Students
at LHMS who have been identified as talented in
music attend a "Talented Music" class
twice a week for approximately two hours a session.
An IEP (Individual Education Program) is written
for each child which identifies goals and objectives
written for that child's area of talent: singing,
piano, etc.
The
Talented Music Program is different than other music
classes which the child may attend with their homeroom
class. It also differs from other one-on-one or
small group instruction in violin, cello, etc. To
quality for the Talented Music Program, students
must go through a screening, evaluation, and audition
process. An outline of the process and some of the
screening criteria are listed below.
Screening Process for Talented
Music
A
student is identified by his/her regular or
special education teacher as having artistic
needs which are not being met in the class in
which the student is enrolled.
The classroom teacher may want to read the Special
Education talent handout "Characteristics
of a Talented Student' before actually screening
for talent in her class. This will provide some
examples of behavior displayed by those who
have exceptional ability in the arts.
After the teacher has identified one or more
students who appear to excel in a particular
arts area, the appropriate talent screening
instrument obtained from special education is
completed by the teacher.
Every item on the screening instrument receiving
a score of four or higher must be documented
with examples, or samples, of the student's
work, whichever is more appropriate.
The screening teacher then presents the completed
screening instrument and documentation to the
School Building Level Committee where the child
is enrolled.
The School Building Level Committee reviews
the information and determines if the student
is eligible for a full evaluation in talent
according to Bulletin 1508 screening criteria.
If it is determined that the student is eligible
for a full evaluation, the pupil appraisal office
of special education will complete screening
procedures and assign an evaluation coordinator.
The evaluation coordinator initiates the process
for a full evaluation.
Talented Music Screening Instrument
The
student:
Is eager to participate in musical activities.
Is sensitive to the rhythm of the music; responds
through body movements to changes in tempo of
the music.
Shows exceptional and/or fluent use of original,
creative, or divergent ideas.
Plays one or more musical instruments (or expresses
a desire to); and/or sings with confidence.
Demonstrates a high level of concentration for
a sustained period of time.
