IP: required performances in HS Chorus

[Dave Farber <farber@cis.upenn.edu>]

>From: "Paul Sinasohn" <psinasohn@siebel.com>
>To: "'David Farber'" <farber@cis.upenn.edu>
>
>
>Here's a set of parents I'm glad I don't have as my own. I bet the kid is a
>very spoiled brat.
>
>Paul Sinasohn
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: owner-choralist@lists.Colorado.EDU
>
>         I am seeking information/assistance/advice from other high school
>directors concerning required performances as part of a grade.
>         This year I had a freshman choir member who skipped a
>state-sponsored contest. (Her excuse has been that she overslept, but her
>ensemble didn't perform until 3:30 in the afternoon.) This contest is one of
>the
>performances I require of all chorus members.  
>
>It is clearly stated in my course syllbus (which every member gets a copy of
>at the beginning of the year) that an unexcused absence from a required
>performance will result in a failing grade for the quarter.  (Excused
>absences are pretty much the obvious things--illness, family emergencies,
>one-time family events). The dates of all concerts/contests are also listed
>on the policy. 
>
>The parents of this student have chosen to challenge the policy.  This is,
>of course, not the first time I have met with parental opposition, but it is
>the first
>time they have taken it this far.  It has gone through all of the proper
>channels and the administration, school board, and school lawyers have been
>very supportive and have backed the policy. Now the parents have taken the
>case to our State Department of Education, and that department has
>indicated that they would like to hear the case within the next month. The
>fact that they want to resolve this as quickly as possible is not
>encouraging.
>
>I guess I have to confess to being somewhat naive because it had
>never occurred to me before this that requiring a performance might be
>infringing on a student's rights, particularly since chorus is an elective,
>and the students who are there have chosen to make that commitment.
>Obviously, I am concerned about the implications the department's decision
>will have on my own program, but I believe that decision--whatever it ends
>up being--may set a precedent that will affect many other music programs
>within the state, and it is possible that it may restrict what music
>teachers can and cannot require as part of a grade.
>
>Has anyone out there had experience with similar situations or
>taught in an area where grading restrictions have been made on
>performance-based classes?   I would be grateful for any words of wisdom
>you could offer.
>
>Thank you,
>Kathy Graber
>Vocal Director
>Harris-Lake Park High School
>Lake Park, Iowa 51347
>kgraber@harris-lp.k12.ia.us
>
>