 |
 |
 |
November 14, 2005 Focus on Issues & Decision Making: Is My Music Program Vulnerable to Cuts? Unfortunately, the answer is generally YES. In today’s world of precious few education dollars, music advocates must assume their district’s music programs are competing with other programs during budget deliberations. The most obvious sign that your music program may be in jeopardy is when you overhear -- in your community or at school committee meetings, or at PTA events -- any discussion about school budget issues or educational reform. Unfortunately, cuts are often perceived as being made without prior public notice, and it may appear there is no way to prevent or reverse impending decisions. But, the number one reason that music programs are particularly vulnerable is very simple: community complacency. Danger Signs of Complacency Do you recognize any of these signs of complacency in statements made by teachers, parents, administrators or even by yourself? Don’t wait until it’s too late to notice to take action against these all too common, and very destructive, points of view: taking no action may prevent you from proactively defending and ultimately saving, your school music program. DENIAL People in denial generally have the belief or attitude of, "It can't/won't happen in our school district, because... "...We have a very supportive administration." "...Our district has a history of strong arts programs." "...Our program is guaranteed by teacher `prep' time." "...Our district is in a state of growth." "...Our school board members/superintendent all have children in the program." "...Something will happen to save the program." “…Our community places a high value on the arts and music education is an important part of our identity.” “…There are a number of professional musicians in our area – and many of them graduated from our district schools.” "...The board/administration is just bluffing, or trying to get an excess tax levy passed." "...Our district is adopting the site-based management model and they will help prevent arts cuts." HELPLESSNESS People who feel helpless fail to get involved because they feel powerless or failed to recognize the early signs of danger. You’ll hear them say things like, "There is nothing I can do, because... "...The school board/superintendent will never listen to us. They just let us vent our feelings and then do what they want anyway." "...It won't help. The school board is just a rubber stamp for the administration." "...It's too late now. The decision is already made." "...There really is an enormous shortage of funding." "...We are experiencing an enrollment decline." "...Our district is going to the middle school concept and there will no longer be any room in the schedule for the arts." "...Our district is reducing the number of periods in the day." "...Our district/state is increasing the graduation requirements." APATHY Apathy is similar to "denial" or "helplessness," and may include teachers as well as community members. Apathetic people may seem to be saying, "I don't care," but may really be saying... "...I am only a year or two from retiring anyway." "...My job won't be cut, because I have too much seniority." "...I don't have time to get involved in another project." "...I'll just find another job." "...If I let others know I care about this issue, I may end up having to serve on a committee." “…If I, as a teacher, get involved, they might cut the program out of revenge.” "...There are others who will be much more able to help than I." "...If we help pass a levy, the school board/administration will just put all the money into teacher/administrator salaries anyway, and we will still lose the program." So, What Can You Do? Take action and don’t give in to complacency! In the face of what appears to be a national trend to target music programs for reduction or even elimination, it is your responsibility as a music advocate to do the following: - Make sure you have a well-organized music coalition. See <The Local Music Coalition, posted January 6, 2005> for specifics on how to make your coalition effective. - Make sure your coalition is visibly represented at every school board meeting. - Stay in touch with your music teachers to keep informed of what is happening in your district. As one superintendent stated, "There is no group of people more capable of rallying immediate and effective advocacy than a well-organized music coalition!" Until next time, John Benham |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Organizations:
Artists:
Scott Brady |
