School Music Administrators' Roles and Perspectives on Navigating Policy

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 32
  In Roundtable Session: Topics in Music Education Policy

Abstract

School music administrators are critical agents who serve as middle managers, navigating between microsystems where music teaching and learning takes place, and exosystems where policy is discussed, created, and disseminated. The purpose of this interview study was to examine school music administrators’ roles and perspectives on navigating policies impacting music and arts programs. The following questions guided the research: (1) What are the major roles early 21st century music administrators play in their school districts? (2) What are the major policies impacting music educators and music programs? (3) How do they learn of, interpret, and disseminate policy knowledge to music educators? (4) How do they support music teachers in schools?

Authors

• Carlos R. Abril, University of Miami

• Cathy L. Benedict, University of Western Ontario