The Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM) has criticised the latest proposals by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) for extending the role of support staff in schools to include the teaching of music.
Under the proposals, certain subjects including music are treated differently from other curriculum subjects. The ISM is campaigning for the proposals to be re-drafted so that music teaching is not relegated to a support function and the status of teaching as an all-graduate profession in not undermined. The ISM?s Alison Pickard said ?To suggest that music can be taught by support staff not only demeans it as a curriculum subject, but also seems to disregard the findings of a recent survey indicating that primary teachers lack confidence in teaching music and need more back-up from qualified specialist teachers.? For more details of the ISM?s stance see w: http://www.ism.org
Published: 27-01-2003