Klarinet Archive - Posting 000203.txt from 2002/09

From: Anne Bell <bell@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Music/Academics studies?
Date: Sat, 14 Sep 2002 08:37:02 -0400

F (Forest?)
While not supporting "time abuse" I would suggest that we have an
obligation to the smart children already performing well to provide them
with a rewarding and enriching experience. As one of those children,
parent to two of those children and teacher of many more I think that the
"back to basics" movement is more whiplash than logic.
TMEA did a study a few years ago and compared the average student SAT
scores to those involved in various activities. The highest average was in
String Orchestra if I remember correctly. When referring to this study in
the past I have always pointed out that it is not simple cause and effect.
Students in programs where they must invest time and money are typically
provided more support at home. Many of these kids would have music in
their lives regardless of school circumstances. I worry about schools
cutting electives because they're denying access to a significant aspect of
our culture to those least able to obtain these benefits on their own.
After all- culture must be why literature is included in our curriculums
since the "basics" of reading and writing don't include appreciation.... or
do they? I can't think of a single study trying to justify the teaching of
literature on the basis of score outcomes. Perhaps I'm just out of the
loop.....
There are also studies that attempt to control for the native ability of
students in studying the effects of music instruction. One (Ohio?) study
compares students of comparable achievement and has part of them
participating in a pull- out instrumental program and the rest staying in
the classroom. There were some interesting results.
The point- we already lose far too many students- gifted students-
because we don't provide meaningful and challenging instruction. We save
some of them through student leadership opportunities, some through sports
and some through Music and Art offerings. If the goal is simply competency
in Math, Science, Reading and Writing then we'd better set up an
examination process so that the students already proficient can get out of
school!
Best Wishes,
Anne

At 11:42 PM 9/13/2002 -0500, you wrote:
>Perhaps the cart before the horse.....as more recent studies indicate.
>
>I find that smart kids are attracted to music. My local (Texas) observations
>have been.....that the image generated by smart students performing well,
>may help music education appear to more beneficial than public school music
>educators play it up to be. (survival) We have a lot of time abuse (marching
>band) in Texas and the music education that many kids suffer through is not
>even remotely close to mandated or even reasonable curricular objectives.
>
>Statistics are often twisted and/or misinterpreted in an effort to support
>political agenda.
>
>F. Aten
>
>
>

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Anne Bell bell@-----.net
Bayside HS Orchestra Director
ABC Index: http://www.anne-bell.sneezy.org/ MUSIC LINKS!
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