RESTON, VA (January 16, 2015)—Earlier this week, Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-TN), of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released a “discussion draft” of his new Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) reauthorization proposal. In a nutshell, the bill does not signify a step forward for music education, in federal statute.
The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) has been deeply involved in discussions with key HELP Committee staffers, on both sides of the aisle—about music education priorities, and what is best for all students across America.
On January 13, the Music Education Policy Roundtable, a coalition of likeminded organizations and institutions founded by NAfME, advocating for high quality music education in America’s schools, identified its legislative priorities for the ESEA reauthorization.
The Roundtable has outlined these five priorities for Congress, in an effort to create both a policy and teaching environment more conducive to the importance of providing all students with access to a well-rounded education that includes high quality instruction in music education.
While there remains a deep philosophical divide between the two parties’ visions for education reform, there is also considerably more optimism on Capitol Hill than during previous reauthorization attempts, and a feeling remains, that, in time, and with compromise, it is possible that a deal could be reached, this year. Music teachers and supporters are asked to submit comments to Chairman Alexander’s HELP staff, sharing the Roundtable’s legislative agenda, and asking for improved provisions for music in these key areas, between now and February 2.
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National Association for Music Education, among the world’s largest arts education organizations, is the only association that addresses all aspects of music education. NAfME advocates at the local, state, and national levels; provides resources for teachers, parents, and administrators; hosts professional development events; and offers a variety of opportunities for students and teachers. The Association orchestrates success for millions of students nationwide and has supported music educators at all teaching levels for more than a century. With more than 130,000 members, the organization is the voice of music education in the United States.
Follow NAfME on Twitter (twitter.com/nafme) and on Facebook (facebook.com/nafme). For additional information, contact Catherina Hurlburt at catherinah@nafme.org or 703-860-4000, ext. 242.