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The Latest on Music Education Policy from Capitol Hill |
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December 2, 2009 |
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Want to Advocate for Your Music Program? New Database Helps You "Make Your Case" |
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by Roz Fehr
At the national level, MENC works to make the case for strong school music programs during discussions with the U.S. Department of Education, and with key legislators.
However, as local school districts around the United States look at shrinking budgets and weigh program cuts, music educators may need some ammunition for home front skirmishes.
The "Make Your Case" database is a resource designed to help music educators and its advocates "make a case" to support school music programs. Presented by MENC and NAMM, the International Music Products Association, "Make Your Case" is a project of SupportMusic.com.
Need some talking points to take along when you go into a school board meeting or when you speak with parents? Let U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, among others, help you.
In August 2009, he wrote a letter to school and education community leaders, reminding them that music is a core curriculum subject, and that the arts can help students become tenacious, team-oriented problem solvers who are confident and able to think creatively.
In particular, the letter argues these qualities can be especially important in improving learning among students from economically disadvantaged circumstances. Access the letter.
Here are a few recent database entries that could help you make a stronger case if you need it: Music vs. sports funding Music study keeps students away from harmful activities Social benefits of music study Music programs build confidence, character, and cooperation Music uses both right and left sides of the brain The searchable database includes statistics, quotations, anecdotes, and research that can be used when approaching administrators, principals, parents, school boards, and legislators. Make Your Case entries are available to the public, so share this resource with parents and boosters as well.
The ability to enter new items is limited to MENC leaders and selected leaders from other associations in the SupportMusic coalition. Members can submit their own advocacy resources through their state presidents or by e-mailing advocacy@menc.org. Visit supportmusic.com for more information.
Read this previous news story about database.
"Make Your Case" can help you "talk the talk" when you need to. |
October 30, 2009
Download an article on recruiting from Sheri Manning, Project Facilitator for Band for the Clark County School District. Click here to download the article.
April 13, 2009
US Senate Findings regarding decline in ArtsEducation
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and the Public Schools
2008 Election Results and the Impact on Arts Education
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November 5, 2008
Americans for the Arts Action Fund President and CEO Robert L. Lynch gave the following statement on the results of Election Day:
"The historic election of Sen. Barack Obama to be the 44th president of the United States will have tremendous impact on the nation’s arts community, public schools, and creative workforce. His commitment to arts and arts education on the campaign trail is just a preview of what his administration can accomplish. President-Elect Obama demonstrates the leadership and vision to advance the arts in America through investing in more arts education in public schools, advocating for increased funding for the National Endowment for the Arts, promoting cultural diplomacy, and supporting artists rights. Yesterday’s election results also expanded the base of support for the arts in Congress, which will help move arts and arts education initiatives through the legislative process. Initiatives that will fuel innovation and creativity are key to our economic recovery and global competitiveness. A new report issued last month by The Conference Board, "Ready to Innovate," touts the importance of arts education in building the 21st-century workforce. The arts are good for business, good for the economy, and good for the spirit. In this election, the Americans for the Arts Action Fund raised the public dialogue about the arts and arts education throughout the entire campaign cycle: from presidential primaries in New Hampshire to congressional races in all 50 states. Through our ArtsVote2008 initiative, we successfully advocated for presidential and congressional candidates to make strong, public statements and commitments in support of arts and arts education. Please view our multimedia timeline for further details on ArtsVote.
On the state and local front, our arts advocacy partners successfully engaged candidates and voters throughout the country to provide more support for the arts. Specifically in Minnesota, an historic statewide ballot initiative—the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment—passed amending the state constitution to dedicate a portion of sales tax to support its natural and cultural resources. This initiative will infuse $30 million alone to Minnesota cultural organizations, nearly tripling the current budget of the State Arts Board. An additional $10 million to $20 million will fund arts education programs, the Minnesota Historical Society, and other local historical societies. This continues the longstanding trend demonstrating that voters are willing to invest in public funding of the arts." More Detailed Election Impact Analysis On Thursday, November 20, a detailed analysis of the presidental, congressional, state and local elections and ballot initiatives will be presented in a webinar. Several national arts leaders and elected officials will join the Americans for the Arts Government Affairs Staff in presenting this information including former Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts and newly appointed head of the Obama tranisition team for arts and culture, Bill Ivey. The Americans for the Arts Action Fund invites you to listen in to this special webinar which will be offered free of charge for all Americans for the Arts and Arts Action Fund Members. You will receive more details in a separate email arriving soon! Next Steps: Americans for the Arts and its Arts Action Fund will be undertaking a number of comprehensive initiatives to welcome and educate both the new administration and new members of the House and Senate, but we can’t do this without you! Starting today and in the next few months we ask you to: Send a letter of congratulations to the new Obama administration on their victory and appeal to them to begin working on their campaign pledges in support of the arts and arts education.
Ask all freshmen members of Congress to join the Congressional Arts Caucus Request that new members become a co-sponsor of the important Artist-Museum Partnership Act, which President-Elect Obama has cited as a priority in his pro-arts platform Call on Congress to support increased funding for the nation’s cultural agencies in the new budget year.
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Advocacy Resources
How the Arts Benefit Student Achievement (PDF)
Research-Based Communication (Introduction and Table of Contents) (PDF)
Research-Based Toolkit, Section 1 (PDF)
Research-Based Toolkit, Section 2 (PDF)
Research-Based Toolkit, Section 3 (PDF)
Why Music? Ready-to-Use New PSAs feature a variety of artists talking about the importance of music education are available
http://www.menc.org/resources/view/why-music-psas-for-back-to-school-2008
* Marty Stuart
* Clay Aiken
* Bruce Hornsby
* Janis Ian
* Gloria Estefan
* Kathy Mattea
* Faith Hill
* Roger McGuinn
* Vanessa Williams
* Bonnie Raitt
* Al Jarreau
* Trisha Yearwood
* Patty Loveless
* Vince Gill
* Sara Evans
* Tim McGraw
* Chely Wright
* Ricky Skaggs
* Suzy Bogguss
Back-to-School Night Tools. Not sure what to say to your students, parents and principals?
Use these tools to be prepared for your students' "Back to School" night.
http://www.menc.org/resources/view/back-to-school-tools
Welcome Speech
Use this customizable speech to welcome your students' parents to the new school year
Advocacy Brochures
A hand-out for parents, school board members or principals
MusicFriends Advocacy Presentation
Watch this during back to school night
Back to School PSA's
Play these during back to school night
Music Booster Manual
A resource for more information on parent involvement
SupportMusic.com (WWW)
