MECA: PBMS Week 7 by Don Stinson https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825 DACA, Finances, Outside of School Commitments. en-us 2021-09-20 17:40:20 UTC 2025-12-08 13:22:30 UTC hello@padlet.com Week 7: Information and What To Do donstinson83 https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754847997 Some new discussions this week in addition to a continuation of a few popular topics. Two weeks to go! Please feel free to continue sending on your final projects for feedback. I will provide responses within 24 hours.

We'll have a discussion with two administrators from my school on Friday, July 30, 10am CST. As with all sessions, this is optional. I'll put out a Zoom link next week for this]]> 2021-09-20 17:40:21 UTC https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754847997 Required Discussion: How Much Time on One Unit or Piece? donstinson83 https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754848000 How much time is too much time to prepare a piece or unit? Do we want to play a wide variety of music at the classes level or slightly above, or should we let our students go after a really difficult piece or unit over an extended period of time? ]]> 2021-09-20 17:40:21 UTC https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754848000 Watch: DACA. donstinson83 https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754848003 A lengthy video but recommended viewing if you have ever worked with DACA students. 

This is a pretty informative video that is fairly devoid of opinions from the presenter. One criticism of the video was that the presenter used the term "illegal aliens." If you're inclined to investigate this more, he explains his reasoning in the comments.

Has anyone here experienced anyone in this situation? It goes without saying to not give too much information out, but this is an annual situation for us. We often have students that do not know they are undocumented until it comes time for them to apply for college, etc.]]> 2021-09-20 17:40:21 UTC https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754848003 Immigrant Legal Resource Center donstinson83 https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754848009 If you have students or families looking for advice or resources, check with your school guidance counselors first. If the counselors and community do not have resources, the Immigrant Legal Resource page is a good start. Information on immigration and citizenship are available, including practice tests for citizenship, legal resources, and books and trainings.

This site is typically the most up to date site with information regarding DACA.]]> 2021-09-20 17:40:21 UTC https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754848009 Post-Secondary Financial Aid donstinson83 https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754848016 The process of applying for and obtaining financial aid for college can be daunting. If you are not already familiar with today's FAFSA process, consider brushing up in order to help college or trade-school bound students. Additionally, becoming aware of area scholarships and having this information readily available can be helpful to your students and your program.

studentaid.gov is of course a good place to start, but some other sites do a good job of organizing the FAQs. Link to Nerdwallet's recently published FAFSA information.]]> 2021-09-20 17:40:21 UTC https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754848016 Discussion: Advocacy for Students donstinson83 https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754848022 Have you ever had to advocate for a student in need? If so, please tell us what the specific issue was and how the process went. No situations are too big or small; consider items such as helping families negotiate for a new instrument, providing a job reference, college recommendations, living situation recommendations, and legal situations.]]> 2021-09-20 17:40:21 UTC https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754848022 Expectant and Parenting Young Families. donstinson83 https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754848027 Although teen pregnancy is on a decline, students raising students are still in need of resources, care, and guidance. If you teach in an area where this occurs, consider checking out the resource below. Of course, with most of my recommendations, I suggest speaking to the school guidance counselors and social workers to see what is already in place.]]> 2021-09-20 17:40:21 UTC https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754848027 Watch/Read/Discuss: Making Students Work a Second Shift donstinson83 https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754848038 I first experienced Alfie Kohn back in 2012. He came to speak at my rural school's in-service and ticked half of the faculty off by telling us that grades and homework don't matter and can be damaging. He had math teachers yelling at him that homework was necessary for skill building. He responded by saying "there is no research anywhere that proves homework is beneficial." This made them even angrier. 

I've certainly adopted some of his suggestions. Alfie is not a fan of the school dictating everyone's  life. However, this has been difficult to balance, especially in a low-income area where so many of my students and families depend on the school.

Alfie Kohn has also posted a lot about this on his website. Please visit this link to view his article in the National Association of Elementary School Principals journal. He urges principals to rethink homework. Spoiler: I don't they listened. https://www.alfiekohn.org/article/rethinking-homework/

There's a lot more to Alfie's thoughts on homework, but what initial thoughts come to your mind about assigning work outside of class and the school's role outside of the school's hours? Consider the role in the lives of low-income families.]]> 2021-09-20 17:40:21 UTC https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754848038 Video: Alfie Kohn on Education and Music; donstinson83 https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754848048 If you want a little more of Alfie Kohn, he speaks about music education here. 

My favorite quote:  "I'm certainly interested in having a doctor around if I'm having a heart attack, instead of having a violinist around, but we're not always having heart attacks and life is about more than building bridges or performing surgery."

Discussion not required, but welcome.]]> 2021-09-20 17:40:21 UTC https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754848048 Copyright Law: an Introduction donstinson83 https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754848054 Many of you have posted in the literature posts that you have rewritten parts or make some arrangements. Have no fear, the copyright document is here. This is just posted for your reference. A distance learning section is available as well.]]> 2021-09-20 17:40:21 UTC https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754848054 My Contact Info/Friday Appointments donstinson83 https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754848059 Don Stinson
dstinson@vandercook.edu
Cell: 815-919-8980

Please don't hesitate to reach out. You are free to contact me at any time for course related issues, such as content, questions, tech related issues, or ideas. If I don't reply right away, I will do my best to get back to you within 24 hours.

I will keep Fridays open for phone calls/Zoom appointments for groups or individuals. If you'd like to schedule a meeting with me on Friday to talk about any issues with your program, or even just to brag about a success with your students, please reach out!]]> 2021-09-20 17:40:21 UTC https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754848059 Course Calendar (Updated 6/20 to reflect assignment 2 change) donstinson83 https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754848067 Here is the course calendar. It's available in the Schoology site under Course Information, but it's probably easier if it's just posted here. It is uploaded in Excel format - if you cannot view, please let me know and I can make a PDF of it for you.]]> 2021-09-20 17:40:21 UTC https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754848067 Final Project Check Up donstinson83 https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754848073 How are your final projects going? If you need help or need me to look anything over, please feel free to email me at dstinson@vandercook.edu.]]> 2021-09-20 17:40:21 UTC https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754848073 Final Project PDF Version donstinson83 https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754848079 For anyone that is unable to access PowerPoint.]]> 2021-09-20 17:40:21 UTC https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754848079 Required: Project 2/Final Project Information donstinson83 https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754848085 (Copied from Previous Week) Based on school report card submissions and classroom discussion, I've replaced project two with a proposal for your final projects.  The original second project would have been redundant and low-level for where we are at. (Please take that as a compliment.)  Furthermore, the final project may take more time than I originally anticipated.

Project two is now replaced with a final project proposal that is due Thursday, July 1.  This will segue directly into the final project.

I have linked this as both a Powerpoint and PDF, just in case you do not have access to Powerpoint.]]> 2021-09-20 17:40:21 UTC https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754848085 Previous Padlets and Livestreams donstinson83 https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754848093 Week 1 Padlet: https://lowincomemusic.padlet.org/donstinson831/k4oae3g96ypvek7y

Week 2 Padlet: https://lowincomemusic.padlet.org/donstinson831/g3iu84n78g8n3agc

Week 2 Video Wrap Up: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCjFSQ-n_s4

Week 3 Padlet: https://lowincomemusic.padlet.org/donstinson831/boy3pbfp48ofopzz

Week 3 Video Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_djSoxCMC2c&list=PL7fjDvPTKRHohxY_QaDAV0ood5HuFEqms

Week 4 Padlet: https://lowincomemusic.padlet.org/donstinson831/jkjuakpn98hjcczf

Week 4 RIF Scenario Video Response: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrJYguY7mBs

Week 4 Budget Tips Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1a--JYXS2GE

Week 5 Padlet: https://lowincomemusic.padlet.org/donstinson831/4hjk95lm3s12qopp

Week 5: Roosevelt Griffin Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWmCSzM-RNc

Week 6 Padlet: https://lowincomemusic.padlet.org/donstinson831/m94tlbp3ka2bpkps]]> 2021-09-20 17:40:21 UTC https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754848093 Book Recommendation donstinson83 https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754848098 The Creative Director: Alternative Rehearsal Techniques by Edward Lisk. I love this book and cannot recommend it enough. It truly changed the way I plan and run a rehearsal. We moved towards actually playing less music in rehearsal and doing more units on techniques and musical elements, and the group got better overall. This was a tough sell for me, as I was a person that said we needed as much time on the music as possible in class, but these techniques helped me to shift to a different approach.]]> 2021-09-20 17:40:21 UTC https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754848098 Documentary: American Dream (1990) donstinson83 https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754848107 A class-member in last summer's session taught in Austin, MN. This is the home of the Hormel Factory. A famous labor strike occurred in the mid-80s, and the town drastically changed following this time period. 

You may be pro- or anti-union, but the message and relation I got from this was how a town can change when a changes occur to that location's major industry. In Joliet, we had steel mills. Those closed, and the town depressed. Later on, more medical facilities and an Amazon Warehouse opens up. Things get a little better. Most of our workers in my town, however, are concentrated in these areas. Many of us have a concern if Amazon decides to leave for another location due to taxes, etc. If you've been in an area where an industry closes, you know the effects this can have on the entire town, including the schools.

Link to trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eZMfQqcjmM

Legal Watching Options: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099028/]]> 2021-09-20 17:40:21 UTC https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754848107 Book Awareness (maybe a recommendation?): Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family in Culture and Crisis by J.D. Vance. donstinson83 https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754848115 The book examines one person's experience growing up in rural poverty.  His family moves from Kentucky to Ohio to escape their situation.  The author grows up to attend Yale Law but reflects on members of his family that are unable to escape their situations.  

This is a polarizing books among my circle of friends.  Some us related to it, while others thought that the author was on a bit of an ego trip (although I suppose it's hard to avoid this when writing a semi-autobiography/case study of your family).  I've had friends that lived in rural areas both praise the book and also speak out against it due to generalizations.  

I read this book when it was released five summers ago.  Disclaimer: it appears that the marketing of this book has changed since I first read it.  There's some promises that reading this will help people understand current political situations.  It's been four years since I've read the book; I'm not sure if this holds true, or if this is just timely marketing. 

A movie based on the book was recently released. I have not watched the movie as of yet.]]> 2021-09-20 17:40:21 UTC https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754848115 Book recommendation: iGen by Dr. Jean Twenge donstinson83 https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754848122 I read iGen when it was first published in 2017.  The full title is iGen: 

Why Today's Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy--and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood--and What That Means for the Rest of Us.  Check your local library if you're interested.  I found this book to be extremely helpful when understanding behavior; not always negative, but just the day to day behavior, thoughts, and reactions of today's student.

It's not doom and gloom, but it's pretty insightful.  We used to rely on older students driving younger kids to rehearsal; now, the stats are showing that kids are waiting until they're nearly 20 to get their license.  They also like hanging out with their parents and would rather stay home than go to a movie.

]]> 2021-09-20 17:40:21 UTC https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754848122 Book recommendation: Grit by Angela Duckworth donstinson83 https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754848127 This book changed that way I approached my students and my own children, and reinforced some other beliefs and actions. In short, it's an interesting view on courage, passion, and fear. Claims are made that talent doesn't necessarily lead to success, but rather, grit.

Also included: a TED talk from Angela Duckworth regarding Grit. Click here for the link.]]> 2021-09-20 17:40:21 UTC https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754848127 Book Recommendation donstinson83 https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754848135 The First Days of Schools: Harry Wong and Rosemary T. Wong

If you're a new teacher or a music teacher like me that needs to continually study up on the whole classroom education thing, this is a great book. Some tried and true methods without being too authoritarian/eliminating the student voice. I own the previous version and refer to it each summer.]]> 2021-09-20 17:40:21 UTC https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754848135 Book Recommendation: Urban Music Education: A Practical Guide for Teachers donstinson83 https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754848142 I'd recommend this book for both urban and non-urban teachers. You'll find quite a bit of practical advice balanced with philosophy, and a chapter specifically against the "one size fits all" mentality of music education.]]> 2021-09-20 17:40:21 UTC https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754848142 Book Recommendation: Practicing Successfully, Elizabeth A.H. Green donstinson83 https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754848144 Chances are you've experienced Elizabeth Green's book on conducting. A lesser known one is her book on practicing. I HIGHLY recommend this book for anyone looking for efficiency and effectiveness regarding technical passages, rehearsal and teaching strategies, and overall theory and philosophy on practice. This is a very practical book with some philosophy peppered in. 

The largest take away I have from this book: Practicing is a mature, adult activity. ]]> 2021-09-20 17:40:21 UTC https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754848144 Scenario: A Scheduling Error in an Ensemble Class donstinson83 https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754848153  A student is placed in your ensemble class by mistake. You offer the student the chance to learn to sing or play an instrument, but the student is not interested. You let the guidance counselors know.

A week passes, and the student is still in the class. You contact the guidance counselors. You are told that there was a scheduling error with the new software and that many students were placed in the wrong course. They have moved students to appropriate classes with priority given to students needing courses for graduation requirements. The student in your class is unable to be moved, but will not miss graduation requirements. All other classes are full, or the student does not meet the prerequisites to take the course. The powers that be tell you that the student must remain in your class.

The student refuses to participate in any capacity in the class. Furthermore, the student has started to disrupt the classroom daily. You call home multiple times, but you never receive any phone calls back. Other students begin to become upset with the student and you due to the behavior.

How do you handle this situation?

]]> 2021-09-20 17:40:21 UTC https://padlet.com/donstinson83/jrvchwqfdnemuuyh1646130825/wish/1754848153