This session will examine findings and strategies related to understanding the impact of poverty on individual student learning and the effect it has on Fine Arts programs. The following questions will be addressed: Is it realistic to maintain bustling Fine Arts programs even though poverty rates are climbing? How can we maintain excellence while poverty increases? Are there actions we can take to minimize the impact of poverty on individual students and Fine Arts Programs?
Matt McCready
- Biographical Information
Matt McCready is in his 22nd year in public education and his 14th with Union Public
Schools. He is currently in his sixth year
as Director of Fine Arts, having previously served as Union’s Director of
Bands. Under his leadership, more than
90% of students in the district participate in a Fine Arts Department class or
activity. Union has been named a “Best Community for Music Education” by the
NAMM Foundation in both 2013 and 2017. Under his direction, the Union Band saw
exponential growth in student participation while also receiving top rankings
and ratings at numerous local, state, regional, and national events. During his
tenure, Union’s marching band, The Renegade Regiment, was named a Bands of
America (BOA) Grand Nationals Finalist twice. The band also participated in the 2013 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. McCready maintains an active schedule around
the country as a musician, clinician, conductor, and adjudicator.
McCready is an active member
of the Arts community, serving on the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra board of
directors and the education committee. He is also a member of the Oklahoma Department of Education Fine Arts
Advisory Committee.
McCready is currently ABD
working toward an Educational Leadership Doctoral Degree at Oklahoma State
University in Tulsa. He is a graduate of the University of Kansas (KU) earning
both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music Education. While attending KU, he
was the assistant director of the men’s and women’s basketball bands during the
100th year of Kansas basketball. He was
also selected to be in the 1996 Walt Disney World All-American College Band.
McCready is a native of Kansas City and is an avid Jayhawks fan as well as a
die-hard Royals and Chiefs supporter. Matt is thankful for his beautiful and
loving wife, Amy, who is also an administrator with Union Public Schools.