Grant Writing Assignment

A.  In an effort to more effectively teach mathematics, we believe there is a strong link between success in music and success in math. To this end, we would like to implement a program that will enhance math skills in our students.

B.  The reason for the project is to make learning math fun for or students.  We believe that as we tap into the music skills of our children, we can also teach the elementary math skills that can built upon in upper elementary levels.  We believe we can realize a 25% increase in the math skills of our students.  To this end, we will measure the math skills before the implementation of the project and retest the same skills and determine if the program has accomplished the goals defined above.

C.  We intend to implement the program for pre k students.  Each student will be tested before the program is implemented.  In addition to math testing, we will also test the students for musical competence, believing that there is a direct correlation between high musical aptitude and math aptitude.  Throughout the year, each student will be exposed to musical challenges and will be required to participate in musical groups.  Once a solid musical foundation is established, we will test each student with the math/music program.  At the end of the year, the students will be retested and scores recorded and compared to the tests given at the beginning of the year.  
   
D.  In addition to in house testing, we will implement standardized testing to measure the progress of each student involved in the program. 

E.  Because our premise is that there is a strong correlation between math and music skills, we are hopeful that the program will assist in the achieving of the goal of improving math scores in our pre-k children.  We believe this will also result in higher math scores in subsequent years as we expand the math/music teaching program.

The following excerpt supports our belief in the link between math and music:

“In my role, I have seen many teachers teach multiplication through song or teachers playing music during a math lesson and of course it's well known that music and math are linked, think of timing and fractions when students learn about half notes, quarter notes etc. However, can we go as far to say that music helps to improve math scores? 
Researchers have found time and again an apparent link between the arts (music most commonly) having a positive impact on – reading, math, writing, self-esteem, and brain development.Rauscher & Shaw (1997)
I can certainly appreciate the many times I've seen music and math linked but when I actually reviewed some of the research, I was excited to see it documented! See the full article on the links between math and music.”
Deb's Mathematics Blog
By Deb Russell, About.com Guide to Mathematics