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ADVOCACY IN TIMES OF FISCAL CRISIS:
Your Local Music Coalition Editor’s Note:
According to a November 12, 2008 release from the Center on Budget and Policy
Priorities, at least 41 states faced or are currently facing major shortfalls
for this and/or next year: current estimates of mid-year gaps total $24.3
billion (on top of a $48 billion shortfall announced in late summer) and will
certainly widen as economic turmoil continues. As a result, at least 16 states
have already cut or made proposals to cut K-12 education with additional cuts
likely. In these times of
unprecedented fiscal crisis, it’s more important than ever to have a strong and
active local music coalition to defend your school music programs. Students who
study music are found to do better in school and in life: a recent Harris Poll
revealed that 93% of Americans agree that the arts are vital to providing a
well-rounded education for children and a Lake Research poll of 1,000 likely
voters revealed that 83% of voters believe that a greater focus on the arts –
alongside science, technology, and math – would better prepare students to
address the demands of the 21st century. The arts and music are
essential to students’ development, yet these programs are particularly
vulnerable to school district budget cuts. In fact, a 2007 study from the
Center on Education Policy found that 30% of school districts have already
decreased instruction time for arts and music since the enactment of NCLB. All children
deserve access to a quality music education. It’s never too late to form a
local music coalition and get involved. The following article is a reprint of
Dr. John Benham’s advice on forming a local coalition, originally published in
early 2005. Why does your
district need a local Music Coalition? Because it is the most effective way to ensure that
your school district provides equal educational opportunities for all students
to participate in the making of music! An effective local music coalition holds
a school district accountable for student-centered decision making. |
