The new logo is designed to strengthen our identity of leading music education advocacy and advancement. There are several recent national initiatives of which you should be aware.
Teacher Evaluation Systems
An increasing numbers of states, as well as local school districts, are developing teacher evaluation systems. The issue is related to discussion regarding the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and Race to the Top requirements. It is an important policy area and one that music educators in the United States should actively monitor. NAfME seeks your feedback on the draft of the Teacher Evaluation Position Statement
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Advocacy Groundswell
The purpose of Groundswell is to cultivate an online community of NAfME members from across the country interested in participating in advocacy initiatives, engaging in discussions about advocacy, and regularly digesting advocacy news. You can access Groundswell advocacy materials and information at: http://advocacy.nafme.org/page/advocacy-central.
Survey of Music Education in Kansas
Our survey has received national attention and is currently being replicated in many
states across the country including Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri. Below is a link to a
survey sponsored by KMEA to continue monitoring the impact of budget challenges on music
education in Kansas. It is important for KMEA to receive a response from every school
district in our state.https://surveys.ksu.edu/TS?offeringId=179727
Please identify one music educator as a representative from your school district to collect the necessary information and complete the survey on behalf of your district no later than December 31, 2011. We hope all your district's music educators will assist in providing this important information. KMEA appreciates your efforts regarding the status of music education in Kansas. Last year's survey results can be found on the KMEA website at: http://www.ksmea.org/advocacy/impact.php.
Kansas Music Advocacy Network
KMEA is developing a state-wide network of high-profile advocates who can be contacted at
a moment's notice to help support school music on the district and state levels. We need
your help to create a state-wide network of support. Your KMEA district president will be
in contact and will ask you to submit one or two names of high-profile music education
advocates. These advocates should be influential in the educational, cultural, and
business communities. They should also be knowledgeable about the validity of music
education.
Remember to ask the advocate's permission to use his/her contact information.
| Advocate Name: |
| Title: |
| Address: |
| City/Zip: |
| Phone Number: |
| E-Mail Address: |
The primary objective of identifying and contacting these advocates is to offer additional support to music educators who provide quality music education in the schools. Music educators will be included in all communication regarding advocates, and will have final approval about what is communicated, to whom it is focused, and when it will occur.