In an effort to support all music educators in Kansas and to facilitate music instruction for all students, the KMEA board established a focus for Special Needs. Kris Brenzikofer and Elaine Bernstorf have been asked to co-chair this position. Kris brings the expertise of a secondary instrumental public school teacher and a focus toward the needs of those in northern Kansas. Elaine has a long history of work in special music education and elementary music in south- central Kansas. Their combined goal is to help Kansas music educators consider the needs of all students in maintaining quality music programs throughout the state. To that end, they hope to provide materials and consultation through KMEA that will:

• inform teachers about Core Arts Standards efforts as they are developed,
• contribute to international common core and arts integration initiatives that support children and adolescents, especially in fostering arts education and involvement for all learners;
• continue the legacy of excellent special music education and music therapy offerings founded in Kansas; and, most importantly,
• preserve the heritage of excellent music education offered in Kansas for over one hundred years.

To that effort, this article offers a few suggestions for using MTSS principles with Common Core Standards to adjust for students who have special needs. Contact us by email at specialneeds [at] ksmea.org.

Also, the Kansas State Department of Education provides MTSS training at a state conference each fall. This may provide valuable training for some music educators. Other KSDE recommended resources are available on the MTSS website. See MTSS resources: kansasmtss.org/resources.htm

Presentations on MTSS are also listed on the website: kansasmtss.org/presentations.html A powerpoint by Tim Shanahan shows good information on Common Core, especially related to literacy.