The Implementation Of The New P-10 Arts Syllabus: The Teachers' Voices

Abstract

How do music teachers cope when faced with implementing a new syllabus? In Queensland a new Arts syllabus years 1-10 has been introduced with compulsory implementation and reporting processes to be in place by 2006. This paper is the continuation of a research project that has raised the issues confronting music teachers in this situation. Interviews have been conducted with eight secondary music teachers in State high schools where syllabus implementation is mandatory. The teachers were questioned in regard to their philosophy on music education and how it relates to the new syllabus, in-service and resources, implementation processes, and assessment and reporting. Their 'voices' will be detailed and discussed in this paper.