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trumpeterb · 12-11-2003, 05:27 PM

I am unsure exactly who promoted this policy, but I am pretty sure that whomever it was, they haven't spent a day in a school since the day they graduated. To me, this is like saying "all of your trumpet students will play a double C, and if they can't play a double C, I will send in a government trumpeter to show you how to properly teach a child how to play trumpet, because apparently you are a terrible trumpet teacher if your students can't play a double C." It is just terrible legislation, and the kids are going to be the ones that suffer.

Here is yet another downfall. Some districts in my state have done this, and is truly is horrible.....the testing centers mainly in the areas of math and reading/language arts. Since the districts are now afraid to be placed on the "needs improvement" list of the education department, many are finding ways to add more time for the math and language arts/reading teachers to teach. Some districts are now offering double periods of these classes. At first glance, it doesn't look like a bad solution, but here is the problem....they are not extending the school day, and that time has to come from somewhere.....MANY MUSIC PROGRAMS ARE BEING ELIMINATED FROM SCHOOLS...along with art programs, etc.....anything that is not "inspected" on these tests are being placed at the bottom of the list of "important" subjects. Like Mr. Holland says in the movie....the kids may be able to read and write like champs, but they will soon have nothing to read or write about if you eliminate the arts......

Here is another problem.....the reason some of these kids do poorly is due to ADD. They simply can't pay attention long enough to process the information......if they can't sit through a regular length class and "get it", how is doubling that amount of time going to help......

Just my 2 cents as a teacher.

12-11-2003, 05:27 PM	#9 (permalink)
trumpeterb Pianissimo User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 58	I am unsure exactly who promoted this policy, but I am pretty sure that whomever it was, they haven't spent a day in a school since the day they graduated. To me, this is like saying "all of your trumpet students will play a double C, and if they can't play a double C, I will send in a government trumpeter to show you how to properly teach a child how to play trumpet, because apparently you are a terrible trumpet teacher if your students can't play a double C." It is just terrible legislation, and the kids are going to be the ones that suffer. Here is yet another downfall. Some districts in my state have done this, and is truly is horrible.....the testing centers mainly in the areas of math and reading/language arts. Since the districts are now afraid to be placed on the "needs improvement" list of the education department, many are finding ways to add more time for the math and language arts/reading teachers to teach. Some districts are now offering double periods of these classes. At first glance, it doesn't look like a bad solution, but here is the problem....they are not extending the school day, and that time has to come from somewhere.....MANY MUSIC PROGRAMS ARE BEING ELIMINATED FROM SCHOOLS...along with art programs, etc.....anything that is not "inspected" on these tests are being placed at the bottom of the list of "important" subjects. Like Mr. Holland says in the movie....the kids may be able to read and write like champs, but they will soon have nothing to read or write about if you eliminate the arts...... Here is another problem.....the reason some of these kids do poorly is due to ADD. They simply can't pay attention long enough to process the information......if they can't sit through a regular length class and "get it", how is doubling that amount of time going to help...... Just my 2 cents as a teacher. __________________ Bach Bb 43 Bach C 229 Bach Eb/D 229 Stomvi Elite Pic King Flugel Horn Cerveny Bb Rotary