Music Education Policy Roundup – August 5, 2019

NAfME News

NAfME Signs onto Letter Opposing NAGB Change to Nation’s Report Card

As was reported last week, the National Assessment Governing Board announced a substantial change to their 10-year schedule for administering the “Nation’s Report Card” in various subjects. Their test, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is traditionally offered in about 11 subjects, including reading, math, U.S. history and until now, the arts. Their calendar update has terminated four subjects: arts, economics, geography and foreign language.

NAfME, along with over 20 national arts organizations, has signed onto a letter to the NAGB opposing this change. For more information on this issue, contact Director of Public Policy Lynn Tuttle at lynnt@nafme.org.

National News

Senate Passes 2-Year Budget Deal And Sends It To Trump

8/1/19- ‘The Senate on Thursday approved a two-year budget deal that set new spending levels and boosted the nation’s borrowing authority.’

State News

‘Critical shortage,’ Kentucky working to find, recruit thousands of teachers

7/25/19- ‘Trends come and go within the walls of any school, but one trend that includes teachers has remained and become a problem for leaders in Kentucky’s Department of Education.’

RI- Teachers union says it’s ready to work with state on reform

7/30/19- ‘The Providence Teachers Union has declared its commitment to work with the state to reform the city’s schools.’

NV Governor: School Funds Safe Despite Lawsuit Challenging Tax

7/23/19- ‘Gov. Steve Sisolak says Nevada school funds are safe, no matter what happens with a lawsuit by Senate Republicans challenging the constitutionality of extending a state payroll tax.’

Virginia gov. seeks plan to broaden early education access

7/25/19- ‘Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam is asking his administration to come up with a plan to improve early education efforts for low-income kids.’

‘Critical shortage,’ Kentucky working to find, recruit thousands of teachers

7/26/19- ‘Trends come and go within the walls of any school, but one trend that includes teachers has remained and become a problem for leaders in Kentucky’s Department of Education.’

Schools get $3.7 million for career and technical programs

7/25/19- ‘Career and technical education programs in Tennessee schools are receiving a boost.’

NC will change how elementary and middle schools test students. See what’s coming.

7/23/19- ‘North Carolina has won federal approval to change the way it tests the reading and math skills of elementary and middle school students.’

Policy Roundup information provided by Matt Barusch of NAfME