Last Friday, the Chicago Public Radio program Eight Forty-Eight took a look at music and the brain in a segment titled Researchers Probe How Music Rewires the Brain.Click here to read the transcript or listen to the segment online.So, listening to brainwaves is kind of weird and fun, but why care so much about the brainstem? Well, how good a job it does recording sound is … [Read more...] about Chicago Public Radio Looks at Music and the Brain
Arts
Do the Arts Count in Education? How Policy can Bludgeon Practice
Here's my very first repost, the blog having originally appeared late last week:While I have misgivings about posting this blog during the traditionally quiet week before Labor Day, I just couldn't resist. I may repost it next week, just to make sure it isn't missed.This blog post is central to those who wonder how policy can have a direct effect on practice. In this particular … [Read more...] about Do the Arts Count in Education? How Policy can Bludgeon Practice
Of Ted Kennedy, Rocco Landesman, and NCLB
When I think of Ted Kennedy, I think of a line of Democrats that reach way back to FDR. The wealthy elites who are brought up to serve the public and for my money, demonstrate a commitment to a progressive agenda that is centered in social justice. Were they perfect, of course not. From FDR to Teddy Kennedy. Was Teddy the end of the line? I was watching some of Ted Kennedy's … [Read more...] about Of Ted Kennedy, Rocco Landesman, and NCLB
Insult to Injury: State Reading Tests Can be Passed by Guessing
This little topic is a tough one. Think about it: according to number of different reports, the NY State ELA tests, which drives just so very much of the educational industrial complex, can be passed by guessing. When arts education is being pushed off the table, out of the school day, etc., look to how the curriculum is narrowed due to the dominance of these tests.The Daily … [Read more...] about Insult to Injury: State Reading Tests Can be Passed by Guessing
Reflections on Arts Education and the USDOE
It's interesting to see the fairly predictable responses to Arne Duncan's letter and web conference, where he articulated support for arts education on behalf of the USDOE and the White House. There is and should be a fair amount of gratitude across the field when a US Secretary of Education affirms the importance of the arts, even if the affirmation may at first blush appear … [Read more...] about Reflections on Arts Education and the USDOE