Naperville School District 203 officials said changes to its high school music curriculum that were implemented in the fall have been positive so far, but the district would like another year to analyze data and get student feedback before making additional decisions on the program.
The 22-school district includes Naperville North and Naperville Central high schools.
Last year, the school board voted that high school students wanting to be involved in extracurricular music organizations or clubs, such as marching band or choral groups, needed to take a music class during the school day or participate in a technique class during a portion of their lunch one or two times a week.
At the time, some board members said they were concerned about the changes, feeling that students had too much on their plate or were giving up other academic classes that they may have otherwise wanted to take.
The changes went into effect this 2023-2024 school year, and the district has had just over a semester to see how the new program is working.
Chala Holland, assistant superintendent for administrative services, said the changes to the music curriculum have helped students grow in their skills.
“We have not fully implemented this for one entire year, but we can see some positive shifts already beginning to occur,” Holland said at the school board meeting Monday.
The lunchtime technique class offers individualized and small group instruction based on instrumentation, ability and the students’ schedules, Holland said. She explained that students can work on specific skills they’ve identified to support their growth. They have have access to individualized skill-based instruction without having to hire a private teacher or paying for lessons outside of school which some students cannot do.
The changes have also helped teachers who previously were scrambling throughout their day to help students one-on-one, Holland said.
“We believe there are many benefits to technique and our data is showing that it is becoming a popular experience that seems to be a choice of many students,” Holland said. “Technique is a very collaborative learning process. Students are actively involved in monitoring their learning and growth with their teacher.”
The number of students who dropped a music class or experience is similar to prior years, Holland said.
“Music students love music,” she said. “We have not seen the drastic decline in our program that was feared. Instead we found a seemingly popular way to offer enhanced instruction.”
Holland said that while the district has a semester worth of data, officials would like to receive more insight before implementing any other changes. The district wants to maintain the new structure for another year to ensure stability for staff and students and look at enrollment trends, she said.
Board member Donna Wandke said she would like more information about what classes students may be foregoing in order to take part in music.
Other board members said they would like to hear more student feedback.
“I appreciate that you’re extending data collection for another year,” board member Joe Kozminski said. “I think that student voice is really important.”
Michelle Mullins is a freelancer.
