B24. Interview with Fred Norman

An example of editing and reduction of an interview for inclusion in a final report.

Other use was made of the interview but seven edited sentences were all that were quoted.

Parents were selected for interview who had themselves attended local elementary schools to get their views of how arts instruction had changed.

Interview Protocol

1. Which Martinez school did you attend?
2. What about Martinez schools today is different from when you went to school? a) particularly fourth grade?
3. Is everything else pretty much the same?
4. What about fourth grade art and music? a) how has it changed? b) What do you see the children learning today in art and music?
5. How do you feel about the emphasis (or lack of emphasis) on art and music?
6. Would you like to see more attention to drama and dance in elementary school?
7. What interests does your child have in any of the arts? a) crafts b) private lessons c) note interests expressed on survey
8. What happens to art things he/she makes?
9. Can you describe a particular project?
10. What is your impression of Mr. Free as a teacher?
11. How much emphasis does Mr. Free give the arts? a) artistry in teaching b) do you know a teacher who is?
12. Do you know of any topic or subject matter that Mr. Free treats as extra important?
13. Does your child talk about the wild animal project they are presently working on?

Interview with Fred Norman, father of Andy

Fred Norman graduated from a nearby high school in 1969. His elementary and junior high years were also spent in Las Lomas schools. There's been a long time family presence in the community as his mother received all of her schooling here as well.

Las Lomas schools are considerable different today than when he attended. Teachers and principals are less responsible for children receiving an education in basic academic subjects. Now, the responsibility has shifted more to parents to ensure that children complete assignments at home. There's a "huge stack" of materials that have come home unfinished. These are not required to be returned to the school. No school notice is paid to this, and there is no communication with parents on the matter.

The way of thinking today is different than in the 60's. Learning materials and methods presently used in the schools are adequate for these times. Concerned that materials used are outdated (publishing date of 1961 for history book) and in poor physical condition. There is more coddling in teacher's approach today, not demanding enough. If financially possible, he would send Andy to a private school.

Is dissatisfied with a policy which promotes children on the basis of age rather than achievement. Had asked for Andy to be retained in earlier years due to lack of school performance.

Didn't really notice the lack of an arts program when he was a child. Remembers that there was a band, but he didn't get involved and wondered at the time how children were selected for it and how instruments were allocated.

Personally feels that there should be more arts education. Although he is not a craftsman himself, his family background includes a father who was a music teacher and his mother was a commercial artist. Plays a little piano himself. Andy's little brother shows much talent as an artist. Andy has an accordion and plays their piano. He is not forced to practice as they are pushing him on everything else he studies. Bought Andy a trombone for the instrument program at school. A lost music book was replaced but he has to pay his parents, to teach him that mom and dad aren't made of money. Parents care about his music. He has to have an outlet. If there were a performing arts class, would enroll Andy.

Andy wants to be part of the adult world. He's interested in electronics. Bought him a kit and he made many of the projects himself. Has explaining skills and always wants to explain it to everyone, especially his mother who isn't as smart in these matters. Tried to get him in to the GATE program but he didn't do well on the test.

There is not nearly enough emphasis on the arts. They're needed for a "rounding" in an education. Mentions doctors as an example (Fred is a nurse). Some are prima donnas in academic terms but are lacking in life skills due to a sole emphasis on academics. Arts are needed for self-esteem, personal satisfaction. Andy is an example. Not successful in other areas but considerable parental encouragement in music offsets an otherwise negative situation.

Andy has an allergy to sugar, recently discovered. Is willing to take responsibility for his diet but this is sometimes difficult when eating with 200 other kids who are willing to give him sugar. This allergy has affected his school performance in past, but parent's know he's smart. Some psychological testing and speech therapy has been done.

Mr. Free is the best teacher Andy has had. He's the first teacher to really take an interest. Parents felt comfortable with "Mr. Free." Notes are written and there is lots of time for personal conferences. These are usually parent initiated, and the teacher responds. But there are too many kids in there to watch Andy.. He'll figure past what you're doing. Mr. Free just doesn't have the time.

Mini-report on Andy Norman (as it appears in the final report, page 251)

When I first spoke to Andy he immediately wanted to show me the classroom computer. We waited until recess and he happily explained how it worked. He was disappointed that there was little software but was attentive to each option available. In class, Andy was one of the last to engage and one of the first to disengage. His description of himself was brief:

His father, Fred Norman, was a nurse at nearby Valley Hospital. He and Andy's mother monitored Andy's progress carefully. Fred told me: