We're Homeschoolers--We Don't Do Tests!

     I know, I know, not all homeschoolers feel the same about testing.  It is probably safe to say that every homeschooling family feels differently about testing:  when to start testing, what subjects to test on, standardized tests or not.  So why has the co-op implemented a policy that students have to pass an exit exam before moving up to the next level for Theory?

     I think to answer this question we need to go back to our reasons for even teaching theory.  Part of our missions statement is, “to provide comprehensive, high-quality musical education” for our students.  We feel that a comprehensive musical education includes learning music theory.  It might be easier if we were simply to say that we wanted our teachers to focus completely on the music that the students will perform at the concerts.  However, we do not want our co-op to be performance driven.  We want to give all our students a knowledge base that will help them in choir, with their instruments and anything else they may want to do musically.  We do this so that our students will have a strong foundation that they can continue to build upon for the rest of their lives. 

     Giving our students a complete musical education is not the only reason for teaching theory.  We have classes for 15 weeks a semester, once a week, for 55 minutes for each musical class.  That means that the teachers have to utilize every minute they have with their students.  If a teacher has to spend even 5 minutes explaining that a quarter note receives one beat while a half note receives two beats, that means that they have used almost 10 percent of their class time explaining a concept that could be taught in theory.   Teaching the basics of music in a theory class allows the teachers to focus all their time and energy on the musical elements that need to be taught in a choir or band setting.

     That brings us back to our original question of why we are requiring students to pass an exit exam for their theory class.  The answer is simply that we want to make sure they have the knowledge base that is necessary to continue to build upon as they go into the more advanced classes.  Just as you cannot learn multiplication without first knowing how to add in math, you cannot learn how to count how many beats are in a measure without first knowing how many beats each note or rest receives.  You have to have a firm grasp on one concept before moving on to another.  The tests are simply a tool for the teachers to use to make sure that the students know the information they need to know before moving on.  Our intention is not to embarrass or “hold back” any student.  The test can be taken multiple times and we are more than willing to work with parents and students to get the students where they want to be.  By doing this we hope to continue to provide high-quality music education for our students as they advance in the co-op.

ARC