PENNSYLVANIA HIGH SCHOOL INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TEACHERS' PERCEPTIONS OF CHANGES IN INSTRUCTIONAL TIME AND RESOURCES

PENNSYLVANIA HIGH SCHOOL INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TEACHERS' PERCEPTIONS OF CHANGES IN INSTRUCTIONAL TIME AND RESOURCES
Author: Hugh Williamson
Publisher:
Total Pages: 228
Release: 2014
Genre:
ISBN:

The purpose of this study was to determine Pennsylvania public high school instrumental music teachers' perceptions of changes to instrumental music instruction that may have been the result of a narrowing focus on student performance on standardized tests and sanctions linked to the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (2002). The study used a descriptive design to investigate ways that standardized testing may have influenced student opportunities to participate in school instrumental music, instructional time available for instrumental lessons and performing ensembles, budgetary resources and funding sources, staffing, and instrumental music curricula in Pennsylvania high schools. Data were gathered via an anonymous web-based survey. Of the entire population of 710 full-time high school instrumental music teachers in Pennsylvania, 304 responded. Of those, 247 successfully completed the survey and were appropriate for analysis. Results suggested that across PA high schools, instrumental music opportunities were varied and inconsistent with regard to instructional time, financial resources, access and availability of students, and support for instrumental music within the larger curriculum of the schools. These inconsistencies may have resulted in unequal opportunities to participate in instrumental music programs, partially because of funding and policy priorities at the state and local level that value test-based accountability rather than more comprehensive methods of evaluating child development and learning. Prior research suggested that opportunities to participate in instrumental music were linked to individual and group standardized test performance. Schools in very large urban districts with high percentages of low-income and minority students were the most likely to face reductions in instrumental music opportunities. Implications included the possibility of inequitable reductions to music programs potentially undermining efforts to help reduce or prevent achievement gaps. Reductions in instrumental music opportunities for elementary level students was a particular concern since neurobiological research findings suggest special benefits for early childhood music instruction. Recommendations for further research included replication of the study using identifiable data, case studies of individual high schools, the continuation and expansion of longitudinal studies between neuroscientists and music educators, and a survey of school administrator attitudes toward music education.

Introduction to Effective Music Teaching

Introduction to Effective Music Teaching
Author: Alfred S. Townsend
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Total Pages: 221
Release: 2011-10-16
Genre: Education
ISBN: 144220947X

Introduction to Effective Music Teaching: Artistry and Attitude provides the prospective teacher with front-line tested strategies and approaches that are based on current research and the author's three decades of service as a public school music educator, department chairman, and public school district music administrator. Starting with a brief overview of the history of music education in public schools, Alfred Townsend gives the reader a deeper understanding of the importance of music education to all students, gifted or not. Readers then examine artistry (command of content and mastery of methods) and the ABCs of teacher attitude, the critical component that unlocks learning for many students. With an open and accessible writing style, Dr. Townsend reviews the six components of effective teaching, showing that artistry and attitude can be combined to fuel student learning and teacher leadership. Using all of this information, the reader constructs a personal, practical philosophy of music teaching and learning that will form the basis for his or her instruction. Readers will also experience artistry and attitude in action through well-written case studies of effective teachers. With increasingly diverse student populations teachers now face, this book provides music teachers with ways to interact effectively with students of all backgrounds, attitudes, and talent.

No Child Left Behind: Determining the Impact of Policy on Music Education

No Child Left Behind: Determining the Impact of Policy on Music Education
Author: Kevin W. Gerrity
Publisher:
Total Pages: 154
Release: 2007
Genre:
ISBN:

The overall attitude toward music education among Ohio principals was favorable. On a scale ranging from 6 to 36, the mean attitudinal score among principals was 25.1 with a standard deviation of 3.1. Significant differences between the attitudes of principals serving in "excellent" or "effective" schools and the principals of "academic watch" or "academic emergency" schools were revealed. When considering the expectation of principals that music teachers devote some of their instructional time to other subjects, 43% of Ohio's music programs record a weaker status since the passage of No Child Left Behind. Finally, testimonials provided by several principals confirm that No Child Left Behind remains a contributing factor in principals' policy decisions that affect music education.