In episode 84, Theresa and Kathryn sit down with Leah Hanley to explore how assessment can be a powerful tool for student empowerment in music education. Leah, a seasoned orchestra teacher in the Bronx, shares insights on the distinction between summative and formative assessment and how the latter can be seamlessly integrated into daily music instruction. She highlights the importance of making assessment visible to students, allowing them to take ownership of their learning. Through practical strategies like using technology for individual assessment and embedding reflection into rehearsals, Leah demonstrates how teachers can help students become independent musicians who can analyze, problem-solve, and improve their performance.

Leah also shares actionable tips that music educators can implement right away, including setting up a simple recording system for self-evaluation and using structured discussion protocols to guide student reflections. She emphasizes that authentic assessments—those that involve real music-making rather than paper-based exercises—are key to fostering meaningful growth. Whether you're looking to refine your assessment practices or find ways to engage students more deeply, this conversation is full of valuable insights to help transform your teaching. Tune in to discover how to shift the focus of assessment from judgment to growth, creating a classroom culture where students thrive.

Connect with Leah and learn more:

• https://www.stringsattached.blog/
• https://nafme.org/publications-resources/connected-arts-network-project/
• https://www.musicfirst.com/

Other resources from this episode:

• Episode 67 -Unlock Student Potential: Transforming Assessments in Music Education
• Episode 55 -Assessment for Learning: Nurturing Growth and Progress in Every Student
• Exit Tickets for Self-Reflection
• Exit Ticket for Music Classes

Learn more about Pass the Baton:

• Pass the Baton website:⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.passthebatonbook.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Join the Coffee Club:https://buymeacoffee.com/passthebaton/membership
• Support Pass the Baton:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/passthebaton
• Amplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection! Get it for free now:⁠⁠⁠⁠https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f8l7g9

In episode 83, Theresa and Kathryn welcome Jasmine Henderson to discuss her innovative approach to empowering students through social justice projects in general music classes. Jasmine shares her journey from teaching K-8 general music and choir to collaborating with university students to design a groundbreaking project called the "Sonic Justice Collage." This unique initiative allowed students to explore topics they were passionate about—such as climate change and racial injustice—and express their ideas through music, using tools like Soundtrap to create public service announcements and multimedia collages. Jasmine reflects on how this project fostered student voice, creativity, and community while also providing valuable teaching experiences for pre-service educators.

Listeners will be inspired by Jasmine’s emphasis on student-centered learning and the power of music to address meaningful societal issues. She also provides practical tips for music teachers looking to implement similar projects, including strategies for collaboration, encouraging student choice, and navigating potential challenges. Whether you're a seasoned educator or new to teaching, this episode offers actionable ideas to engage students and cultivate a classroom environment where they feel seen, heard, and empowered. Don’t miss Jasmine’s heartfelt advice and the impactful stories from her classroom!

Connect with Jasmine:

Email: jas.d.henderson@gmail.com

Other Resources from this Episode

*Episode 81: Professional Collaboration - https://bit.ly/49HlA51

*Recording Studio Checklist - https://buymeacoffee.com/passthebaton/creating-classroom-recording-studio-3403049

*Recording Studio Private Podcast (Coffee Club Members only) - https://buymeacoffee.com/passthebaton/creating-classroom-recording-studio

Learn more about Pass the Baton

*Pass the Baton website: https://www.passthebatonbook.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

*Join the Coffee Club: https://buymeacoffee.com/passthebaton/membership

*Support Pass the Baton: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/passthebaton

*Amplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection! Get it for free now: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f8l7g9

In episode 82, Kathryn and Theresa sit down with Matthew Stensrud, an accomplished music educator specializing in elementary music, responsive classroom techniques, and Orff Schulwerk approaches. Matthew shares his journey into music education, including his inspiration from mentors and his passion for creating inclusive and empowering music classrooms. He emphasizes the importance of fostering a sense of belonging and community where students feel safe to take creative risks.

Matthew discusses actionable strategies for passing the baton to students, including movement activities, personalized compositions, and creating opportunities for student choice and voice. Highlights include empowering students through movement exercises like snowflake-inspired choreography and fourth-grade rap projects tied to identity and intersectionality. This episode is packed with practical ideas and insights to inspire music educators to cultivate creativity, collaboration, and a sense of ownership in their classrooms. Tune in to learn how small shifts in teaching practices can create transformative learning experiences for students.

• Website: www.mistersorff.com
  
• Patreon: www.patreon.com/mistersorff
• Instagram: @mistersorff
• Book: Responsive Classroom for Music, Art, PE, and Other Special Areas
  
• Book Recommendation: Intersection Allies: We Make Room for All
  

Learn more about Pass the Baton:

• Pass the Baton website:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.passthebatonbook.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Join the Coffee Club: https://buymeacoffee.com/passthebaton/membership

• Support Pass the Baton: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/passthebaton

• Amplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection! Get it for free now: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f8l7g9