For my next concert I'm going to try rotating parts. I'm doing this for a number of different reasons, but here's a case for doing so:
Playing second and third part requires a very different set of listening skills and performing skills. Being in the middle of the score versus on top of the score provides a very different sense of one's ensemble responsibility. Likewise, playing first requires a very different set of skills, and a different level of self-confidence. For the clarinet player that usually plays second, hopefully he or she will take this new-found confidence to the second and third part. IT MAKES EVERYONE BETTER!
It's also about preparing the next group of leaders. If there is a senior principal position, that student WILL graduate. No matter if I give them an F, it won't hold them back, as much as I'd like for them to stay! Those that are second or third in line need a little experience before taking the reigns themselves. It's just like with a football team - in the end when you're up by 15-20 points, you put in the second string to give them some playing experience. Well, in music, when the music is simple enough (range/technical facility required), it's a good time to give them that opportunity.
I'm looking forward to trying it out. While I will have to battle some egos this first time around, I'm sure that it will work itself in (students graduating out and such..) to the point that's what they will know and expect.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Education Reform
It has been announced that Terry Branstad has selected Jason Glass as the new head of the Education Department. This article on the DSM Register's website has sparked a flurry of conversation about education reform and exactly "who is to blame" for Iowa's lower ranking amongst the states, and the US ranking in the world. So much of the public blames we, the teachers. While yes, there are teachers that are merely "putting in the time" before they can collect retirement, there are quite many MORE teachers that are good at what they do.
Here are, in my opinion, the top challenges facing the world of education in the United States.
Quality Professional Development (P.D.)
Teachers are required to have X number of hours of PD every year - usually this is done in staff inservice where every teacher of the district comes together in the cafeteria to hear someone lecture to them. Whether it's about quadrant D lesson plans, or assessments, or the Iowa Core, much of this this is very generalized. In order for teachers to become better, we should stop the "blanket" PD, and created individualized programs. If certain teachers need to work on integrating technology into their program - give them that! If others need classroom management skills, do that. If others need that morning to go observe someone else teach (or in my case, REHEARSE), let them go!
Priorities
For how many of us was school and getting good grades our number 1 priority? Well, if you're my friend, it was probably very high. We took great pride in doing well on our work, both in academics and music. However, for many students and their families, this just isn't the case. While, yes, more work can be done to make sure school work is meaningful and relevant, so many students are more focused on sports or jobs or having a boy/girlfriend. If a student's, or their family's top priority is not getting a good education, there is very little that can be done.
Parents
The students that excel in anything have supportive parents and families. They make it a priority to do well in everything. I see it in my own band - the students that sit at the top of sections have parents that have made "doing well" the top priority. Those students that struggle do not have the home support structure. Those students that don't do well in school, especially low income families - is education a priority for those parents?
Public Misconceptions
Here's the thing - unless you're in the system, you don't get all this. You don't understand that you can't base a teacher's salary directly to their student's standardized test scores. Why? Because there are a million and one reasons for that student to not want to do well on a test. People don't get the hundreds of things that teachers are expected to do - especially when parents aren't teaching basic social skills to their own children; it's expected that schools pick up all the slack for what isn't taught at home.
For education to be "fixed", it will take a great deal of compromise and cooperation. We must all set aside our own egos and do what's right for the kids. Trust those who are "in the know", and show respect for one another, even those who clearly have no idea how things operate.
Here are, in my opinion, the top challenges facing the world of education in the United States.
Quality Professional Development (P.D.)
Teachers are required to have X number of hours of PD every year - usually this is done in staff inservice where every teacher of the district comes together in the cafeteria to hear someone lecture to them. Whether it's about quadrant D lesson plans, or assessments, or the Iowa Core, much of this this is very generalized. In order for teachers to become better, we should stop the "blanket" PD, and created individualized programs. If certain teachers need to work on integrating technology into their program - give them that! If others need classroom management skills, do that. If others need that morning to go observe someone else teach (or in my case, REHEARSE), let them go!
Priorities
For how many of us was school and getting good grades our number 1 priority? Well, if you're my friend, it was probably very high. We took great pride in doing well on our work, both in academics and music. However, for many students and their families, this just isn't the case. While, yes, more work can be done to make sure school work is meaningful and relevant, so many students are more focused on sports or jobs or having a boy/girlfriend. If a student's, or their family's top priority is not getting a good education, there is very little that can be done.
Parents
The students that excel in anything have supportive parents and families. They make it a priority to do well in everything. I see it in my own band - the students that sit at the top of sections have parents that have made "doing well" the top priority. Those students that struggle do not have the home support structure. Those students that don't do well in school, especially low income families - is education a priority for those parents?
Public Misconceptions
Here's the thing - unless you're in the system, you don't get all this. You don't understand that you can't base a teacher's salary directly to their student's standardized test scores. Why? Because there are a million and one reasons for that student to not want to do well on a test. People don't get the hundreds of things that teachers are expected to do - especially when parents aren't teaching basic social skills to their own children; it's expected that schools pick up all the slack for what isn't taught at home.
For education to be "fixed", it will take a great deal of compromise and cooperation. We must all set aside our own egos and do what's right for the kids. Trust those who are "in the know", and show respect for one another, even those who clearly have no idea how things operate.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
My fork in the road
I have finally met the sign that says "fork ahead" and I am excited. Life has presented me with two opportunities: continue teaching where I'm at, or go complete graduate studies. I have decided....(drum roll please...) to pursue graduate studies. Here's the plan: I'm going to apply and turn in all the materials necessary. If I'm offered the assistantship - GREAT. If not, that will be my out. Frankly, I can't afford graduate school right now unless it's paid for with an assistantship.
I have spoken with many people and been asked (and asked) several questions that led me to this decision. While my concern for my program is legitimate, I know they will carry on without me. I love this job and these kids, but my life cannot be complete here. As my principal was telling me, it sounds like I'm trying to talk myself out of this opportunity. Perhaps, I am a bit nervous to embrace it and go for it already, it came so much sooner than I was expecting!
While I am concerned that this will close some doors of opportunity, I know it will open just as many that wouldn't have been otherwise. Life is about to get very interesting...
:)
I have spoken with many people and been asked (and asked) several questions that led me to this decision. While my concern for my program is legitimate, I know they will carry on without me. I love this job and these kids, but my life cannot be complete here. As my principal was telling me, it sounds like I'm trying to talk myself out of this opportunity. Perhaps, I am a bit nervous to embrace it and go for it already, it came so much sooner than I was expecting!
While I am concerned that this will close some doors of opportunity, I know it will open just as many that wouldn't have been otherwise. Life is about to get very interesting...
:)
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Opportunity Knocks...
Should I answer and welcome it in; or do I need to ask it to come back again later?
I recently emailed a collegiate band director I know about the possibility of coming to study conducting with him. I happened to time my email just right because his graduate assistantship is open for Fall 2011. This assistantship would cover all fees and provide a $4,000 stipend (talk about awesome!). The degree would be an MA in Teaching with a cognate in Music Education. To many, this decision my seem easy, but to the Green personality, it's a headache.
Rationale:
Living around here is not satisfying. There isn't anything to do in this town aside from my work. Living a life of just work isn't a happy and fulfilling life. I need a change but don't want to go to another job for another couple of years.
I want to become a college band director. This would help me along that path.
This is, essentially, a free ride for graduate work.
Considerations:
Have I enough teaching experience for this to be as fulfilling as it could be? And is it enough experience for the job applications I would do after I completed the graduate work?
What will happen to this band program after I leave?
I spoke with a close friend of mine on the phone for about 2 hours and we hashed it out, a LOT, and kind of talked me into going for it. I'm emailing mentors right now to find out what would be the most appropriate course of action. I know what I want to be told, but not what is best.
I recently emailed a collegiate band director I know about the possibility of coming to study conducting with him. I happened to time my email just right because his graduate assistantship is open for Fall 2011. This assistantship would cover all fees and provide a $4,000 stipend (talk about awesome!). The degree would be an MA in Teaching with a cognate in Music Education. To many, this decision my seem easy, but to the Green personality, it's a headache.
Rationale:
Living around here is not satisfying. There isn't anything to do in this town aside from my work. Living a life of just work isn't a happy and fulfilling life. I need a change but don't want to go to another job for another couple of years.
I want to become a college band director. This would help me along that path.
This is, essentially, a free ride for graduate work.
Considerations:
Have I enough teaching experience for this to be as fulfilling as it could be? And is it enough experience for the job applications I would do after I completed the graduate work?
What will happen to this band program after I leave?
I spoke with a close friend of mine on the phone for about 2 hours and we hashed it out, a LOT, and kind of talked me into going for it. I'm emailing mentors right now to find out what would be the most appropriate course of action. I know what I want to be told, but not what is best.
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