Embedded Files
Billings Public Schools Graduate Core Principles
Through the lens of the Senior High Band Program
Critical Thinking - BPS Graduates are creative problem solvers
Key Components
Problem Solving
Musicians learn to be great problem solvers. As students practice and rehearse, they use logic and effective strategies to better their understanding of the music making process
Judgment and Decision-Making
Musicians must understand how to listen and play their instrument at the same time. This requires great attention to detail and understanding of the importance of making the correct decision in the moment
Adaptability and Practical Application
Musicians are practical adapters as they perform and rehearse. Students learn to think outside the box to solve problems as well as to apply a greater bandwidth of brain power to solve problems
How we measure success
Tests and Assessments
Students are assessed informally on a daily basis. Formal assessments are used on a monthly basis to track playing ability.
Problem-Solving Tasks
Students are required to listen and assess problems in the music during rehearsals. Being able to listen and adjust playing to the given circumstance is a skill built during class time.
Writing and Analysis
Students are asked questions during rehearsal to check and understand musical concepts. Responding to feedback and collaboratively engaging in the discussion betters the ensemble and musical experience
Classroom Observations
Collaborative rehearsals happen every second during a rehearsal. Students learn to work together and to build a strong community and culture.
Feedback and Reflection
Group discussion and feedback are essential pillars in music making. This aids in solving problems as well as understanding what is beyond the piece of music they are reading.
Alternative Measures
Music skills can apply to much more than just in the classroom. Being on time, working with others and grit on a few that are learned in music.
Academic Readiness - BPS Graduates are prepared for lifelong learning
Key Components
Motivation
Musicians must understand the importance of wanting to better themselves. Through music, students will continue to build their skills to be lifelong learners.
Preparation
Musicians learn to build organizational skills as well as creating tools to prepare their music for concerts and skills to better prepare them for life challenges.
Relevancy Skills
Musicians collaborate on a daily basis in rehearsals. Learning how to adapt and work with others is a life skill learned through music.
Perseverance
Musicians learn the dedication it takes to master their instrument. This is a lifelong journey and students build the ability to better their skills outside of music and create a healthy work ethic.
How we measure success
Quantitative Assessments
Students who stay in music tend to score higher on ACT and SAT testing. Studies show that staying in a music class for 4 years of high school helps improve academically not only in the music room but outside of it as well.
Performance Indicators
Students grow through assessments and concert performances. Musicians learn to create a positive work ethic through music to better themselves.
Qualitative Measures
Informal assessments are used on a daily basis to track student progress real-time. Students self-assess during rehearsals and after performances to understand their role in their musical journeys.
Broader Evaluations
Many musicians also participate in AP classes, sports, extracurricular activities and clubs that enhance their ways of building their work ethic and being great problem solvers.
Social/Emotional Well-Being - BPS Graduates demonstrate social and emotional intelligence
Key Components
Decision-Making
Band is a collaborative class. Students learn to build a respectful and caring culture that nurtures and fosters engaged and respectful relationships.
Balance and Stability
Students learn that each of their colleagues are in the same journey as them through their musical careers. They understand how to conquer the challenges of music making to better their resilience in music and life.
People-Skills
Musicians learn to be empathetic of others in class. Being able to interact and socialize with others builds a positive culture or respect.
How we measure success
Surveys and Questionnaires
Students in the band program participate in community circles where peer bonding and culture is built. One on one check ins are used in the audition groups to check in on social well-being as well as goals.
Teacher and Peer Observations
Students in the band program learn to foster a positive culture. Students learn to be great community members, engaged learners in school and contributing musicians during their time in the band program.
Behavioral Indicators
Building a positive rapport with students is a great way to check in with students. Greeting students at the door each day before rehearsal creates a quick check-in to assess a student's demeanor for the day.
Emotional and Social Reactions
Being in band, students have the opportunity to participate in many elements. Being available before school, at lunch and after school allows them to monitor how students act during class and outside during social situations. We value being a productive citizen, hard working student and collaborative musician as our three pillars in the band program.
Scientifically Supported Tools
At Senior, we work closely with our counseling department and other faculty to care for our students. Being able to collaborate and work with teachers and administration fosters great positive relationships.
Character Development - BPS Graduates are resilient and adaptable
Key Components
Personal Growth
Musicians build the skillset to understand the importance of personal growth in regards to music and life skills.
Adaptability
Musicians understand how to manage their strengths and weaknesses to better themselves and others. Awareness of how to be great leaders as well as improving on weaknesses not only benefits themselves but their colleagues in class.
Resilience
Musicians learn to manage stressful situations and learn and grow from obstacles. Continuing to grow and adapt are skills learned through music making.
Integrity
Building a culture of care, trust and leading by example are core principles to our band program.
How we measure success
Observational Methods
Creating a rapport with students and building a positive culture aids in identifying problems that may occur. Interacting with other faculty members and administration helps care for all students in our school.
Surveys, Self-Reports and Journaling
Check-ins and community circles are ways that we track student growth and character development at Senior High.
Comparative Analysis
The benefit of staying in band for 4 years is being part of a positive community with great student leaders. As the teacher, I am able to track and follow their progress as well as be a role model for my students.
Role-Playing/Situational Exercises
Band rehearsals constantly challenge our situational awareness, whether it involves music or life lessons.
Anecdotal Records
Working directly with our counseling team as well as parent involvement helps build a positive band culture. Reaching out to parents is a great way to let them know how important their students are to the band program, school and community.
Engaged Productive Citizens - BPS Graduates are workforce ready and community-minded
Key Components
Time Management and Organization
Musicians learn to prioritize tasks as well as learning to build healthy work-life balance. Playing a music instrument taps into the brain bandwidth required to tackle these obstacles.
Recruitment Ready
Musicians learn to be responsible and respectful members of the community and learn through performance practice on how to represent themselves at the highest level.
Communicate and Collaborate
Musicians learn to be professionals in regards to interactions through social settings or online.
Responsible Digital Citizen
Musicians create healthy online habits as well as learning to lead by example.
How we measure success
Teacher and Peer Feedback
Being a part of after school activities and giving back to the community are great ways for students to be engaged community members.
Self-Reflection Surveys
Students often reflect after performances or community events to understand the importance of their involvement in a music program, as well as what we do for others in the community.
Observation
As the teacher, I have the opportunity to foster great students in the community, school and in the classroom. Being a great role model and giving students the opportunity to the best education is my sole focus.
Community Involvement
Band students are involved in many community service activities including pep band, jazz band, modern band, performing at community events and much more.
Exploring Industry Created Performance Metrics
Musicians learn to be lifelong learners. Being curious and exploring new and exciting music fields helps enhance their learning and future goals to achieve.
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