Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Practices and Policies in the Music Classroom and School

Reflection

At the middle school I'm currently student teaching with, there is an extremely diverse student

population. According to the Virginia Department of Education, 60% of the students are

Caucasian, 16% are Black, 15% are multiple races, 7% are Hispanic, and 2% are Asian. Also,

47% of students are categorized as “economically disadvantaged”, and only 2.5% are English

learners. Overall, the school is very welcoming and inclusive in regards to its student population.

Students are treated fairly with equity and diversity in mind.

In the band classroom, there are many effective practices that relate to issues of diversity, equity

and inclusion. Students of all backgrounds are given the opportunity to succeed and express

themselves musically. Students are able to interact with their classmates and can participate

equally. Music is such a unifying force, and that is on full display here. Also, repertoire selection

is made with diversity and inclusion in mind. My cooperating teacher chooses specific repertoire

that is composed by people from various different backgrounds, genders, and races. In doing this,

students are exposed to music if different people and can see that everyone can compose

fantastic music. Overall, I believe that this school and program do an outstanding job in

incorporating diversity, equity and inclusion into their classroom practices.