Matthew Mingle, when discussing measuring school quality in an ideal world, argues that a true measure of school quality would be to assess how closely the school’s reality matches the ideals of the ‘Whole Child’ approach. The approach he refers to provides a framework that seeks to improve both the learning and health of the students in American schools.
Mingle also argues that a proper analysis of proper education demands much more than merely considering the easily quantifiable information such as attendance, student/teacher ratios, standardized assessment proficiency and graduation rates.
While these things are important parts of the complete school-quality portrait, they are far too often considered in isolation, leading to lists the purport to definitively “rank” schools.
In an ideal world, we would move beyond this neat and clean approach to challenge ourselves to measure whether we are really providing all students with pathways for meaningful options for college, career and citizenship. This is a common refrain in mission statements and stump speeches, but the quality of schools should be determined based on how well they live up to this laudable goal. Via ASC
Moreover, Katherine Damkohler argues that one of the main problems with education today is that programs that work are the ones facing cuts as a result of budget pressures. In particular is music education, which is associated with more engaged students, increased attendance rates and a rise in academic achievement.
This is fully supported by research. For instance, data last year revealed that students attending ETM (Education Through Music) partner schools enjoyed higher levels of academic achievement than their peers attending schools without ETM.
Further, research by Americans for the Arts found that students with an art-rich education scored better on standardized tests in reading and math, had better grade point averages and had lower dropout rates.
In 2010, students who took four years of arts and music classes in high school scored 102 points higher on their SATs. Via Huffington Post
This shows that based on the typical quantifiable information used today, music proves itself to be valuable. The question now is whether it can also prove itself on more meaningful measures. As Mingle suggests:
In an ideal world, we would check in with students five years after graduation… Are they good citizens Are they engaged in meaningful work or study? Did their school experience inspire them to make the world a better place on their own, when we were no longer watching? Via ASC
The good news is that the value of music education is proven on both fronts:
Unfortunately, despite it clearly having a positive impact on the value of education for students, music programs are continuously being cut. For instance, by 2014, almost 60 percent of New York City schools did not have a full-time certified music teacher. Additionally, only 36 percent of 6th-8th graders were reported to have participated in music.
This is a clear indication that more attention and effort should be directed to advocating for music education in enhancing the quality of education for children today and in the future.
Why is it that so many of the successful artists seem to be loud, outspoken, rebellious people when it’s this same kind of attitude that gets students kicked out of school? That somehow breaking the rules leads to more success than sticking to them.
Well before I answer this question, there’s a lot of things are wrong with the statement.
For one, you don’t have to be famous to be successful.
Secondly, loud people are more noticeable so they are the ones that are easiest to recall.
Thirdly, being successful without going to school is so radical that it’s sensationalised.Via Music Think Tank
New Education Law Would Include Music As A Core Subject
The U.S. Senate is expected to take a final vote Wednesday on a law that would replace the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, better known as No Child Left Behind.
The Every Student Succeeds Act includes music as a core subject – along with English, math, science and history – for the first time.
Cecil Wilder, the executive director of the Georgia Music Educators Association, says that’s good news for students here. Via WABE
Test scores are important, but so is music education
Despite glitzy talent shows like “The Voice” or “American Idol,” music is less a road to riches and fame than it is a path to real learning for countless kids in communities across the nation.
When children study music, they are developing the part of their brains they use for language and reasoning. Music education is linked to spatial intelligence and creativity. It requires listening, then learning how to weave disparate ideas. Again and again, research shows music education is a critical component of the overall learning process. Via Detroit Free Press
In 2010, students who took four years of arts and music classes in high school scored 102 points higher on their SATs. Via Huffington Post
Why is it that so many of the successful artists seem to be loud, outspoken, rebellious people when it’s this same kind of attitude that gets students kicked out of school? That somehow breaking the rules leads to more success than sticking to them.
The U.S. Senate is expected to take a final vote Wednesday on a law that would replace the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, better known as No Child Left Behind.
Despite glitzy talent shows like “The Voice” or “American Idol,” music is less a road to riches and fame than it is a path to real learning for countless kids in communities across the nation.
