This activity sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education addresses the need to strengthen music programs through enhancing teacher preparation, professional development, and performance outreach programming. This grant will address teacher quality with services provided will include professional development for students, teachers, and administrators. Preservice music teachers must take and pass PRAXIS I which assess students in (Mathematics, Reading and Writing) as required by the Mississippi Department of Education. In addition to the PRAXIS I students must take and pass the PRAXIS II Music Content Knowledge examination which has four (4) categories (Music History and Literature, Theory and Composition, Performance, and Pedagogy, Professional Issues and Technology. Music educators throughout the nation teach all grade levels from four (4) main approaches Orff-Schulwerk, Kodály, Dalcroze and Gorden’s Music Learning Theory. Knowledge of all learning theories are assessed through the four (4) categories of the PRAXIS II Music Content Knowledge examination.
In addition, this grant will address performance outreach programming that will assist with performance skills beyond the ensemble and applied lesson. Research has shown that professional development will lead to more student success in your classroom. By developing outreach programs and workshops pre-service teachers and educators can continue to grow their knowledge and pedagogical skills ready to propel in the global market. Music programming enhances teacher education and prepares students to be effective educators who appreciate and understand the means by which these activities increase critical thinking skills. Fully engaging students with resources and scholars in related fields along with proper instruction will expand their knowledge, promote understanding, develop an appreciation for music and prepare them to compete in the global market while also providing a forum for student engagement. Participants (including students, faculty, staff, and community members) will have the opportunity to expound on aesthetics of the arts; in addition to enhancing arts education.
Activities