Does playing a musical instrument improve cognitive ability?

Does playing a musical instrument improve cognitive ability?

Learning Standards:Arts:CI&IT:NYSED

Learning Standards:Arts:CI&IT:NYSED

Final Readings for Dr. Caldas, Dr. Wan, & Dr. Monson's 360 Degree Feedback

This week has been busy with the readings and completions of all projects.  The policy brief and Journal # 3 have been completed and submitted.  Tonight, I hope to complete the 2-4 goals for 2011 - 2012 using the S.M.A.R.T. technique. 

Westbank Community School Test Scores - Marrero, Louisiana - LA#from..HeaderLink

Westbank Community School Test Scores - Marrero, Louisiana - LA#from..HeaderLink

I utilized the info presented for my policy brief paper for Dr. Caldas

Policy Brief Paper - Registration for 2011

As we celebrate Thanksgiving Day, I must concentrate on the importance of this policy brief for Dr. Caldas.  The notes and e-mails regarding the abstract were most helpful. I feel as though I am prepared. 
The registration form is enroute to Dr. Wan for his official signature.  Happy Thanksgiving to All!

Manhattanville & Digication

I must say that arriving in the library at 9:30 A.M. on Saturday was a delightful experience; of course, one would think I was crazy knowing that the weather was so beautiful for a November day!  I completed the revisions for Dr. Caldas and began to frame out my policy paper and print copies of A Nation At risk and NCLB  (all free I might add).  The session on digication  & e-portfolio with Dr. Wan was great!  I learned so much; moreover, I can't seem to keep myself away from logging on and adding to my e-portfolio. My musical at the high school opens this week, but I am ahead of my readings required for Thursday. 

Meeting @ Manhattanville / Policy Class Readings

A photo and CV are all set for tomorrow's class - Scholarly & Professional Communication  - 1 P.M. to 4 P.M.   I am finding the reading in Public Education - America's Civil Religion (Bankston & Caldas, 2009) relevant to what is currently being covered in our policy class.  Chapters 6, 7, et. al would have been most helpful in preparation for the mid-term formative assessment.  Until tomorrow... 

Dr. Monson's Readings / Presentation De-Brief

This weekend, I will be concentrating with the readings dealing with organizational culture.  I am looking forward to meeting with Dr. Monson to review the Mentor Overview (Pal-Tech).  I have attached the power-point presentation from Thursday's class for all to view.  Being the first to present can have its advantages and disadvantages; however, my colleagues and Dr.Caldas were most helpful with my on-going research.    

Importance of Fine Arts Education

This is what it's all about!  "I could not let this one get by!"  Enjoy!  

Policy Issue Review & Power Point Presentation - Due 11/4/10

The meeting with Dr. Caldas on Thursday 10/28/10 proved to be very beneficial; hence, I will now begin to concentrate and develop my policy brief.  The insightful references and addition references provided will aid in my presentation and endorsement of the need for the arts in education.  The power-point presentation will be sent to Dr. Caldas for his review. 
I was happy to hear that Cohort #2 has already been in the planning stages as evidenced by the info session that very afternoon.  Renee and Dr. Wan have been helpful in finalizing my 12 transfer credits.  It will be a busy weekend.    

A Sad Day for the Arts, Dr. Monson's Class, & Misc. Items

Britain announced a 29.6% drop in funding for the arts; moreover, they further outlined their plan for further cuts over the next three years.  If this was not bad enough, SUNY Albany announced that they are eliminating the theatre program.  I learned this though a former student who is attending SUNY Albany. 
This weekend, I plan to complete the readings for Dr. Monson's class and complete Journal # 2.  If time permits, I hope to map out my power point program for Dr. Caldas.  I met with Dr. Wan yesterday to discuss  the twelve credit transfer.   

Completed Abstract - Mid-Term Preparations

The abstract for Scholarly & Professional Communication has been posted on blackboard and now it is time to prepare for the mid-term assessment scheduled for Thursday, October 21, 2010.  Review & re-read the documents are on the agenda for the next few days. 

Abstract Near Completion - Dr. Wan's Class / Dr. Monson's Readings

With advice from Dr. Wan, I was able to put together the abstract for my policy brief.  Monday, Tuesday, & Wed, I will devote my efforts to Dr. Monson's class and the reading of Chapter II of Dr. Amori's dissertation.  I know I must review the Mumford & Hersey & Blanchard readings as well.  Fortunately, I did receive the prompts for discussion and already sent them to Dr. Monson.   

A Busy and Productive Week !

I was thrilled to have completed the reading for Dr. Caldas.  In addition, I believe that I successfully completed the reference page with annotations.  I am gearing up for the policy paper with the sincere hope that I can develop my research into a three-article dissertation.  Back to School Night was held this week w/ another class @ Dominican.  I even had time to post on Blackboard, and will continue to do so over the weekend.  In addition, I will consider the abstract for Dr. Wan's class - The Importance of Arts Education will be my focus.    

References for Policy Issue & Kingdon's Text

Well, I can tell you that I will be busy this weekend finishing up Kingdon's text as well as completing the reference page due for October 7, 2010.  Dr. Caldas was very helpful in directing me with credible and viable references for my policy issue paper.  It is by no means near completion and I regard it as a work in progress.  I am focused on the Importance of Arts in Education.  My hope is to find a variety of references which supports my policy issue.  Only time will tell.   

Scholarly & Professional Communication

I have been busy with the readings and assignments for this semester.  Dr. Caldas has been most helpful in my development of the policy issue paper - The Importance of the Arts in Education.  I am also completing the EAP for Dr. Monson's class.  In addition, I am keeping up with the reading for Dr. Wan's class - will finish Nash's text - Liberating Scholarly Writing this weekend.  I have to devote at least one to two hours per day, plus at least one full day over the course of the weekend to keep afloat.  Although demanding, I am enjoying the journey.  

The Importance of the Arts In Education

I have decided to research the importance of the arts, specifically - dance, music, art, and theatre as a topic for my policy brief.  Equity, efficiency, effectiveness, and political feasibility will "frame" the task at hand.  Unfortunately, when resources are not as abundant as one would like, the arts in education are usually the first area to be eliminated.  I would be interested to know what others think.