School Teacher Enrichment Program

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School Teacher Enrichment Program

• STEP
• Offered for the first time at the
• 2008 ASTA Conference
• in Albuquerque

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Background

• The Committee on School Orchestra and Strings
  began a discussion in 2006 regarding the need for
  comprehensive training for string teachers and
  developed a track of specific conference sessions
  that would accomplish this goal.

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What is STEP?

• a 45 hour comprehensive training program in
  topics specific to string teaching
• available for any teacher
• fills in gaps in coursework, reinforces knowledge
  already learned, and presents new concepts in
  education
• completion within four years
• college credit is an option

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What does it cost?

• cost of the conference
• cost of Pre-Con
• 25 for the ASTA office to document the
  requirements of the program (1st yr. only)
• cost of credit if credit if desired (20 fee for
  being a first time Shenandoah student)

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Tool for Administrators

• validates attendance at a conference
• may encourage administrators to financially
  support teachers attendance
• tool for administrators to assist instructors
  with professional development in specific areas
  of need

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Letter to Administrator
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Who is eligible?

• any string or orchestra teacher who is interested
  in learning topics of vital importance to string
  education.
• non-string playing teachers such as band
  directors who are now teaching strings.
• private lesson teachers now teaching adjunct in
  schools.
• new string teachers.
• veteran string teachers.
• anyone!

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Why should teachers enroll?

• to stay current in educational trends (string and
  general education)
• to fill gaps in training
• to receive more in-depth study of a particular
  area
• to learn about teaching stringed instruments if a
  teacher has not played a stringed instrument
• to learn teaching strategies (private teachers
  teaching adjunct)

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Topics include

• 1. Recruiting
• 2. Pedagogy for Teaching Beginning/Middle
  School/High School Violin and Viola Students
• 3. Pedagogy for Teaching Beginning/Middle
  School/High School Cello Students
• 4. Pedagogy for Teaching Beginning/Middle
  School/High School Bass Students
• 5. Improvisation in the String Class
• 6. Composition in the String Class
• 7. Analyzing and Listening to Music and Music
  Performance for all levels
• 8. History and Culture for all levels

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continued

• 9. Specifications and Basic Repair of Student
  Model/Step-up and Fine Quality Instruments
• 10. Rehearsal Techniques for the
  Beginning/Middle School and High School
  Orchestra
• 11. Reading Sessions and Literature Selection
  Process for Beginning Strings/Middle School and
  High School (Instrument required three
  separate sessions)
• 12. Assessment Writing, Documenting and
  Reporting for All Levels of String Classes
• 13. Alternative Styles
• 14. Technology in the String Class
• 15. Advocacy and Communication Parents,
  Teachers, Administration, School Board and
  Students

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continued

• 16. Retention of String Students Through Middle
  School
• 17. Chamber Music Coaching for the
  Elementary/Middle School and High School String
  Classes
• 18. Attend the NOF performances and Solo
  Competition performances for the instrument you
  play and one other.
• 19. Conducting the High School Orchestra/Score
  Preparation
• 20. Full Orchestra Instrumentation and
  Rehearsal Techniques
• 21. Competition Preparation for High School
  Orchestra
• 22. Full Orchestra Instrumentation and
  Rehearsal Techniques
• 23. Competition Preparation for High School
  Orchestra
• 24. Classroom management
• 25. Differentiation and Gifted and Talented
  Students
• 26. Comprehensive Musicianship

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Identification of STEP sessions

• Each STEP session will be labeled in the program
  book with the following initials
• IT - instrument technique
• RT - rehearsal technique
• CP - classroom pedagogy
• Adv advocacy
• CH concert hour

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What are the requirements?

• Track 1 STEP Program -Year 1 (23 Hours)
• 6 Pre-Con Hours Year 1 1 hour of program
  overview Wednesday from 1100-1145 and then join
  Pre-Con 1200-500
• 4 Instrumental Technique Sessions
• 4 Rehearsal Technique Sessions
• 4 Classroom Pedagogy Sessions (including
  technology)
• 2 Advocacy Session
• 3 Student Performance Concert Hours (Alt Styles,
  NHO, Solo Competition etc.)
• NOTE
• There are still 8 hours of conference time and
  evening concerts available for individual choice.

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Requirements continued

• Track 1 STEP Program - Year 2 (22 Hours)
• 5 Pre-Con Hours Year 2 Wednesday from
  1200-500
• 4 Instrumental Technique Sessions
• 4 Rehearsal Technique Sessions
• 4 Classroom Pedagogy Sessions (including
  technology)
• 2 Advocacy Session
• 3 Concert Hours (Alt Styles, NHO, Solo
  Competition etc.)
• NOTE
• There are still 9 hours of conference time and
  evening concerts available for individual choice.

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Rigor and relevance

• Interactive sessions
• Transfer from conference to the classroom what
  did you do before and what will you do now?
• Reflection
• Create, execute, and revise lessons plans after
  conference

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Session Reflection Rubric
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Requirements

• Teachers submit the STEP log of sessions,
  rehearsals, or concerts attended
• Teachers must obtain a signature from the
  presider (preferably) or presenter of the
  session, rehearsal or concert.

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• Teachers submit a reflective paragraph about each
  session, rehearsal or concert attended regarding
  the application of the information
  presented/observed to their teaching setting or
  future teaching setting

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Requirements continued

• Teachers submit a lesson plan. Select one of the
  sessions and write a lesson plan using the given
  template (found on the web)

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Assignment Graded

• The assignment is mailed by May 1 to be reviewed
  and assessed using the Assignment Rubric

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What do I receive upon completion?

• A STEP certificate will be awarded upon
  completion of the two-year, 45 hour program.
• Possible two college credits if taken for credit.
• Notification to supervisors or administrators
  specified on the application that a certificate
  in this program has been received.

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Where do I find all this information ?

• Information and documentation forms found on the
  web www.astaweb.com
• Click on conferences/Professional
  Development/Step forms

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Target PR materials to

• Collegiate members
• New teachers
• Administrators
• Music supervisors
• Non-string playing instructors
• General membership
• AP High School Students