How Reflections scores add up
Each judge scores every entry in their group on the three criteria in National PTA's Reflections rubric: Interpretation of Theme (40 points), Creativity (30) and Technique (30, called Technical Skill in some guides). Add the judges' points for each entry and rank the entries within each arts category and grade division. Every group is judged on its own, and Accessible Arts entries compete only with each other.
When two entries have the same total, the one with the higher Interpretation of Theme score places higher. If that is level too, the guides give no further rule, so the kit marks the tie and you choose the order or let them share the award.
Award names, how many of each, and how many entries advance are set by your state PTA or council, and they differ. Virginia PTA takes one entry per category and division. Texas PTA lets a local PTA advance 20% of each group, rounded up. Set your rule on the Results tab.
Example: two entries tied on 255
In Visual Arts, Intermediate, three judges scored entry 104 at 86, 84 and 85, and entry 117 at 88, 83 and 84. Both total 255. Entry 104's Interpretation scores add up to 105 (36 + 35 + 34) against 99 for entry 117 (33 + 32 + 34), so 104 takes the Award of Excellence and advances. Open the example.
Running judging with the kit
Type entries in or paste them from your sign-up sheet. Each one gets an entry number, and judges only see the number, title, artist statement and division. Add your judges with the categories they can judge and anyone they shouldn't score, such as their own child. The kit fills the panels and prints a packet for each judge with the rubric and their score cards.
Type the cards in as they come back. Scores over the maximum and cards still missing are flagged. Results, the advancing list and a certificate for every student print from the last tab. Everything saves in this browser as you go. Save a backup file now and then, and send it to your co-chair to carry on from another computer.
Questions from Reflections chairs
How are PTA Reflections entries scored?
Each judge gives an entry up to 40 points for Interpretation of Theme, 30 for Creativity and 30 for Technique, so 100 in all. National PTA weights the theme most because a well-developed concept counts for more than technique. Washington, Georgia and Virginia PTA use the same points.
How do you break a tie in Reflections judging?
The entry with the higher Interpretation of Theme score places higher. Add up the judges' Interpretation points for each tied entry and compare. If those match too, the guides stop there, so the chair decides.
Do you add or average the judges' scores?
National PTA's review guide says to add the points from each judge and rank the entries. When every entry in a group has the same judges, adding and averaging give the same order. Average only when some entries have fewer cards; switch it on the Scores tab.
Our old score card says 20, 10 and 10 points. Which is right?
Older judging guides used 20, 10 and 10. National PTA's current rubric and the 2026 guides from Washington, Georgia and Virginia use 40, 30 and 30. Texas PTA's local guide shows a 20, 12 and 8 sample card. If your council uses a different card, change the points on the Scores tab.
How many entries can we advance?
Your state PTA and council decide. Virginia PTA asks for one per arts category and grade division. Texas PTA lets a local PTA advance 20% of each group, rounded up, and a council one per category and division. Washington councils set their own; a PTA outside a council sends 8 entries or 10%, whichever is more.
What award levels does Reflections use?
At the national level, National PTA gives the Award of Merit, Award of Excellence and Award of Outstanding Interpretation. Local PTAs choose their own. Texas PTA's chart uses Award of Excellence, Award of Merit and Honorable Mention for about 20%, 20% and 30% of each group, with participation for everyone else.
What happened to the Special Artist division?
National PTA renamed it the Accessible Arts Division in April 2024. Students in it compete against each other. National PTA's division rules and Virginia PTA keep it one group for all grades; Texas PTA's local guide splits it by grade division. The kit keeps one group unless you switch it on the Entries tab.
Where is our judging saved, and can a co-chair take over?
In this browser on this device, after every change. Nothing is uploaded. Use Save a backup file on the Print tab and send the file to your co-chair, who opens it with Open a backup file.
Sources: National PTA Reflections Artwork Review Guide, review rubric, student entry form and FAQ, and its Accessible Arts Division rules (Texas PTA copy); Texas PTA local judging guidelines and council checklist 2026-27; Virginia PTA 2026-2027 guide; Washington State PTA 2026 reviewer packet and leaders page; Georgia PTA 2026 judges' instructions. Checked October 2026. Your state PTA and council have the final word.