Consider using critique services as a teaching tool. These assessments can help you and your staff learn from previous work and improve your yearbook. Some state associations and universities offer yearbook critiques. Here is information on critique services provided by national scholastic associations.

Columbia Scholastic Press Association
CSPA offers its members Medalist Critiques, which provide specific instruction to students on improving their work. Using a written set of standards, award-winning yearbook advisers analyze the publication and provide written comments. Every entry receives a rating of either Gold, Silver or Bronze. Middle school, high school and college publications are eligible for membership and critiques.

Deadlines: Submit the membership application, membership fee and two copies of the 2010 yearbook to CSPA as soon as the yearbook is printed. Spring delivery yearbooks must be submitted by June 15. Late summer and fall delivery yearbooks may be submitted as late as Oct. 15.

For more information and forms, go to http://www.columbia.edu/cu/cspa/docs/contests-and-critiques/medalists-critiques/index.html

National Scholastic Press Association
NSPA offers critiques to full members from middle schools and high schools. Professional journalists and media advisers evaluate the yearbooks, looking at coverage, copy and design. Ratings from Third Class to All-American are given.

Deadline:  Send payment, membership application and a copy of the 2010 yearbook to NSPA by Dec. 1.

For more information and to download the entry form, go to http://www.studentpress.org/nspa/contests.html and scroll to the bottom of the page.

Associated Collegiate Press
Critiques of college yearbooks are available by request through the ACP. Non-members may submit a yearbook for critique, though members receive a reduced rate. Judges provide feedback and rate publications from Third Class to All-American.

Deadline: Submit form, payment and a copy of the 2010 yearbook to ACP any time before Dec. 1.

For more information and to download the entry form, go to http://www.studentpress.org/acp/contests.html and click on Membership. Questions can be sent to critiques@studentpress.org or directed to the ACP Critique Desk at (612) 625-8335.