State reviews standards for music teachers

LANSING – The State Board of Education will review public comments on proposed new standards for Michigan’s music education teachers, the first update in more than two decades.

Major changes include requiring educators to possess proficient levels of musicianship, which was not outlined in the 2004 standard.

Sue Carnell, the chief deputy state superintendent of public instruction, said updating the standards for teachers is “essential to ensure that students who are interested in music can receive a high-quality, well-rounded education.”

“The revision of our music education standards is part of our overall certification structure revision that has been in process since 2018,” said Ken Coleman, a communications specialist for the Michigan Department of Education.

“K–12 programs were the next steps,” he said.

“The 2004 standards outlined content requirements for programs, but also included program design and faculty requirements,” Coleman said.

“They included limited critical music teacher skills, such as assessment of literacy and working with all students, including those who have specialized learning needs.”

The new requirements – which are not reflected in the 2004 standard – include musicianship, music professionalism, music development, kinesthetic development in music (the sequential acquisition and development of the motor skills needed for musical engagement in children), music pedagogy, student engagement, classroom management and program management.

Public comments were accepted through Dec. 4.

Coleman said the department will review the comments and submit a full report on the comments and a final recommendation in the spring, with a request for approval.

Carnell said in a press release, “Preparing our educators to teach their students about music aligns with Goal 7 of Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan, to increase the number of certified teachers in areas of shortage.”

Coleman said the updated standards would only apply to new teachers graduating from approved secondary programs aligned with the proposed standards. He said support will be provided to educational institutions to develop or transition their current programs.

If approved by the board, the revised standards would take effect in the 2026-27 school year.