I don't disagree with the value of music and art. I wish that I had been given more opportunities along those lines when I was in school many, many years ago.
But if the children were born in a foreign land, or if they have not had the slightest amount of instruction from their parents, I strongly believe that they should not be taught subjects like music and art until they have gained fluency in reading and writing. Those are the keys to all instruction. If you want to teach them music and art appreciation by using books written at appropriate levels, I see no problem with that. Ray Marshall Minnehaha Message: 4 Date: Wed, 15 Sep 2004 10:24:13 -0500 From: David Brauer <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [Mpls] RE: NCLB - Whittier On Sep 15, 2004, at 9:29 AM, Ray Marshall wrote: > When kids aren't graduating or can't pass tests, > is it wise to spend a lot of scarce funds on music > and art? > > Ray Marshall > Minnehaha > Because there's more to life than standardized tests - such as music and art. This is the insidiousness of the test-performance culture: anything you can't measure that way gets obliterated. I know test-measured skills are critical. But more critical is a well-rounded education for the whole mind. One of my biggest fears for the Mpls schools is they won't be able/allowed to educate all expressions of intelligence. Not to mention that music, especially, is an excellent way to learn math. David Brauer Kingfield Great test-taker who learned there's more to life REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
