Counterpoints: Video resource

Jake Sturtevant

Music Educator

Bonny Eagle High School, Standish Maine

Maine Arts Assessment Initiative Resource Bank Team 2015

music.beband@gmail.com or jsturtevant@bonnyeagle.org

Project Introduction:

In this video resource I wanted to capture conversations, questions, concerns, and practical classroom applications about the shift to Standards Based Education in our school. I have found that there has often been a disconnect in communication and understanding educational philosophies among administrators, teachers, students, parents, and community members.  There are many stakeholders in the educational process, and finding ways to allow everyone to have a voice is extremely important if a process is going to work.  

Project Description:

This video includes a roundtable discussion between students, a music teacher, and administrators from Bonny Eagle High School about Standards Based Education.  In the discussion questions and concerns are addressed about our current education system and the move towards Standards Based Education.  The dialogue is also accompanied by a few short segments allowing for teacher and administrative perspectives, and examples of Standards Based learning in Fine Arts classrooms.  

Project Use:     

It is my hope that this resource will allow for guidance in other schools and districts to allow the student voice to be heard in the educational process.  The video may be used in professional development, board meetings, administrative retreats, or classrooms to allow the opportunity for raising difficult questions and allowing the student voice to be heard as we move towards a restructuring of our education system.  It is also important to see how the Arts and other electives are an essential component of the educational experience, and that they are not just “enrichment” opportunities for our students.  Please feel free to use as much or as little of this resource as you see fit in your setting to allow for conversations to take place. Below are a list of Essential Questions, and example questions that you may raise in your conversation, and which helped structure and drive the dialogue captured in this video.