Just recently, the San Francisco School District made the tragic decision to eliminate its elementary school arts programs. One contributing factor in the decision to cut music and arts classes from the school curriculum is the ever-present quest to improve standardized test scores, particularly in reading and math. This has led many principals to choose more time for instruction in reading and math at the expense of the arts. We have to be concerned about the culture of our schools. Music programs can make the school a more humane learning environment because they invite cooperation rather than confrontation.
Music connects students to schools in a wonderfully positive way.
That connection is needed more today than ever before. And, it is a connection that we must make in every school. Recent public concerns about basic skills in reading and mathematics have led some school districts to narrow their curriculum, eliminating ostensibly peripheral subjects like music, in an effort to improve scores on standardized tests. Ms. Schmidt goes on to state that if the goal of education reform is to improve student achievement, policymakers should take note of the latest research. Music education should be part of the core curriculum for every child.