Leadership for Learning
by Patricia Kerback
I recently attended a conference titled "Leadership for Learning:Transforming Research into Action". The speaker, Dr. Doug Reeves, was referring to research regarding the changing school climate and culture, re-thinking grading for learning, leadership from the top down, including teachers and students, and identifying important goals and standards in the classroom. Those in attendance at the conference included school superintendents, principals, school board members, department heads, and teachers from our area.
The focus of Dr. Reeves' presentation was improved student performance, accountability, and fairness. He advised us to look for models that work and then asked the following question, "In what classes do our students already receive immediate, appropriate, positive feedback that promotes student learning, discipline, participation, goal-setting, and success?". The answer, of course, was in music as well as art and athletics. Those of us who teach those subjects continually evaluate our students during the class and provide honest, appropriate, timely, and useful information to encourage learning and success. Dr. Reeves continued, throughout the day, to call to our attention the model of fairness and immediate improved student performance which music, art, and athletic classes provide.
Music teachers, particularly, have had the advantage of this positive learning model since most of us likely began taking private lessons at an early age. In my own experience, I began taking private lessons at the age of 4 and the relationship I developed with my teacher and the immediate successes I felt in my lessons with her transferred to many of my other classes when I entered elementary school.
This year has already been filled with many success for your children including the Concert/Picnic, the Holiday Concert, the Veteran's Day Concert, the Travelling Wall Memorial Exhibit Concert, and the District #202 Concert Festival. Participation in music provides life-long skills that your child can use when faced with challenges they will see in their future.
Music classes ARE models for sucess.
