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IP: required performances in HS Chorus
From: Dave Farber <farber () cis upenn edu>
Date: Mon, 10 May 1999 17:44:30 -0400
From: "Paul Sinasohn" <psinasohn () siebel com> To: "'David Farber'" <farber () cis upenn edu> Here's a set of parents I'm glad I don't have as my own. I bet the kid is a very spoiled brat. Paul Sinasohn -----Original Message----- From: owner-choralist () lists Colorado EDU I am seeking information/assistance/advice from other high school directors concerning required performances as part of a grade. This year I had a freshman choir member who skipped a state-sponsored contest. (Her excuse has been that she overslept, but her ensemble didn't perform until 3:30 in the afternoon.) This contest is one of the performances I require of all chorus members. It is clearly stated in my course syllbus (which every member gets a copy of at the beginning of the year) that an unexcused absence from a required performance will result in a failing grade for the quarter. (Excused absences are pretty much the obvious things--illness, family emergencies, one-time family events). The dates of all concerts/contests are also listed on the policy. The parents of this student have chosen to challenge the policy. This is, of course, not the first time I have met with parental opposition, but it is the first time they have taken it this far. It has gone through all of the proper channels and the administration, school board, and school lawyers have been very supportive and have backed the policy. Now the parents have taken the case to our State Department of Education, and that department has indicated that they would like to hear the case within the next month. The fact that they want to resolve this as quickly as possible is not encouraging. I guess I have to confess to being somewhat naive because it had never occurred to me before this that requiring a performance might be infringing on a student's rights, particularly since chorus is an elective, and the students who are there have chosen to make that commitment. Obviously, I am concerned about the implications the department's decision will have on my own program, but I believe that decision--whatever it ends up being--may set a precedent that will affect many other music programs within the state, and it is possible that it may restrict what music teachers can and cannot require as part of a grade. Has anyone out there had experience with similar situations or taught in an area where grading restrictions have been made on performance-based classes? I would be grateful for any words of wisdom you could offer. Thank you, Kathy Graber Vocal Director Harris-Lake Park High School Lake Park, Iowa 51347 kgraber () harris-lp k12 ia us
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