SCHOOL VIEWS -- Marc Ecker

There is no question that 1999 is the Year of Accountability in

education.

All school districts are focused on reading, writing and math. Brochures

containing academic standards in these subjects are shared at

back-to-school night and at upcoming parent conferences.

Assessment instruments include critically reviewed test questions that

attempt to determine each student’s mastery of these skills. After-school

and summer remediation programs are being planned to assist students who

are at risk of being held back.

For the most part, I would agree that this is how it should be. However,

in light of our efforts to implement the myriad of school accountability

legislation, let’s not lose sight of the balance we need in our

curriculum, most importantly, the arts.

The variety of school districts in our community have been able to retain

all or most of their performing arts programs as budgets have been cut

and as greater focus on core academic subjects has grown.

I believe that this is a very good thing.

The positive impact that vocal and instrumental music, art and drama have

on student achievement has been documented in countless studies over the

years. Student participation in concerts, plays or art exhibitions are

without question inspiring, and demonstrate the balance that is needed in

a liberal arts education.

The Fountain Valley School District is fortunate to have been able to

bring back into schools vocal music instruction for all kindergarten

through fifth-grade students. Middle schools receive annual grants to

augment their existing performing arts program.

The most impressive part of this effort, however, is that this program is

privately funded through the efforts of the educational foundation. In

past years, parent-teacher units assisted in underwriting the costs.

However, through the growth of the district’s benefactor program, vocal

music will be brought to the children through the generosity of many

caring and highly involved community-minded businesses. The benefactor

campaign this year has brought forward not only new donors, but existing

ones who have continued the spirit of giving by increasing their

contributions over those from previous years. The companies are

permanently listed on the district’s benefactor board at the district

office, and are regularly mentioned in the Lighthouse, our quarterly

newsletter.

As I tour our school sites, I revel in the young voices that are raised

in song, the sounds of improved performance by student instrumentalists

who proudly take their seats in preparation for a school concert, or the

incredible performances of student actors on stage. In the spring I

attend our annual fifth-grade vocal music concert, which honors not only

the students and teachers who masterfully perform, but the businesses

that make it all possible.

Isn’t it balance that we all strive for in life? How can we seek academic

excellence without striving for the same balance in our curriculum? It

all goes hand in hand.

So let’s stand up tall and “just sing, sing a song.”

* Marc Ecker is superintendent of the Fountain Valley School District.