Unhappy with Loker music cutback plan
To the Editor:
As a former instrumental music specialist in a nearby community for 36 years, it was disheartening to learn that Loker Elementary is piloting a schedule to reduce band and string instruction by half within the regular school day. The Wayland Public Schools has always had a stellar reputation for developing high-quality bands and orchestras.
Having written a master’s thesis on elementary instrumental scheduling, the extensive research provides other alternatives to core academic pull-outs. The following options may be implemented separately or in combination to best meet the specific needs of individual schools, classrooms, and students: the team teaching blitz, a schedule rotation on a consistent day of the week, creating additional periods on certain days of the week, special subject pull-outs, classroom music pull-outs only, an activity period, the flipping of lunch and recess times, and negotiating times with core subject teachers.
Numerous studies indicate that the majority of instrumental students score higher on tests than their classmates, even when lessons occur during core subjects. Belief to the contrary is a common misperception. However, it is understandable that classroom teacher and parental survey data reflect concerns related to professional evaluation and the pull-out effect on academic achievement.
There are clearly other viable scheduling solutions available to keep group lessons during the school day. A more open-minded approach, in lieu of time elimination, should be explored to maintain the excellent standard. The success of any instrumental program actually begins at the elementary level.
Ilene Ackerman
Daybreak Road
Fond memories of Donald Benedetti
To the Editor:
I graduated from Wayland High School in 1972 and went on to become a lawyer and law professor in New York City. I fondly remember the late Donald Benedetti (obituary, June 26, 2026) as an outstanding and inspirational high school teacher. Mr. Benedetti’s European history classes I took as a freshman and sophomore in high school were so high-quality that, in college, I was able to test out of two semesters of the History Department’s freshman courses on the subject. The interest in history he helped stimulate provided a foundation for my professional career, and his frequent homework assignments of multiple-page written essays helped develop writing skills that have served me well. And he contributed his additional service as cross-country and track coach.
In sum, Wayland was privileged to receive the benefit of Donald Benedetti’s 38-year career as an educator. Don was a college student when President Kennedy issued his challenge to ask not what our country can do for us, but what we can do for our country. In my judgment, Don successfully answered that challenge.
Patrick C. Reed
Old Sudbury Road
