IP: required performances in HS Chorus

[Dave Farber <farber () cis upenn edu>]

> 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