Class hits sour note with kids Easton students will sacrifice music practice for math, reading help. Saturday, October 27, 2007 • By COLIN MCEVOY • The Express-Times EASTON | Cassandra Stepansky has an 89.95 GPA (out of 100) and loves playing trombone for the Easton Area Middle School band. But after she received low reading scores on the state standardized tests, the 12-year-old was told she'd have to ditch the music in favor of more studies. "I understand the district's goal to get the test scores up," said her father, Steven. "But what I don't agree with is my child seeing her musical ambition being limited if she's doing well academically. That's part of a well-rounded education, too." Stepansky is one of 474 fifth- and sixth-graders who will be taking new math and reading courses for students who scored proficient or lower on state standardized tests. The courses, which began last Monday, replaced the 12th-period study hall, which is also used for students participating in band, chorus and orchestra. As a result, about 180 students are now unable to take these music courses, a move some parents and music teachers have described as unfair. "I had a lot of crying children this week," said Janet Kirk-Greenblatt, director of fifth-grade music. "I had a lot of students who didn't seem to understand why they couldn't come to chorus and band anymore." Acting Superintendent Joseph Kish said administrators are reviewing the program and feedback they have received and will decide by early this week whether to continue or change it. "It's probably a little bit premature to say that the program is going to stay where it is right now," Kish said. "But you can't find out how the program works until you run it and see where the flaws are." 'We've got to raise those test scores' Greg Shoemaker, director of elementary education, said the move was part of a school improvement plan required by the state in response to low test scores. Pennsylvania System of School Assessment exam results indicated a 20 percent drop in reading and math between fourth and fifth grade. "There are some tough choices that had to be made with regard to kids participating in extracurricular activities," Shoemaker said. Under the current program, participating students take math or reading courses, depending on where they need improvement, Shoemaker said. Those who need improvement in both sections will alternate between the two subjects each day. Kirk-Greenblatt said she supports the initiative to improve test scores but not at the expense of music programs, which she said improve grades and reinforce concepts taught in major subjects. "The more kids are involved in music, the better they do in everything," she said. "In reality, no matter how much time you spend on reading and math, if they don't feel better about themselves, if they don't feel good about going to school, it won't improve any scores." Kirk-Greenblatt said about 30 percent of the 600 students who participate in fifth- and sixth-grade band, chorus and orchestra have been pulled from the groups. Students taking only one of the two subjects will lose half their music time. Shoemaker compared the restriction to student organizations with grade requirements for participation. "There are after-school programs you can't participate if you don't have a certain average," he said. "They require you maintain a C average or something like that, which is basically proficient." But Kish said the administration may decide to offer the remedial classes after school, which would reduce the effect the classes have on the music programs. "We're going take a look at it," Kish said. "It's a strong program, and the good intentions are there. We've got to raise those test scores." Reporter Colin McEvoy can be reached at 610-258-7171 or by e-mail at cmcevoy@express-times.com.