Goal # 1: Preparing Highly Qualified String Teachers
Objective:
NSPC will continue the intentional and strategic work to prepare new generations of highly qualified string teachers while addressing the national string teachers shortage.
Outcomes:
- Utilizing standards outlined by NAfME, ASTA, and other established string pedagogical approaches, NSPC will convey best practices for preparation of emerging string teachers.
- E. g. Host periodic online meetings dedicated to exchanges about best practices
- NSPC will provide sites with resources for professional development opportunities for all staff, master teachers, and student teachers.
- E.g. Host periodic online workshops and presentations at the ASTA National Conference
- NSPC will promote the compilation of site data and accomplishments
- E.g. Share annual and biannual surveys, website features, journal articles, and conference presentations
Goal # 2: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility
Objective:
NSPC will promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within all sites.
Outcomes:
- Recognize and honor the range of human differences through the mindful practice of inclusion and non-judgmental awareness.
- E.g. Promote culturally responsive pedagogical practices and the usage of diverse repertoire and methods through targeted discussions and workshops
- Promote a sense of belonging by welcoming and celebrating strengths and differences within NSPC communities.
- E.g. Promote accommodations and modifications of instruction for students with disabilities and exceptionalities through sharing of best practices
- Expand access for all to engage in string music education as it pertains to the NSPC dual legacy.
- E.g. Increase the number of sites in the nation by prioritizing the establishment of new and emerging sites in locations that do not currently have a site, especially in unrepresented states and regions
Goal # 3: Sustainability & Advocacy
Objective:
NSPC will continue building active connections with the music industry and other sponsors as well as advocate for strong string programs in the schools.
Outcomes:
- NSPC will continue working with music industry partners (including NAMM, Yamaha, and others) to support the needs of established and emerging sites.
- E.g. Provide and share successful organizational, administrative, and mentorship strategies for sites through professional development opportunities and to diversify fundraising strategies that focus on multi-year support
- Seek out diverse platforms to increase awareness of the NSPC and its global impact.
- E.g. Broaden the artist/organization/business advocacy network and engage these professionals to promote the consortium
- Promote the role sites play in contributing to the identity of local community cultures.
- E.g. Empower sites to perform and connect as cultural ambassadors of their communities.
The University of South Carolina String Project, now in its 44thyear, has won national recognition, including the Verner Award and a documentary on South Carolina ETV celebrating the 20th anniversary of the program. When the University of South Carolina String Project was founded in 1974 there was just one small string program in the Columbia metropolitan area. Now all five school districts in the Columbia area have large and active string programs, with orchestras in every high school and six regional youth orchestras.