Music Education Policy Roundup – December 18, 2020

State & National News

If Teachers Get the Vaccine Quickly, Can Students Get Back to School?

12/15/2020- ‘Teachers’ unions largely support plans to put educators near the front of the line, but given availability and logistics, that might not be enough to open more schools in the spring.’

Brown calling Oregon lawmakers back for special session

12/16/2020- ‘Gov. Kate Brown is calling Oregon lawmakers back to the Capitol for a one-day special session, asking them to approve hundreds of millions of dollars to aid people and communities struggling with the pandemic and the effect of this summer’s devastating wildfires.’

‘A new direction’: Philadelphia school board shifts focus toward academics and equity work

12/10/2020- ‘Philadelphia’s school board is changing the way it operates.’

Va. Dept. of Education releases annual report on state’s public schools

12/10/2020- ‘The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has released its annual report on the condition and needs of the state’s public schools.’

TX: ‘A’ through ‘F’ grading paused, but STAAR test to continue, state says

12/10/2020- ‘The STAAR exam will continue for this school year, according to the Texas Education Agency, but the “A” through “F” rating system will be paused.’

Research and Analysis

State Grant Aid Keeps Rising

Total state grant aid increased by more than 3 percent during the 2018-19 academic year — a smaller increase than the year prior, but an increase nonetheless.

Policy Roundup compiled by NAfME’s Matt Barusch.