U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan Reinforces Importance of the Arts in Schools

On Tuesday, August 15th, the The NAMM Foundation hosted a live, public teleconference with U.S. Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan to discuss his recent letter sent to school and education community leaders outlining the importance of the arts as a core academic subject in U.S. public schools.

Invitation to the call went out to 1.75 national arts and music advocates and was initiated after Duncan issued a letter last week to school and education community leaders stating, "At this time when you are making critical and far-reaching budget and program decisions for the upcoming school year, I write to bring to your attention the importance of the arts as a core academic subject and part of a complete education for all students. The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) defines the arts as a core subject, and the arts play a significant role in children's development and learning process..."

Duncan reminded listeners that under the ESEA, states and local school districts have the flexibility to support the arts through Federal Title programs and U.S. Department of Education programs, including professional development of arts teachers as well as for strategic partnerships with cultural, arts and other nonprofit organizations. In addition, Duncan stated that local school districts can use funds under the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for the arts along with other district expenses.

Duncan also outlined the Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics' (NCES) next steps for supporting the arts as part of a well-rounded curriculum. These efforts include:

• Conducting a survey to assess the condition of arts education in grades K-12. This fall, elementary and secondary principals will be asked about their schools' offerings in music, dance, theater, and visual arts.
• Surveying elementary classroom teachers next spring as well as music and visual arts specialists at the elementary and secondary levels about their programs and resources.
• Reporting findings from this comprehensive profile in early 2011, the first report like this since the 1999-2000 school year. The data is expected to help practitioners and policymakers make more informed decisions about arts education.

Duncan made these recommendations when asked what education and community organizations should do:

• Highlight successes by sharing best practices and shining a big spotlight on those arts education opportunities that are really world class.
  
• Recognizing that school districts can't do it alone, we need to build upon creative partnerships with arts organizations and non-profits.
  
• Encourage and support parents to demand that arts education is part of the norm rather then the exception.

Could these recommendations guide our advocacy efforts?


If you were unable to participate in the call, you can listen to an MP3 recording by clicking here.

To view a copy of the letter Duncan sent, visit www.supportmusic.com