Know Your Educational Options – Creating A Music Student’s School Schedule, Part 4

Blonde student walking into school with a smile after planning out her educational options

Part Four: Know Your Educational Options

BY MEGHAN VANCE • July 22, 2024

As we wrap up this series on creating a school schedule, it’s helpful to make a clear distinction between school and education. Schools are formalized institutions where students learn information, often a prescribed course or curriculum, from a teacher. Education is learning, something we do before, during, and after formal schooling. After determining educational goals for your student, what your school wants, and what class options your school offers, you’ll likely find that your goals don’t perfectly align with the school’s, and that the school may not be equipped to help your student achieve some of those goals.

FIND OPTIONS TO MEET YOUR GOALS

Revisit your list of goals. For each goal, ask these three questions:

  1. Can this goal only be met through my school?
  2. Is this goal best met through my school?
  3. Is this goal likely to be met through my school?

If your answer was “no” to any of these questions, you may want to consider other educational options. If you want your student to learn to work well with others, consider a musical ensemble, theater group, dance troop, or sports team. If they need to be challenged, they may need the push of a private teacher or tutor. Try to find options that best address each goal. Then – keeping your priority list in mind, because your student can’t do everything and can get overwhelmed – help your student build a schedule around both their school classes and other educational options.

    A musical ensemble is pictured performing outdoors illustrating options to achieve goals.
    ASK TEACHERS, COUNSELORS, STUDENTS, & PROFESSIONALS ABOUT OPTIONS

    People around you are great resources, and generally want to be helpful. School teachers and counselors may know of classes not on the official list, like assistant or personal project options only offered to elite students, classes offered in the past, or classes that don’t currently have enough interest to exist. The Vault writes that “One of the main reasons music programs are targeted during budget cuts is due to lack of student participation or interest.” Teachers and counselors also can tell about school groups and clubs.

    Professionals, but also other students, are essential resources. Seek out students (and their parents) just ahead of your student’s level. Did the students enjoy themselves and learn a lot? College students can tell you which options they found most helpful to prepare them for college. Professionals can tell you what skills are most needed for the actual job. Try asking questions like these:

    • How much homework and studying is needed to do well in this class?
    • What classes should my student take and why?
    • Are there community groups related to my student’s interests and passions?
    • What does your job or college look for on resumes or transcripts?
    • What skills did you wish you had before college or your career?
    • What were the skills that served you best in college or your career?
    • What are the best and worst things about your job?
    • Who else should I talk to?
    Young woman weighing educational options while interviewing a business woman online.
    GOALS TO OPTIONS, OPTIONS TO GOALS

    As your student prepares to write applications for colleges, scholarships, and jobs, simply reverse the thought process: your student should explain how their chosen options show growth, achievements, and capabilities. For example, an experience in a foreign country can show “adaptability, flexibility, curiosity and the ability to empathize with people from different backgrounds,” all “qualities that will make you competitive in international markets,” writes Fortuna Admissions. Document your student’s progress and keep the contact information of teachers, mentors, and supervisors. “Art programs usually…ask for a portfolio and a letter from an art instructor” on top of college requirements, states IvyScholars.com.

    Finally, as you consider options, try to find ones that overlap both your student’s goals and passions. IvyScholars writes that art programs want to see a student’s artistic experience, vision, technical skill, style/expressiveness, breadth of skills, and dedication. Adeleine Halsey, for Evansville Day School, writes “…going to a nursing home twice a week is a wonderful way to serve others, but if you love to play soccer…volunteering as an assistant coach for a soccer club in an underprivileged area might be a better option. This shows schools that you’re being purposeful with the talents you have and are using them to better others.”