Last week, after years of stalled negotiations and Congressional stalemates, Congress
put
No Child Left Behind away for good and passed by an overwhelming majority a new
version of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).
This new bill, titled the
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), is an enormous victory
for music education advocates. We are truly on the verge of a new day for music
education, with opportunities to use federal funding to increase access to music
education for all students, especially the most vulnerable.
Among the most important provisions for music education in the bill:
- A New and Clear Intent to Support Our Nation's Schools through a Well-Rounded
Education: This is a huge departure from NCLB, which focused heavily on student
academic success narrowly defined as reading and math.
- Enumeration of Music as a Well-Rounded Subject: Replacing the Core Academic
Subject language from NCLB, this language clearly articulates that music should be
a part of every child's education, no matter their personal circumstances.
- Requirements for Well-Rounded Education: Schools will now be able to assess
their ability to provide a well-rounded education, including music, and address any
deficiencies using federal funds.
- Flexibility of Title I Funds to Support a Well-Rounded Education: All Title I programs,
both schoolwide and targeted, are now available to provide supplemental funds for a
well-rounded education, including music.
- More Professional Development for Music Educators: Funds from Title I, II, and
IV of ESSA may support professional development for music educators as part of
supporting a well-rounded education.
- Flexible Accountability Systems: States must now include multiple progress
measures in assessing school performance, which can include such music
education-friendly measures as student engagement, parent engagement, and
school culture/climate.
- Protection from Pullouts : The new ESSA discourages removing students from the
classroom, including music and arts, for remedial instruction.
Passing this law with music listed as a stand-alone subject kicks open the door of
opportunity to ensuring music's place in every school—and leading in the
decision-making for what that looks like.
Learn more about ESSA and what it means to you at
http://bit.ly/NCLBends
Becoming a NAfME member is more important now than ever before. Learn more about
membership at
jointoday.nafme.org/takeaction
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