Music Chat, Generally Speaking

Focus for Best Practices in the Arts Classroom for Second Semester, 2008

Jim Kimbrough, Arts Instructional Specialist

Networks 1 and 4

    1.       Student Environment ·         Classroom arrangement is student centered·         Arts Standards and Progress Indicators are posted·         Instructional materials are displayed and organized.·         All materials are available and accessible for instruction.   2.       Student Behavior and Organization ·         Organization of students and materials are appropriate to arts discipline (e.g., seating charts, job charts, posted behavior expectations, expectations for assignments.·         Word walls are posted and user friendly (posted at a level that students have access to the information.·         Intended learning/expectations for days instruction is posted.·         Proficient student work is posted in the classroom.   3.       Learning Tasks and Assessments ·         Lesson Plan structure allows for flexible instruction (differentiation).·         Student/teacher created rubric/assessment toolss are posted and/or in print.·         Student portfolios include self-assessments.·         Record keeping documents students’ experiences, knowledge and skills – includes connections to Standards and Progress Indicators.·         Evidence of cross-curricular instruction – writing and reading in particular

This site is designed to help elementary general music educators share information, lessons, and materials.  My hope is that we will develop a professional learning community to strengthen our move toward standards based music education that supports literacy, creating a well balanced learner for the 21st century.