MUSIC EDUCATION IN DC

CONNECTING DC STUDENTS WITH MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES

MISSION

Children living in poverty face enormous academic repercussions solely because of their socioeconomic status. Closing the achievement gap through the inclusion of music education is the academic support system children in poverty need because of the spatial, language, and social skills it provides, resulting in success in higher education and a future career.

Lack of parental support

Lack of focus on school and academics with surrounding problems

Limited contact to educational materials such as computers, books and learning games and toys

Hunger and financial instability

EFFECTS OF POVERTY ON EDUCATION:

SOME STATISTICS

In 2017, more than eight million minority students were in poverty

Dropout rates of 16 to 24-years-old students who come from low income families are seven times more likely to drop out than those from families with higher incomes

40% of children living in poverty aren’t prepared for primary schooling

In 2017 33% of black or African American children and 26% percent of Hispanic or Latino children were in poverty, whereas 11% of white students were considered to be in poverty

By the end of the 4th grade, African-American, Hispanic and low-income students are already 2 years behind grade level. By the time they reach the 12th grade they are 4 years behind

In 2013, the dropout rate for students in the nation was at 8% for African American youth and 7% for Hispanic youth, which are all higher than the dropout rate for Caucasian youth (4%)

Less than 30% of students in the bottom quarter of incomes enroll in a 4 year school. Among that group – less than 50% graduate

https://www.dosomething.org/us/facts/11-facts-about-education-and-poverty-america#fn5

SOLUTION

An active exposure to music and a participation in acoustic and instrumental music education helps students keep their reading levels at grade standard, which countered the adverse effects of living in poverty -Jessica Slater

Many studies have examined the impact of integrated music education through in-school programs and find that students in a low socio-economic position progressively had their academic success diminished in the absence of the music program. With the integration of a music education, students suffering from poverty stayed at average grade reading levels.