NAfME News
NAMM Advocacy Forum Featuring John B. King, Jr.
Join NAMM on July 7 to hear from special guest John B. King, Jr., former Secretary of Education at the U.S. Department of Education and current CEO of The Education Trust, an equity-driven, data-centered, student-focused organization of “Fierce advocates for the high academic achievement of all students—particularly those of color or living in poverty.”
NAfME/NFHS Fall 2020 Music Education Guidance
NAfME and NFHS are pleased to share a new resource, Fall 2020 Guidance for Music Educators. This document provides practical guidance for PreK-12 schools as administrators and music educators seek to provide meaningful music instruction for students of all ages and grade levels during the COVID-19 pandemic.
You can view and download a copy at: https://nafme.org/my-classroom/fall-2020-guidance-music-education-from-nfhs-nafme/
State & National News
Will climbing coronavirus cases derail school reopenings?
7/1/2020- ‘In a Senate committee hearing Tuesday, lawmakers and health experts said while reopening schools is important, increasing COVID cases are cause for concern.’
Here Comes the Hard Part: States, Cities Face Grim Budget Picture
7/1/2020- ‘The fiscal year begins in most states and cities on July 1. Without further federal aid, many will have to re-examine just-passed budgets for cuts down the road.’
Georgia takes first formal step to dismiss standardized tests in schools
6/29/2020- ‘The Georgia Department of Education is opening a public survey today about high-stakes testing in the public schools, the first step in seeking permission to waive the exams again during the coronavirus pandemic.’
States move toward waiving standardized tests for 2020-21
6/29/2020- ‘As schools plan for the fall, state education departments and lawmakers are gearing up to suspend another round of federal and state standardized tests, saying instruction should take priority for the 2020-21 school year.’
Changing up the beat — App State music classes adapt to an online score
6/30/2020- ‘In the Hayes School of Music (HSoM) at Appalachian State University, many of the music classes are more about making notes than taking notes — still, faculty transitioned successfully from hands-on instruction to online delivery during the COVID-19 restrictions during spring and summer.’
Research and Analysis
Education Dive: Tracking how the coronavirus is impacting school districts
From the shift to distance learning to the impact on school budgets, we’re collecting news, analysis and expert advice on how K-12 is responding to the pandemic.
Music Education Policy Roundup is compiled by NAfME’s Matt Barusch.