Elementary Music Teachers' Perceptions of the Effect of Budget Reductions on Music Education

Elementary Music Teachers’ Perceptions of the Effect of Budget Reductions on Music Education by Jimmy Michel Project Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education Walden University January 2018 Abstract Since 2007, many U.S. music education programs have been negatively affected by budget reductions at the local, state, and national levels. Although researchers have studied the effect of budget reductions on music education, they have not widely examined the perspectives of teachers who have experienced these reductions. The purpose of this study was to explore elementary music teachers’ personal and professional experiences with budget reductions, and the perceptions of how their programs, students, schools, and communities have been affected by the budget reductions. The philosophies of Kodaly and Richards served as a conceptual framework for this qualitative case study. The primary research questions asked participants about their experiences with and perceptions of the effect of budget reductions on music programs at their schools and on their students. Interviews were conducted with 9 elementary music teachers. Data were analyzed using pattern coding to identify key themes. The 6 key themes identified were love for music and teaching music; pride in music programs and curricula; belief in the benefits of music education for all students, especially for low income students; senses of loss; adaptation and coping with loss; andSince 2007, many U.S. music education programs have been negatively affected by budget reductions at the local, state, and national levels. Although researchers have studied the effect of budget reductions on music education, they have not widely examined the perspectives of teachers who have experienced these reductions. The purpose of this study was to explore elementary music teachers’ personal and professional experiences with budget reductions, and the perceptions of how their programs, students, schools, and communities have been affected by the budget reductions. The philosophies of Kodaly and Richards served as a conceptual framework for this qualitative case study. The primary research questions asked participants about their experiences with and perceptions of the effect of budget reductions on music programs at their schools and on their students. Interviews were conducted with 9 elementary music teachers. Data were analyzed using pattern coding to identify key themes. The 6 key themes identified were love for music and teaching music; pride in music programs and curricula; belief in the benefits of music education for all students, especially for low income students; senses of loss; adaptation and coping with loss; and sense of the future. Based on the findings, a professional development program was developed to assist music teachers to learn strategies to support music programs and become effective music education advocates. This project study may foster positive social change by encouraging teachers to collaboratively advocate for music education in communities and devise strategies that will allow for the sharing of scarce resources. Elementary Music Teachers’ Perceptions of the Effect of Budget Reductions on Music Education by Jimmy Michel Project Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education Walden University January 2018 Dedication I would like to dedicate my doctoral study to my wife, Hermane. Without your support, this journey would not have been possible. I thank you for the times you encouraged me not to quit when I thought I was losing my mind. Thank you for staying up late watching me, putting up with my stress, and listening to me read my papers even when you were half asleep. Your love made it all possible. You are my queen forever. I also dedicate this doctoral study to my two children, Brandon and Abigail. Thank you for allowing your dad to work. You guys have been so patient and understanding of the times I was not able to give you my undivided attention. I encourage you both to have faith in your ability and to always strive to excel beyond your own expectations. Both of you are my everything. I love you. Acknowledgments Above all, I thank my lord Jesus Christ, for giving me the intellect to understand the complexity of research studies and the strength to complete this research. I would like to express my gratitude to my doctoral committee chair, Dr. Salina Shrofel, for her mentorship and continued support and encouragement throughout this journey. I could not have done this without her expert guidance. Dr. Shrofel, this journey would have never been possible without your support. Your time and advice have been greatly appreciated. My wife and children have also been a huge source of support to me, as they provided feedback and encouragement throughout this journey. I would also like to thank my friends and colleagues for their support and encouragement. I have been blessed to have such wonderful people helping me along the way. Thank you so much.