​Assessment Measures​​​

• Pre-Course Evaluation

• Oral and Written Quizzes

• Homework Assignments

• Class Participation

• Rehearsal Performance Prep

• Concert Performances Evaluation

• Final Presentation Project

• Exit Course Evaluation

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National and ISBE Standards we use.

(Click to download)

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Educational & Academic Outcomes

This curriculum supports foundational literacy and keeps students on track academically.

• Improved Literacy and Language Skills: Metrics showing higher reading comprehension, vocabulary, and writing scores. Because the Blues relies heavily on storytelling, lyricism, and structural poetry (AAB rhyme schemes), it directly builds foundational literacy.

• Higher School Attendance & Engagement: Data demonstrating a decrease in chronic absenteeism. Engaging arts programs are proven drivers of attendance among historically marginalized youth.

• Increased Graduation Rates: Longitudinal evidence that participating students are more likely to stay in school and graduate on time.

• Closing the Achievement Gap: Grades and Standardized test scores show tangible progress among low-income students and students of color compared to state averages.

 

Social-Emotional Development (SED) Outcomes

With youth mental health, our program fosters emotional resilience and behavioral stability.​​

• Reduction in Disciplinary Actions: A measurable drop in school suspensions, expulsions, and behavioral referrals.

• Enhanced Emotional Regulation & Coping Skills: Evidence (via student self-reports and teacher assessments) that students can constructively process trauma, stress, and anger. The Blues is historically a vehicle for turning suffering into resilience, making it a perfect tool for trauma-informed care.

• Increased Self-Efficacy and Confidence: Data showing that students' self-esteem, self-confidence, and belief in their own agency.

• Stronger Peer-to-Peer Empathy: Improvements in school climate surveys, showcasing a reduction in bullying and an increase in cross-cultural understanding.

 

Civic Engagement & Community Outcomes

Our program connects to broader societal benefits, public safety, and civic health.​

• Lower Juvenile Recidivism & Justice Involvement: Data proving that participants have lower rates of interaction with the juvenile justice system. This is a major selling point for fiscal conservatives focused on "cost-avoidance" metrics.

• Increased Civic Participation: Higher rates of voter registration (for older youth), community volunteering, and participation in local government or school boards.

• Workforce Readiness: Evidence of developed "soft skills" like collaboration, critical thinking, adaptability, and time management, which are highly valued by local business sectors.

• Intergenerational Community Connection: High attendance rates and positive feedback from community members at public student performances, establishing the school as a cultural anchor.

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Goals

   • Keep Blues youthful and exciting, while preserving it and building on the past.

• Introduce this American art form to new audiences globally.

• Use critical thinking skills while collaborating with others.

• Apply practical skills learned in class in a culminating activity on stage.

• Provide Blues Kids with the basic skills (musical, social, emotional, and linguistic) necessary to play proficiently and effectively in a musical community.

• Promote digital learning and embrace technology.

• Introduce students to the art of live professional performance.

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Objectives

• Introduce the history of American music through the lens of the Blues.

• Keep the Blues youthful and exciting, while preserving the past.

• Represent the next generation of Blues artists as scholars and proficient players + vocalists.

• Learn the importance of the Blues from a sociological and historical perspective with a focus on the future.

• Use critical thinking skills and collaborate with others.

• Apply practical skills learned in class in a culminating activity on stage.

 

Learning Outcomes

For Student Musicians To:

• Improve music literacy by playing by ear and reading tabs + chord charts.

• Communicate using cross-generational/regional “Blues” language.

• Use proper dynamics to ensure appropriate volume levels for songs.

• Accompany vocalist with proper volume control, fills, and chords.

• Critique and self-evaluate performances and provide feedback to others.

• Perform as “one” in an ensemble setting.

• Demonstrate basic Blues patterns such as 8-bar and 12-bar Blues.

• Demonstrate the call-and-response.

• Play songs effectively without guitar or piano solos.

• Perform a 15 to 20-minute set of music at a professional level with confidence.

• Demonstrate the art of the groove.