In partnership with school districts committed to the process, The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation (MHOF) provides Music (and Arts) Education District Support Services (MEDSS®) to enhance and sustain quality, sequential music education programs in their schools. Current MEDSS Partner Districts: Aiken County Public Schools, Atlanta Public Schools, Boston Public Schools, District of Columbia Public Schools, Houston Independent School District, Los Angeles Unified School District, Metro Nashville Public Schools, New York City Department of Education, Orange County Public Schools, San Diego Unified School District, San Francisco Unified School District, and Tennessee Department of Education.
MEDSS provides a deeper understanding of:
- the current state of music and arts education at every school throughout the district
- which schools need support
- gaps in equitable and sequential K – 12 class offerings
- what types of support would make the greatest impact for students
- current and potential challenges
MEDSS services include:
Program Audit
The Program Audit provides a detailed assessment of K – 12 in-school music education on a district-wide level, as well as within specific feeder patterns. The audit evaluates music education accessibility for students, gaps in sequential K – 12 class offerings, identification of schools with low music program student participation and/or retention, identification of schools that do not offer music programs, and insight into the challenges/barriers that schools face in offering quality, music education.
Instrument Inventory Audit
The Instrument Inventory Audit assists districts in the collection and administration of district-wide musical instrument inventory lists for each school. Additionally, (or if a district already administers inventory lists) MHOF compares the current inventory to the Instrument Inventory Audit results to identify areas of need throughout the district.
Professional Development
MHOF hosts instrument repair workshops led by certified repair technicians, where music teachers learn how to conduct basic, simple repairs in the classroom. Teachers also learn best practices for maintenance of the various types of instruments to extend the life of their school’s inventory. Participating teachers are given an instrument repair toolkit for use in their classroom courtesy of MHOF.
Consultation
Throughout the execution of MEDSS services, MHOF provides customized consultation for each district’s specific needs. Districts often request MHOF consultation for strategic planning, program implementation, program sustainability, music teacher retention, music program scheduling, instrument repairs and musical instrument inventory.