Submitted by Sharon Burch, Centerville, Iowa
Idea posted June 3, 2005
Communicating to parents is essential in MARKETING the music education program. In the NCLB crunch, marketing the educational value of music education is crucial. Too many folks think we just sing songs in music and do not realize the intrinsic value of the education happening in music classrooms across the nation.
To market the value, I focus on making the music program a real entertaining parent-pleaser with educational "commercials" included. A well-done program impresses parents and gives warm fuzzies.
To show that music education goes far beyond "entertainment," I share what the child is learning via music grade cards. I assess the students individually. I do this during a music video. One by one, I put each student to the back of the classroom and assess each with flashcards (kindergarten through third grade level). I then give music assessment sheets to the classroom teacher to insert within their grade cards. I do this in the first quarter and fourth quarter to show growth. Incidentally, this is also the only two times I can slow down and give struggling students one-on-one instruction time.
Parents are amazed with what their children are learning in music at the kindergarten through third grade level. It earns their respect. The community buzz tends to be, "Wasn't that a great program? I can't believe what they learn in music! All we did was sing songs when I was in school." Without the grade sheet, many parents would probably think that all their children do is "sing songs." Often times, children think they are "just" singing songs and playing games because we make learning so fun for them! When asked by parents, children sing the songs we use to teach concepts unbeknownst to them. We have to educate the parents on what all the fun and games are teaching.
When cutting programs is on the line, parents can sway the school board.