Ready or Not....

Students are roaming the halls. A cacophony of sound fills the air again. Introductory lessons are being presented and lesson times are being scheduled. Private practice sessions and ensemble rehearsals are in full swing. That's right.....the fall semester of classes are finally underway in the School of Music at WBU.

Professors have been preparing for this moment for a few weeks. Faculty and student schedules alike are quickly becoming packed, but we wouldn't have it any other way. It's a privilege to get to do what we love -- make music! There's so much excitement and expectation in the air that you can feel the electricity.

I will stand before my first classes of the semester tomorrow morning. That means I get to ease into the new semester -- making last minute changes to my schedule, observing the new students, and reconnecting with those returning. The first day of school is always filled with so much potential. We don't know exactly what this school year has in store, but we're all excited to start riding this wave together. Now, let's just see what's going to happen.....

Free Community College

In recent months, there has been lots of talk about offering free community college education for all American students. I agree with the idea that education should be available to every student in this nation. I do not agree, however, that the promise of free education should extend to the community college level. In the interest of transparency, I wish to make sure my readers know that I am currently an adjunct faculty member of a junior college. The opinions expressed in this post (and all others on Livin' Life) are my own. It should not be assumed that these statements reflect the opinions of other members of the faculty or staff of MSCC.

Why am I against offering tuition-free education at the post-high school level? Here are a few of my thoughts.

• If no tuition is required, the value of the education will be reduced by the general public. American society holds to the premise that "you get what you pay for." If you want quality service, there is a cost associated with it. No matter how much we want to argue otherwise, reduced or no tuition institutions will experience fiscal challenges that will ultimately be passed on to the faculty. Those professors who are most qualified will leave the junior college setting in search of positions that offer better financial packages. With the exodus of quality instructors, the level of instruction and assessment suffers. Even if some great professors stay behind for various reasons, the assumption of the public will be that a free education is markedly inferior to one that requires the payment of tuition. The varied costs of the services at different quality levels is a basic premise of the free market that we enjoy.
• The situation will result in increased government involvement in the community college, essentially making the two-year college an extension of public education. Let's face facts -- public education in the United States is horrible in those areas that have the greatest federal oversight. If the Department of Education cannot successfully educate the minds of our children and youth, why in the world would we want to see their increased presence in higher education? (The government already has enough of a presence to make the task of educating the next generation difficult.) With increased involvement, you can be certain that the government will establish guidelines and regulations that must be met in the community college. We have watched highly motivated teachers leave our elementary and secondary classrooms while many of them cite their frustration with federal programs and requirements to "teach to the test." I can see the same thing happening in the nation's two-year colleges as well.

 I agree that quality higher education should be available to deserving students. It is time, however, that we admit that the college experience is not suitable for every student and it is not the only path to success and fulfillment of the American Dream. I would prefer to see excellent vocational programs instituted at the high school level, preparing those students who are not suited for a college preparatory program with marketable skills that will provide a stable income upon graduation. Students who complete the college prep pathway successfully could then receive sufficient financial assistance to fund their collegiate career. By no means is this a perfect situation, but it does ensure that we are serving our most gifted students effectively rather than focusing so much of our attention on those who have little hope of completing their degree because of our false promise of higher education for all.

I welcome your comments on this topic in the section below. It is important to emphasize that there are many sides to this discussion. Share your opinions with the attitude of respect for those who disagree with you or your post will be deleted from the thread.  (That's one of the benefits of being the blogger and moderator of comments!)

~Kennith

Just Learn to Speak English Already!

America is often referred to as The Great Melting Pot. Immigrants from all over the world have made their way here throughout history for various reasons. Some have come to find a better life. Others have come in an effort to escape evil political regimes, religious persecution, or the chains of slavery. As a nation, many take great pride in the desire people have to come to our shores...as long as they are willing to conform to our vision of the American way of life.

Recently, I read The Burgess Boys by Elizabeth Strout. The story centers on a hostile act against a group of Somali immigrants in Maine. The horrendous act? A pig's head was thrown into a mosque by a local teen. The act was offensive to their religious and ethnic backgrounds on multiple levels. As the backlash escalates, one of the major complaints against the Somalis is that they don't speak English. They don't speak "our" language.

I realize that this is a hot button issue for many. I must admit that I have been frustrated when encountering people with which I could not communicate. As I read Strout's depiction of the Somalis, I began to consider things from a new perspective.

From first hand experience, I can tell you that learning a language does not come naturally to everyone. In college, I studied German. I made flashcards. I went to the language lab. I got a tutor. I did not learn to speak the language. It was not due to a lack of effort. It wasn't because I lacked the desire. Some said I just needed to devote more time; my problem was that there was no more time to give as the other areas of my life kept moving on.

As I reflected on my own experience, I began to think about the challenges facing immigrants. For many of the adults, they are trying to provide for their family the best they can in a foreign environment. When you are worried about providing food, clothing and shelter for those you love, learning a new language is not a top priority. For those immigrants with children, they are more focused on educating their children in order to ensure they have a better chance at the American Dream. Because these students are living a bilingual life, the demand for bilingual education is at an all-time high.

I don't claim to have any of the solutions. I agree that English language skills are an important skill set that is needed to prosper in mainstream America. I'm not suggesting that everything in our country be published in multiple languages. (However, if communication with the masses is our ultimate goal, what's the harm?) What I am suggesting is that the next time you hear another language spoken in your community, don't assume the person speaking is lazy, uneducated, or unappreciative of their American experience. The truth is that many who so quickly jump to judgment may never fully understand the challenges the immigrants are facing. A little compassion can go a very long way in aiding communication with another despite the presence of language barriers.

Life Long Learning

I love school! I always have. There's such a rush in being exposed to new ideas and having the freedom to explore within the safe confines of the classroom. I suppose this explains why so many years of my life were spent as a career student . . .and the fact that foreign languages have always been my Achilles heel!

I suppose it was only natural for me to find my way to a career in education as well. Despite my complaints about the early mornings and unmotivated students, I thrive when standing before a class. I've had the pleasure of serving students in academic advising settings as well. I enjoy watching students clear hurdle after hurdle on their way to graduation.

As fulfilling as teaching is, I continue to be a lifelong learner. I long for the chance to dive back into the classroom and grapple with unfamiliar material. I adore those moments when the lecture connects unexpectedly to something I already know.

As tempting as it is, there's no time to pursue another degree. I certainly can't commit to attending a traditional class. But I can submerge myself into a couple of MOOCs for the next few weeks.

What's a MOOC? It's an exciting and inexpensive way to take classes conveniently online. Massive Open Online Classes (or MOOCs) can be found in many disciplines through multiple colleges around the world. A few years ago, I dabbled in hermeneutics via a MOOC from Southwestern Baptist Seminary. It was very interesting, but a little too focused on preaching for what I was looking for.

MOOCs tend to be shorter classes. Most last six to eight weeks. The material is presented through video lectures as well as reading assignments. While there may be quizzes or writing assignments, how much or little you actually complete is entirely up to you. With some effort, it is highly likely that you will "pass" the course; in most cases, a simple certificate of completion is sent for your personal records. It's not college credit (although credit is sometimes available if you're willing to pay a fee), but it is recognition of the stuff you've encountered in the course.

Before you think MOOCs are too stuffy, let me tell you about my summer classes. I am learning about the French Revolution, an eight week course offered by the University of Melbourne, while exploring the Music of the Beatles with the music faculty at the University of Rochester. I'm learning a lot and having fun doing it in this low stress situation.

MOOCs can easily be found through websites such as Coursera and EdX. If you still don't find what

you're looking for, do a google search . . .I'm sure you'll find something that interests you!

So what do you have to lose? Awaken your mind, expand your horizons, and once again discover the satisfaction that comes from being a lifelong learner.

Learning Some New Things

I've always enjoyed learning new things. I suppose that's part of the reason I am pursuing a career in higher education. Opening my mind to new concepts on a regular basis keeps me sharp and entertained. I love to teach, but I also enjoy sitting in classes when they are carefully prepared and introduce me to new material that is interesting to me.

There's a lot of learning going on right now in my life. Some of it is entirely on my own. This term, I am teaching a section of music appreciation as a hybrid course -- half the material is presented in a traditional classroom setting while the remaining information is presented online. It's been an interesting process to rethink a course that I am so comfortable teaching. I'm developing podcasts and creating worksheets to allow for maximum understanding of material. I'm scouring the web for interesting articles and videos that further explain concepts. I know future sections of the course will be much easier, but right now I'm finding that it takes a lot of time and commitment to create an effective learning environment online.

Because I don't want to allow my spiritual man to lie dormant, I am working through Beth Moore's Bible study on the Patriarchs. I love Beth's teaching (even if it is intended primarily for women) and have always enjoyed the book of Genesis. As I've revisited these familiar stories, I have found my eyes opened to new truths that are changing my entire understanding of the Book of Beginnings. Since I'm not involved in a small group at the moment, the self-paced Bible study is providing some accountability for me.

I have always wanted to increase my understanding and awareness of jazz, but never seemed to have the time to really take a class. My hand was forced a little bit since I have a blind student enrolled in my traditional music appreciation course this term. Because of his disability, my unit on musical theater will not work. That means I need to develop a new unit. This realization combined with the discovery of a free online jazz appreciation class from the University of Texas at Austin created the perfect storm for me. I'm really enjoying listening to new sounds while being reminded of the struggles my students face as they begin their journey of understanding the unfamiliar. The jazz class has just started; I'll finish up the material a few weeks before I present my new unit on the subject. In a busy semester, it's a deadline I wish I didn't have looming, but I tend to work well under pressure.

I suppose I should get back to the books now and continue my personal learning again.

Natural Inquisitiveness

I am an inquisitive person by nature. I enjoy learning new things. There's no specific rhyme or reason to what will grab my attention. Sometimes my interest lies in familiar fields like music, theology, and education. Other times see my interests moving into philosophy and basic mechanics. I know that I'll never become a master of everything, but my curiosity drives me forward; my mind is ravenous for new information.

My curiosity keeps me active and keeps my mind sharp. It leads me to new areas of exploration that I never imagined. I find answers in books mostly, but my searches have also lead me to film, observation, and conversation with wiser (often more mature) people.

What's gotten me thinking about inquisitiveness today? I'm disturbed by a general lack of curiosity in many of today's students. Rarely do I see students pursuing information for personal knowledge; they are focused on obtaining only the essential information to pass the test. The material for the test had better be handed to them on a silver platter as well. The interest, desire, and ability to think abstractly is on the verge of being lost by many of today's students. 

It's a dire situation, in my opinion. What's the solution? That's the problem....the solution is not simple. Until students value education and the development of learning skills, no amount of creative teaching or finely crafted lesson plans will make a significant difference. I will be the first to agree that inventive, creative teaching can be the seed that begins to germinate into a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Once the seed of inquisitiveness is sown, however, it is necessary that the learner feed it regularly until it develops into a thriving curious plant.

I'm accepting the fact that I can lead the proverbial horses given to my care to the waters of education and information. I can't force them to drink. As an educator, that continues to be one of my greatest challenges. My belief that the waters of knowledge are the best thing for the young mind is what causes me to lead them daily back with the hope that at some point they will pause at the source and drink in deeply. Once you've tasted the power of learning, it's unquenchable.

Another Semester is in the Books

It's official! With the publication of this post, my last final of the semester has been administered and I only need to turn in grades in order to collect my last paycheck of the term at MSCC. I enjoy teaching, but this semester has been tough for many reasons. Needless to say, I'm ready to see the spring 2013 term of teaching in my rear view mirror!

The semester started with a blanket of snow. Here in Arkansas, when the sky spits any of the white stuff -- regardless of the amount -- people become stupid! They forget how to drive and dash for the market as if we are going to be trapped in our homes for 40 days and nights! Since we don't know how to handle the cold stuff, school was cancelled before we even got started. That's a tough situation to be in....behind schedule before you begin!

Around the same time, I was working very hard with the students at Union University to present the semester's first opera as part of the Benjamin Britten centennial celebration. I knew this was going to be a tough time, so I built calendars carefully to allow for the rehearsals and performances. What I didn't account for was the Union Plague that hit members of the cast during production week. I was blessed not to be hit with the nasty stomach virus, but I didn't feel well at all.  Classes were cancelled University wide while everyone tried to get back to health and the campus was scrubbed from floor to ceiling.

By late February, everything seemed to be back on track. Maybe I should say ALMOST everything was back on track. The most important part of my classroom was waffling -- the students. Each spring semester, I have concurrent students from area high schools enroll in my music appreciation course. Most classes have been very successful and a great experience. This year's batch of students did not fit that model. I found myself questioning why they were there. Finally I diagnosed the problem: intense senior-itis. These kids didn't understand why they had to come to my class on "senior skip days" or why my class was so hard! I listened to the whining, but quickly became immune.

The semester rolled on at Union as well and I was involved with two very successful student recitals as well as a trip to the regional NATS competition in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Once I played the last of these major events, I began to relax a little. I knew I only had to play a few scenes for opera workshop, a couple of departmental recitals, and student boards before the semester was over. Just when I thought everything was a-okay, I found myself fighting the stomach bug that had plagued the Union students earlier in the term. After a "rough" and restless night, I drove to Union (like the good collaborative pianist should) to play on the afternoon's departmental recital. I had felt nauseous during the entire drive, but thought things would be okay. I WAS WRONG! I stepped into the hall when a wave of sickness hit me and I thought I was going to pass out.....after making a massive mess in the hall! After a visit to the restroom to calm my stomach, I went to the music office and was able to get colleagues to play for my students. I certainly didn't want to be on stage at the moment. I feared the real show would not have been the beauty of the students' singing!

As the semester continued to wind down, I repeatedly found myself approached by students asking for extra credit work or to turn in assignments they had neglected earlier in the term. I think I heard every excuse in the book, but my favorite was from a high school senior who told me her scholarship for the fall was dependent upon her grade point average this semester. While I felt sorry for her, I did not feel as though her reasons for missing the assignments afforded her any extension. I guess I've just turned into a mean professor in my old age. Syllabi are distributed at the beginning of the course with all assignments listed with their corresponding due dates. Follow the syllabus, do the work, and come to class....you'll do just fine in my class! That's all it takes!

This has been a semester for the history books....and that's definitely where I'm planning to place it as soon as I can! Now I'm heading home to grade the final exams and post the scores so I can get on to a much needed vacation.....until summer term begins in a few weeks.  I'm just hoping for more focused students in that term!

Teacher's Pet

I have been very fortunate over the years to have done relatively well in school. I tended to be a self-motivated learner and most subjects came easily to me (though I have always struggled in science and foreign languages). Since I made good grades and was normally a compliant student, I was often labeled as the teacher's pet; I'll admit that the title was normally true. As I'm preparing for a new semester of teaching, I have been thinking about the many teachers who have influenced me over the years. Some of them were influential in my choice to pursue a career in higher education because they were excellent teachers. Others shaped my views about the importance of mutual respect between teacher and student as well as giving me lessons in what NOT to do in my classroom. If I had to narrow  it down to just one person, I would have to say that the most influential teacher in my life was Ms. Pierce.

Ms. Pierce was my second grade teacher in the less-than-stellar Crawfordsville Elementary School. Despite the low quality of education that surrounded her, I remember Ms. Pierce's class as a place where her students were always expected to perform at their highest level at all times. It was in Ms. Pierce's class that I was introduced to many of the things that have shaped me throughout my life. One of my fondest memories is visiting the library and being encouraged to read anything that caught my interest.....even if I thought it was something too hard for me. Ms. Pierce became the first teacher to truly encourage me to read as though my life depended on it; she even told me that I could make solo trips to the library (with the hall pass, of course) if I finished reading my book before it was time for the class to visit. It was as a second grader that I was introduced to the magical world that awaited in books and I think I've had my nose in a good book ever since!

The months following Christmas were especially exciting for me. It was 1980 and the Olympic Games were being held in Lake Placid, New York. Ms. Pierce used this current event to teach geography, math, and reading. I remember learning about athletes from Germany, the USSR, and Canada. When the Games finally arrived, part of our homework assignments was to watch some of the television broadcast. I still remember our excitement as my classmates and I followed Eric Haydn's 5 gold medal speed skating victories. We learned about ice hockey and watched with amazement as the Miracle on Ice unfolded before our young eyes. Now that I am older, I realize the depth of Ms. Pierce's commitment to her students as she worked to make sure that there was room in the curriculum for this significant current event. It was in that second grade class in a small Arkansas town that I began to dream about seeing the world and believed it could be a reality for me.

Ms. Pierce was also influential in tearing down barriers of racism and sexism. In a largely African-American school, this gifted teacher was quick to explore differences between black and white students while helping us to realize that we had more in common than we realized. In a city that was racially divided, it was in that classroom that I truly began to make friends of all races who would be part of my educational journey for many years to come. Ms. Pierce was also adamant that her students understand that there was no job assigned solely to a man or a woman. In her class, we all learned to sew a pin cushion for our mother as we followed the recipe's directions to make no-bake cookies. Later, she led us in creating a simple box with wood, hammer and nails. (I still haven't perfected the art of driving a nail straight, but I definitely learned a lot about taking nails OUT of wood with the claw!)

I don't know where Ms. Pierce is these days. Over the years, my family and I lost touch with some of my most influential teachers. What would I say to her today? I'd simply have to say "thank you".....for developing the thirst for knowledge, the love for books, and the positive view of the classroom that has opened so many avenues of possibility to me over the years. Your influence continues today as I strive to pass on this same love of learning to another generation.

Influences from the Past

Last week, Mom and I went to dinner at a local restaurant. As we were being led to our table, I noticed a gentleman who I recognized but couldn't immediately place. As we ordered and talked, I continued to notice the man and racked my brain to place him. When I finally figure out who he was, Mr. Runions had already gotten up and begun to make his way to my table. Richard Runions was the principal of West Memphis Christian School when I finally had the opportunity to transfer. Although the interaction in Cracker Barrel was very brief, it was nice to hear from a man who I have admired since first meeting him and who made such a powerful impact on my life as a teen.

I have been blessed to have many men and women speak powerfully into my life over the years. While some of them were teachers and pastors, others were simply friends of the family who saw potential in me and decided to pour deeply into my young life. I am convinced that the presence of these leaders in my life during my formative teen years is a major factor in the person that I have become.

Because I have reaped the benefits of their passion for young people, I have tried to consistently invest in the lives of young people throughout my adult life. My involvement in children and youth ministry over the years has been a major outlet. My chosen profession also has everything to do with the impact so many of my teachers and professors made on me. My hope is that I can provide a new generation of students with the confidence that they can succeed in life and that they can find new depths of spiritual maturity as they pursue Christ with humble devotion and sincere worship.

Who were major influences in your life as a young person? Have you told them the impact they have made? This might be the perfect time to make a phone call or to send an email. I'm certain it would be a bright spot in their day! The more important question, I believe, is who are you INTENTIONALLY POURING INTO today? Regardless of your position, there is a child or teen looking to you for encouragement and affirmation. Don't let another day pass without speaking life into the heart of the next generation!

Waiting for Superman

In the craziness of late October, I found a few hours to take in the film Waiting for Superman.  The movie was thought-provoking, insightful, and frightening.  Painting a picture of education in America, Waiting for Superman unapologetically addresses several important issues with a no-holds barred approach.

The most frightening statistic to me was the lack of regulation of teachers.  In most situations, once a teacher is licensed (immediately after graduation), they are rarely given a thorough review again.  After two years of service, many districts award tenure to teachers -- regardless of skills or performance, making it more difficult to relieve under-performing teachers of their duties.   Consider the implications in other professions.  Lawyers and doctors who are found to be doing their jobs poorly are stripped of their authority to continue to practice.  Is the education of America's youth a less important pursuit?  Teacher evaluation must be standardized across the board.

When we become aware of the state of American education, it is easy to feel helpless and overwhelmed.  What can we possible do to change the situation?  Most powerfully, we can be informed and involved.  We as members of the voting public are the only voice of our nation's children.  In nearly every election cycle, new legislation is brought before us that will impact education.  To insure that students receive the best we have to offer, we must educate ourselves about the options, research the implications, and make our voices heard.

Our involvement must go beyond the voting booth.  Studies suggest that the best performing schools have a high level of community involvement.  Teachers and administrators cannot solve the problems we face in our education system;  if it was that simple, it would have been taken care of long ago.  However, when educators partner with interested individuals in their community, great change can take place.  What can you do?  Most adults (regardless of their educational background) can provide valuable assistance in some aspect of our education system.  The mere fact that an adult believes in a child's ability is often all that is needed to move a student from "high-risk" to "highly successful."

So what's your choice?  Will you continue to point out the problems with American education while refusing to get your hands dirty?  Or will you become actively involved in the process in some small way, becoming part of the solution to the students in your community?  Together we CAN make a difference!

Waiting, Ever Waiting

Patience is not one of my greatest virtues.  I despise waiting for people who are late to appointments.  Nothing irritates me more than waiting for someone to do things they have committed to do.  When I sit at my computer, I want it to start up faster, perform quicker, and virtually stay a step ahead of me.  I know it's impractical, but I try to follow through as soon as I can once I make a decision and I want everyone and everything else in my life to do the same.  Making the decision is not something I rush;  I want to know what I'm committing to before agreeing to anything.

I was reminded of my impatience last Friday when I made a return visit to my Alma mater.  I decided to attend my first piano studio class since graduating in 2009.  I was going because I had run into Madame Professor earlier in the week to learn that she had completed the recommendation letter I requested immediately after graduation.

I wasn't surprised that the process had taken nearly two years to complete.  Madame was never known for her punctuality.  Most of her piano students came to learn that it was pointless to arrive at any lesson on time.  She would never be ready to begin.  For several years, I consistently had lessons at the beginning of her day -- normally around 2pm.  What this meant was that I would park my butt on the floor outside her office and get in 30 minutes of reading before she arrived for my lesson.

On Friday, I stayed after class to catch up and ask about the recommendation.  Imagine my shock (Can you hear the sarcasm dripping from that word choice?) to learn that it was at her house and she was preparing to go out of town for a week.  Thankfully, I have other recommendations on file, so I am able to laugh at the absurdity of the situation.

I suggested that she simply mail the letter to me.  I told her I would scan it here so I would have an electronic form readily available.  When Madame asked if I would be able to do that easily, I had to bite my tongue!  Whether I have a scanner or not, I am confident that it will be easier to generate an electronic copy since obtaining the hard copy has been such an adventure.

So here I am -- continuing to wait.  Oh well, it's just part of life, I suppose.  I'll wait for her to return from her journey to the Northeast, call her at home the evening before going BACK to studio class, and try the whole process all over again!

Bribery or Incentives?

On Sunday afternoon, my family enjoyed lunch together. It was at this point that I learned that my two youngest nieces would be coming to spend the weekend with my parents. Sitting next to me, the older of the two girls was reading one of my favorite books -- Number the Stars by Lois Lowry. The other child had begun reading C.S. Lewis' The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe but had hit a snag and needed some motivation.

There are a few things you must understand about me. I highly value education and firmly believe that it is the secret to success. A reflective, educated person discovers that a greater number of opportunities are available to them throughout their life. The key to education - regardless of the field of study - is literacy. In order to improve one's literacy and critical thinking skills, one must regularly read items of various styles and voices.

Because I hold literacy in such high regard, I am willing to do anything necessary to get the children in my life to read. By creating a book-friendly environment from a young age and helping them to find works that they personally enjoy, we set them up for becoming lifelong learners through reading. I have already traveled this path once with my oldest niece who is nearing the end of her undergraduate education. What is her major? English literature with an emphasis in secondary education! This uncle is so proud!

That brings me back to my current plans. Sitting at the table with my nieces, I made a deal with them. If they complete their books by Friday of this week, they will receive a trip to Incredible Pizza this weekend. The incentive has been set; now I'm in the process of encouraging them to reach their goal to collect their reward. By using the social networking site FaceBook, I am able to offer encouragement to them in a fun way while also providing additional enticements.

I'll let you decide: am I bribing the girls or providing them with an incentive? It's going to cost me a trip to Incredible Pizza, but the price is a worthy investment in their educational development. Additionally, I'm forming memories with the girls and spending quality time with them in their environment. What better way to re-enforce my unconditional love for them while boosting their budding self-esteem?