Being on TRACK in 2026
For CMAP and other grant reporting requirements, ANSM will provide a list to CCTH in December 2025 of which museums are “On TRACK.” To be “On TRACK” in 2026 museums must:
- Be registered with ANSM as part of the TRACK program. There is no cost to register to be part of the TRACK program and museums do not need to be ANSM members. You only need to register your museum once.
- Complete the Needs Assessment questionnaire online by February 13, 2026
- Submit Peer Review online by May 8, 2026
- Complete the Standards questionnaires online by September 18, 2026
- Participate in at least one training opportunity per pillar by November 1, 2026
ANSM will proactively engage with museums to meet this benchmark, but it is important to note that ANSM cannot assume liability for any museum’s inability to meet these requirements. Museums are encouraged to ensure their contact information is current, promptly respond to messages, and actively participate in TRACK activities.
What does TRACK offer museums?
TRAINING:
ANSM will offer an increase in training in various ways, including:
- Webinars
- Workshops
- Updates to existing ANSM Training
- Connecting with other sources
RESOURCES:
ANSM will develop resources which address topics identified in the assessments.
ASSESSMENT:
Museums will continue to be assessed on a 4-year cycle. The new assessment will remove numerical scoring, increase the focus on qualitative information, and infuse the program with EDI, accessibility, responding to climate change, and addressing community needs. Assessment will include three types of questions, all done through submission rather than site visits:
- Standards Questions: These specific questions will focus on museum standards and be infused with the new perspectives.
- Expert Peer Coaching: Museums will submit requested examples of work. A review team will provide feedback in the form of reports, which should be seen as a tool for capacity building by sites, and a needs assessment for ANSM training. If you are interested in being a peer coach, download the application form to learn more.
- Needs Assessment: Reflect questions will include rubric and short answer formats and will not be rated. The goal of this section is museums will use the process to identify where they require training and ANSM will use this information to support training needs.
COACHING:
Museums will be offered one-on-one coaching sessions. This will include virtual visits with ANSM staff person and content experts.
KNOWLEDGE-SHARING:
Museums will be invited to learn from each other by sharing their successful programs and projects as case studies in blog posts and video interviews.
Advantage of TRACK for museums
Museums will continue to build on the success of the MEP with improved museum practices. Due to the reduced resources required to prepare for this new program, museums will have more resources and increased capacity to focus on issues such as EDI, accessibility, responding to climate change, and responding to community needs. Museums will also see an approach that is more responsive to their individual needs.
Timeline
October 2025
Fall Regional Meetings
Launch of new TRACK year
November 19, 2025
TRACK Orientation webinar
February 13, 2026
Submit Needs Assessment (online form)
Spring Regional Meetings 2026
Needs Assessment Report and training schedule released, workshop with coach
April 2026
Report to CCTH on Needs Assessment trends
May 8, 2026
Submit Peer Review (online form)
May to August 2026
Tuesday on TRACK, Coaching office hours
September 18, 2026
Submit Standards (online forms)
November 2026
Training participation/feedback due
Standard & Peer Review Reports circulated
January 2027
Final Report to CCTH
