art from Central America, North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Oceania, and Asia from ancient times to the present; and the major periods, movements, traditions, and styles in world art.

The examination must be completed within four hours. The total test score is placed on a scale of 100 to 300, with 220 as the lowest passing score. Scores are based on the number of selected-response questions answered correctly and the scores assigned by judges to the constructed responses. Test-takers will also receive performance indices indicating their success in each subarea of the examination. Scores will be available approximately a month after the date of the examination; unofficial results are posted on the internet, and an official score report is mailed to the test-taker, the Professional Standards Commission, and the institution specified by the test-taker during registration.

Practice Questions

1. What is the process of building up a thick layer of oil pastel and then scratching it to add texture?

A: impasto
B: scumbling
C: sgraffito
D: blending

2. What is the most common medium for oil paint?

A: resin-oil medium
B: beeswax medium
C: glaze medium
D: turpentine medium

3. What is the name for a series of almost parallel lines drawn close together?

A: highlighting
B: hatching
C: shading
D: crosshatching

4. What kind of paper is most suitable for precise drawings?

A: rough paper
B: cold-pressed paper
C: medium-pressed paper
D: hot-pressed paper

5. Which is the best (and most expensive) kind of canvas?

A: linen
B: cotton
C: polyester
D: burlap

Answer Key

1. C. This technique allows the artist to create a unique, precise effect.
2. D. A turpentine medium is composed of linseed oil and turpentine.
3. B. Hatching is a good technique for adding shade.
4. D. Hot-pressed paper provides a smooth, hard surface for drawing.
5. A. Linen canvases have an even grain and few knots.