You want your child to be exposed to the best music program possible, but how can you tell if her school is making the grade? These simple checklists take the guesswork out of evaluating a school music program. School-District Checklist
- Does every student in the school have access to music if they want it?
- Is there a written curriculum based on local, state, or national standards?
- Are the facilities adequate for the needs of the music program?
- Is the program fully funded or must the teacher and students engage in fundraising to meet basic needs?
- Is there obvious administrative support for the growth of the music program?
- Are there public performance opportunities for parents and others to enjoy?
- Do students study a variety of music styles?
- Are the music courses taught by qualified teachers?
- Is there parent, student, and community support for the music programs? Elementary-School Checklist
Middle-School Checklist
High-School Checklist
Source: “Opportunity to Learn Standards,” Published by MENC.
