NAfME News
NAfME is continuing to monitor the health updates, guidance and travel information provided by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO) and the DC Health Department on Coronavirus to ensure we are taking all recommended precautions for the upcoming NAfME National Leadership Assembly at the Washington Hilton in June. At this time, no state or federal restrictions are in place to prevent meetings and travel within the United States for the dates of our meeting. For more information, click the link above.
Survey Deadline Extended
Due to the COVID-19 epidemic, the deadline to complete the 2020 survey for Title IV-A usage in your state has been extended until May 1. This information is critical for NAfME and the NAMM Foundation, so please circulate it to your colleagues, and/or complete it if you know where Title IV-A dollars have been spent in your district.
State & National News
Florida’s $500 million teacher raise plan gets mixed reviews
3/17/2020- ‘Even key supporters lament that it doesn’t do enough to reward veteran educators.’
Schools are closed in Indiana until at least May 1. What parents need to know.
3/19/2020- ‘On Thursday, Gov. Eric Holcomb announced more steps to stop the spread of COVID-19 as the number of confirmed cases in Indiana has risen to 56, you can read all the new steps here vpnbug.com.
Gov. Northam closes Virginia schools for the rest of the school year
3/23/2020- ‘Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced Monday Virginia schools will remain closed for the rest of the academic year.’
3/20/2020- ‘Michigan students will almost undoubtedly not have to take the M-STEP this year, after the federal government said Friday it would allow states to cancel exams because of widespread school closures.’
Tennessee Lawmakers Pass Budget, Recess Amid Virus Outbreak
3/20/2020- ‘Tennessee lawmakers have shut down their 2020 session early in reaction to widespread disruptions caused by the coronavirus after passing a dramatically reduced spending plan for the upcoming year.’
Coronavirus puts Alabama legislative meeting days in doubt
3/25/2020- ‘The Alabama House of Representatives won’t resume the legislative session as scheduled on Thursday because of the coronavirus pandemic and it’s unclear when lawmakers will pass state budgets or finish their other business this year.’
Research and Analysis
COVID-19 Stimulus Bill: What It Means for States
The U.S. Senate approved an estimated $2 trillion stimulus package to battle the harmful effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, though concerns with the unemployment provisions remain. A few highlights of what’s included in the package:
Public Education’s Response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic
NCSL is monitoring the evolving situation related to Coronavirus and will continue to update this page as new information becomes available.
A Breakdown of Arts Education Policy and How It Affects Everyone
Arts education is part of the curriculum for youth everywhere in the United States, but local policy depends on a variety of lawmakers and community leaders.
Music Education Policy Roundup compiled by NAfME’s Matt Barusch.