Students Say Learning Through Music is Key to Success

By Colleen Chen, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Funds remain frozen for a hip-hop based learning program in Oklahoma City Public Schools, but students at one Oklahoma City charter school said music is a key part of their education.

Superintendent Karl Springer made the decision to freeze the funding after he learned about questionable content in some of the Flocabulary books. A concerned teacher spoke out against the material.

But as an investigation into the use of Flocabulary in Oklahoma City Public Schools continues, a charter school said the use of rap and rhythm is working.

Oklahoma City Public School officials said Seeworth Academy was actively using the Flocabulary program. The charter school's director, Janet Grigg, said the program has been purchased but has not been implemented yet. Grigg said parts of it will be used to help enhance an educational environment where music and learning already go hand-in-hand.

The public knows Seeworth Academy as a place that helps at-risk children, but Grigg said she prefers calling them at-promise.

"I want to do something. I don't want to drop out of school," said 16-year-old student Charles Stevenson.

Stevenson said he's watched plenty of friends drop out and has had other friends die from violence.

The children at Seeworth say they find home in their music teacher, Henry Rice, and his classroom.

"I forget all about my problems and issues I have at home," said 18-year-old student Abraham Corona.

Corona said music helps him focus on studying and overcome his troubles. His mom left him when he was 7 years old.

"At one point in my life, I thought if my mom didn't care about me and I don't have any family with me, then why should I care. I'm just going to drop out," he said.

Corona said he changed his mindset after arriving at Seeworth and finding a different way to learn. He said rap has turned out to be one of his best learning tools.

"It's helped me learn more words and broadened my vocabulary," he said.

The students at Seeworth have been making their own positive music and rap songs for more than five years now. They've even recorded CD's of their music.

"Some classroom teachers have said, 'You know what? These kids come to school because they want to do music.' Consequently, they perform to another level in my class whether it be math, science or social studies," said music teacher Henry Rice.

That's why Seeworth Academy purchased the Flocabulary program. School officials said they hope to supplement and enhance what is already working. Grigg said she saw what's being called questionable content before making the purchase. She said any curriculum can come with good and bad material, but she plans on only using the good.

"We won't be using anything that is disrespectful. We won't be using anything derogatory to anyone or anybody. We will do as we've always done which is to show respect. Respect is the number one rule at Seeworth Academy. The second rule is to not disrupt learning," Grigg said.

She said music is how these kids are best learning.

"When you learn a song you have to memorize it," Stevenson said.

That's why Flocabulary will find a place in Seeworth's lesson plans. The original raps from students share life lessons. The young people at Seeworth have had their fair share of hard life lessons. The lyrics to their songs show it.

"It's coming from my heart. It's a lot of emotion and things I have to say," Stevenson said.

Meanwhile, Oklahoma City Public Schools leaders said an investigation into the use and purchase of Flocabulary in the district is still in the early stages.