Everybody Deserves Music

world-shaker:

Music is Standard in My Classroom

It’s not a special event or an activity. My students anticipate, expect, and even demand music everyday. And, in the words of Gene Simmons, they want it “Loud, I wanna’ hear it loud, right between the eyes.” They get what they want, for sure. But I do have to say that from the beginning of my classroom musical revelation, the music has been for me just as much as it’s been for the kids.

So, I don’t play “kid” music all of the time. Yes, there are times when it’s needed, but most of the time I’m exposing my students to “kid-friendly adult music.” Kids love the tunes I play for two reasons: 1) They know they’re not “kiddie” songs because they don’t feature a cheesy organ or steel drum. 2) They notice that I love the songs, too.

When I was a kid, I wanted to spit blood and breathe fire. Silly, I know. But then I wanted to play guitar. Then I joined a band. Now I’m using music to inspire others and connect with students. Sharing is the new teaching. Let’s share.

I really loved this. Please click through. There are even some great song and album suggestions.

ashashangri:

     Kymberly Wimberly, 18, got only a single B in her 4 years at McGehee Secondary School, and loaded up on Honors and Advanced Placement classes. She had the highest G.P.A. and says the school’s refusal to let her be sole valedictorian was part of a pattern of discrimination against black students.

I wish her the best of luck in her suit and hope that this story gets some more attention.  These racist administrators deserve to be fired.  I can’t even get up any real anger over this because it’s just so discouraging.  

(Source: angryblacklady.com)

teachforamericabu:

By the 8^th grade, students in low-income areas are on average 3 grade levels behind their higher-income peers in math and 2-3 grade levels behind in science. 

Educational inequality exists.

What can we do to erase the gap?

A Panel on the Achievement Gap featuring:

• Ronald Ferguson – Senior Lecturer on Education & Public Policy at HGSE
• Jeff Young – Superintendent of Cambridge Public Schools
• Dr. Caroll Blake – Executive Director for the Achievement Gap Department of Boston Public Schools
• Dai Ellis – CEO of Excel Academy Charter Schools
• Anthony Jewett – TFA, NYC ’03, Co-Founder & Chairman, National Center for Global Engagement; current doctoral candidate in education leadership at HGSE

Wednesday, February 23

6:00-7:00 PM

Emerson 210

 

Sponsored by Students For Education Reform and Teach For America