Music Education at Penn State
The Center for the Study of Music Learning and Teaching
Mission Statement
The Center for the Study of Music Learning and Teaching was established in February of 2003 to:
- provide a focus for faculty and student research and scholarly activity;
- reflect consistency with cutting-edge research that indicates the importance of field-based laboratories in which new knowledge about music teaching and learning can be developed and tested as graduate students develop skills in critical thinking and research;
- provide a strong recruiting mechanism for graduate students;
- integrate the various levels of the Music Education Program;
- provide community outreach.
Research Activity
In this time of high-stakes testing, preparing students to take state tests is crucial. School districts throughout the country are struggling to balance appropriate preparation in tested subjects and a well-rounded education for students. Occasionally, parents and other interested persons discourage students' participation in voluntary activities such as music courses and extra-curricular musical offerings in order to ensure success on tests.
The purpose of this project is to examine whether the Pennsylvania state test (PSSA) scores of students involved in voluntary music activities are different than the scores of students not involved in such activities. School districts in Pennsylvania were evenly divided by geographic location and socioeconomic status, and a random sample of 160 schools were selected from the divisions. Seven Penn State graduate students are participating in all aspects of this research project, which is scheduled to be completed by the end of March, 2006.
Contact Information
Norene C. Ferris, Coordinator
249 Music Building I
University Park, PA
814-865-9361
ncf3@psu.edu