MECA: PBMS Week 5 by Don Stinson https://padlet.com/donstinson83/4hjk95lm3s12qopp1646130812 Materials, Equipment, Benefits & Insurance, Low-Income Students in Wealthier Areas en-us 2021-09-20 17:40:20 UTC 2025-12-14 17:23:45 UTC hello@padlet.com Week 5: Information and What to Do donstinson83 https://padlet.com/donstinson83/4hjk95lm3s12qopp1646130812/wish/1754848007 We've covered some items already pertaining to money and equipment, and we'll continue those discussions this week as it applies to music classroom assets.  We'll also focus on Low-Income Students in Wealthier areas, and participate in discussions on benefits and insurance as they pertain to some of our students. ]]> 2021-09-20 17:40:21 UTC https://padlet.com/donstinson83/4hjk95lm3s12qopp1646130812/wish/1754848007 Required Discussion: Low-Income Students in Wealthier Areas donstinson83 https://padlet.com/donstinson83/4hjk95lm3s12qopp1646130812/wish/1754848013 I worked at Naperville North High School (NNHS) prior to Joliet Central. Naperville, IL is one of the wealthiest cities in the country and often considered the wealthiest city in the mid-west (often competing with Carmel, IN). NNHS's school report looks like one might assume: high graduation rate, low-mobility rate, exemplary school. Low-income rate at NNHS is about 16%.  While working at NNHS I asked how low-income families might be able to survive in an area like this. I found out that a common approach was for three or four families to share a rental property in order to allow their students to live in residence and attend the schools. Other families were using a relative or friend's address to attend school, while actually residing outside of the district.

Do any of you have experiences with low-income students in wealthier areas?

If you do NOT have experience with this, you can simply indicate that.]]> 2021-09-20 17:40:21 UTC https://padlet.com/donstinson83/4hjk95lm3s12qopp1646130812/wish/1754848013 Required Discussion: Does the Dentist Only Work During Rehearsals? donstinson83 https://padlet.com/donstinson83/4hjk95lm3s12qopp1646130812/wish/1754848019 I used to think that medical practitioners had it out for me..  Every time we had an important rehearsal or event, I'm missing kids for dental and orthodontist appointments, doctors visits, etc.  It also seems to happen at certain times of the year.  Our low-income students are particularly affected by this.  

What assumptions might you make in regards to this issue? Why do you think this might happen?]]> 2021-09-20 17:40:21 UTC https://padlet.com/donstinson83/4hjk95lm3s12qopp1646130812/wish/1754848019 Optional: Being Poorer Than the Rest of the Neighborhood: Relative Deprivation and Problem Behavior of Youth donstinson83 https://padlet.com/donstinson83/4hjk95lm3s12qopp1646130812/wish/1754848026 Linked below is a research paper on neighborhood relocation, relative poverty, and psychosocial behavior in youth. This is a fascinating read if you are interested in the behavioral effects of relocating a family in poverty to a higher income neighborhood.]]> 2021-09-20 17:40:21 UTC https://padlet.com/donstinson83/4hjk95lm3s12qopp1646130812/wish/1754848026 Required Reading & Discussion: Benefits of Living in High-Opportunity Neighborhoods donstinson83 https://padlet.com/donstinson83/4hjk95lm3s12qopp1646130812/wish/1754848040 After reading the linked research: Was there anything surprising about the findings from this experiment?  Do any questions come up after reading this?]]> 2021-09-20 17:40:21 UTC https://padlet.com/donstinson83/4hjk95lm3s12qopp1646130812/wish/1754848040 Interview: Chris Davis, Trombone donstinson83 https://padlet.com/donstinson83/4hjk95lm3s12qopp1646130812/wish/1754848047 Chris Davis is a professional trombonist from Harvey, IL. Information related to our class starts at about 19:30.  It was interesting to hear how he has a protocol that he follows when encountering new people, the precautions that he feels he has to take, and having to speak two different ways (code or code-switching).]]> 2021-09-20 17:40:21 UTC https://padlet.com/donstinson83/4hjk95lm3s12qopp1646130812/wish/1754848047 Some Inspirational Reading for the Week donstinson83 https://padlet.com/donstinson83/4hjk95lm3s12qopp1646130812/wish/1754848055 Daniel is now a Harvard student that has made the news for his library card project. This is a pretty significant project, as we find that many low-income families do not have a lot of books in their houses.  Many elementary and junior high schools will use funds to help provide and supply appropriate level books for low-income families.  Daniel and the state's work will help low-income students access library materials on and off site without additional cost.]]> 2021-09-20 17:40:21 UTC https://padlet.com/donstinson83/4hjk95lm3s12qopp1646130812/wish/1754848055 Required Materials and Equipment: How to Improve? donstinson83 https://padlet.com/donstinson83/4hjk95lm3s12qopp1646130812/wish/1754848064 "Buy nice or buy twice" is something that a lot of our families and programs may not be able to do. A few us have probably experienced the student that brings in an instrument that it detrimental to themselves and the group.  There are certainly some instruments that are beyond hope, but some beginner and intermediate level instruments can be improved slightly by using a high quality bow or mouthpiece.  Instead of paying over a thousand to replace an instrument, a higher quality accessory could cost about $100 and give the student a better experience. Are there any "hacks" that you have for materials and equipment, including instruments (pianos and elementary instruments included), sheet music, and even instrument repairs?]]> 2021-09-20 17:40:21 UTC https://padlet.com/donstinson83/4hjk95lm3s12qopp1646130812/wish/1754848064 Week 4 Video Response Links and Padlet Link donstinson83 https://padlet.com/donstinson83/4hjk95lm3s12qopp1646130812/wish/1754848072 Response to RIF Senario (spoiler - you're all correct): https://youtu.be/ZrJYguY7mBs (this link may need some time to process. If it is still processing, please check back later).

Budget Tips (repost from two days ago): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1a--JYXS2GE

Link to Week 4 Padlet: https://lowincomemusic.padlet.org/donstinson831/jkjuakpn98hjcczf]]> 2021-09-20 17:40:21 UTC https://padlet.com/donstinson83/4hjk95lm3s12qopp1646130812/wish/1754848072 Week 3 Friday's Livestream donstinson83 https://padlet.com/donstinson83/4hjk95lm3s12qopp1646130812/wish/1754848078 Here is Friday's Youtube livestream, for those of you that would like to access.


]]> 2021-09-20 17:40:21 UTC https://padlet.com/donstinson83/4hjk95lm3s12qopp1646130812/wish/1754848078 Week 2 Friday's Livestream donstinson83 https://padlet.com/donstinson83/4hjk95lm3s12qopp1646130812/wish/1754848084 Here is Friday's Youtube livestream, for those of you that would like to access.


]]> 2021-09-20 17:40:21 UTC https://padlet.com/donstinson83/4hjk95lm3s12qopp1646130812/wish/1754848084 Link to Week 1 Padlet donstinson83 https://padlet.com/donstinson83/4hjk95lm3s12qopp1646130812/wish/1754848095 Some posts were directly transferred over to this week. I'm posting this for your reference for discussions and any video responses.]]> 2021-09-20 17:40:21 UTC https://padlet.com/donstinson83/4hjk95lm3s12qopp1646130812/wish/1754848095 Link to Week 2 Padlet donstinson83 https://padlet.com/donstinson83/4hjk95lm3s12qopp1646130812/wish/1754848099 Some posts were directly transferred over to this week. I'm posting this for your reference for discussions and any video responses.]]> 2021-09-20 17:40:21 UTC https://padlet.com/donstinson83/4hjk95lm3s12qopp1646130812/wish/1754848099 Book recommendation: Grit by Angela Duckworth donstinson83 https://padlet.com/donstinson83/4hjk95lm3s12qopp1646130812/wish/1754848104 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/donstinson83/4hjk95lm3s12qopp1646130812/wish/1754848104 Book recommendation: iGen by Dr. Jean Twenge donstinson83 https://padlet.com/donstinson83/4hjk95lm3s12qopp1646130812/wish/1754848111 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/donstinson83/4hjk95lm3s12qopp1646130812/wish/1754848111 Book Awareness (maybe a recommendation?): Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family in Culture and Crisis by J.D. Vance. donstinson83 https://padlet.com/donstinson83/4hjk95lm3s12qopp1646130812/wish/1754848119 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/donstinson83/4hjk95lm3s12qopp1646130812/wish/1754848119 My Contact Info/Friday Appointments donstinson83 https://padlet.com/donstinson83/4hjk95lm3s12qopp1646130812/wish/1754848125 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/donstinson83/4hjk95lm3s12qopp1646130812/wish/1754848125 Course Calendar (Updated 6/20 to reflect assignment 2 change) donstinson83 https://padlet.com/donstinson83/4hjk95lm3s12qopp1646130812/wish/1754848133 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/donstinson83/4hjk95lm3s12qopp1646130812/wish/1754848133 Guest Speaker: Roosevelt Griffin, July 9, 9am CST; Please List Questions in the Comments donstinson83 https://padlet.com/donstinson83/4hjk95lm3s12qopp1646130812/wish/1754848141 Zoom Link: Roosevelt Griffin: MECA
Time: Jul 9, 2021 09:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://jths-org.zoom.us/j/83061294318?pwd=dkk2TTNhZytQMkpYK3dhK1FkbzNwUT09

Meeting ID: 830 6129 4318
Passcode: 404762

Our first guest speaker will be Roosevelt Griffin. For more on Roosevelt, please visit his website/bio in the link. 

As with all Zoom sessions, this will be completely optional and recorded for viewing later. 

Do you have any questions for Roosevelt? If so, please place them in the comments. I'm going to be asking him about specifically about how I might be able to address the declining black population in all of our music programs post-COVID. Note: you do not have to be present at the meeting to post a question!

Roosevelt specializes in elementary and junior high music programs, and runs the Griffin Institute, a non-profit that focuses on providing arts and mentoring for underserved youth. He is an alum of and teaches in Harvey, IL, with a population of 99% low-income students. (See our Optional Material on Chris Davis for some additional information).

Here is another optional link: this is an interview I did with Roosevelt a couple of years ago: http://www.thebandmasters.com/podcast/2020/2/20/episode-33-dr-roosevelt-griffin-iii-harvey-school-district-152-harvey-il

Disclaimer: I don't do any advertising nor do I receive any money from any linked interviews.]]> 2021-09-20 17:40:21 UTC https://padlet.com/donstinson83/4hjk95lm3s12qopp1646130812/wish/1754848141 Documentary: American Dream (1990) donstinson83 https://padlet.com/donstinson83/4hjk95lm3s12qopp1646130812/wish/1754848146 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/donstinson83/4hjk95lm3s12qopp1646130812/wish/1754848146 Required Scenario: Low Quality Instrument and Angry Parents donstinson83 https://padlet.com/donstinson83/4hjk95lm3s12qopp1646130812/wish/1754848150 A student walks into your class with a new instrument. She is very excited. She begins playing in your class, and you notice that something doesn’t sound right. As the class period goes on, the student starts having mechanical issues with the instrument. After class, you ask to see her instrument. You immediately recognize that this is a low-quality instrument that may not hold up. You tell the student that you have another instrument that she can use for your class.

The next day, the student’s parents leave an angry voicemail. They explain that they saved up money for this instrument and that their daughter will be playing on this instrument in class. They are upset that you don’t realize how hard they worked to get this instrument, and they explain that their daughter was embarrassed by the situation.

How do you respond to the parents? Do you speak to the student about this?
]]> 2021-09-20 17:40:21 UTC https://padlet.com/donstinson83/4hjk95lm3s12qopp1646130812/wish/1754848150 Articles: Diversity in Schools and Neighborhoods donstinson83 https://padlet.com/donstinson83/4hjk95lm3s12qopp1646130812/wish/1754848154 Linked are some useful articles on observations/philosophies, and data on diversity in schools, neighborhoods, and community.


The Benefits of Socioeconomically and Racially Integrated Schools and Classrooms: https://tcf.org/content/facts/the-benefits-of-socioeconomically-and-racially-integrated-schools-and-classrooms/?agreed=1


America’s public school teachers are far less racially and ethnically diverse than their students. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2018/08/27/americas-public-school-teachers-are-far-less-racially-and-ethnically-diverse-than-their-students/
]]> 2021-09-20 17:40:21 UTC https://padlet.com/donstinson83/4hjk95lm3s12qopp1646130812/wish/1754848154 Roosevelt Griffin Video donstinson83 https://padlet.com/donstinson83/4hjk95lm3s12qopp1646130812/wish/1754848157 This may need some time to process. If it hasn't processed when you click on it, please check back later.]]> 2021-09-20 17:40:21 UTC https://padlet.com/donstinson83/4hjk95lm3s12qopp1646130812/wish/1754848157