NAfME News
States MEAs Can Now Sign the Arts Education is Essential Statement
The Arts Education is Essential statement has been an important part of ongoing advocacy efforts for NAfME and other arts education advocates to ensure continued music and arts education in schools throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 113 national organizations have signed onto this statement, and now your MEA can join us and sign this statement. Send this link to your MEA President and ask them to sign your MEA onto the Arts Education is Essential statement. Thank you to those state MEAs that have already signed-on.
State & National News
Teacher departures leave schools scrambling for substitutes
9/13/2020- ‘With many teachers opting out of returning to the classroom because of the coronavirus, schools around the U.S. are scrambling to find replacements and in some places lowering certification requirements to help get substitutes in the door.’
Idaho governor restores $99 million in education funding
9/14/2020- ‘Idaho Gov. Brad Little on Friday restored $99 million in K-12 education funding he cut earlier this year amid budget shortfall concerns due to the coronavirus pandemic.’
Teacher raises, COVID-19 hazard pay heads to SC Senate floor
9/9/2020- ‘A small raise for teachers and a hazard pay bonus for many state employees who couldn’t work from home during the COVID-19 pandemic are in the spending plan heading to the South Carolina Senate floor next week.’
Outdoor learning is safer, but how are schools doing it?
9/9/2020- ‘As schools ease into the new academic year, many district administrators are sending students and educators outside to abide by social distancing rules and minimize the risk of coronavirus transmission.’
Florida expects $5.4B revenue shortfall over next 2 years
9/10/2020- ‘Florida’s revenue is expected to drop $5.4 billion over two years compared to original projections as the tourism industry lags and unemployment remains high because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Legislature’s top economist told lawmakers Thursday.’
NYC scales back the amount of live instruction students are guaranteed this fall
9/15/2020- ‘With fewer than 12 hours before schools were set to begin welcoming students to their virtual classrooms, New York City officials announced that they are scaling back the amount of live instruction most students will be guaranteed each day.’
Research & Analysis
New Research Report Reflects Importance of Arts Education
The Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) released its newest report on the Partnering Arts, Communities, and Education (PACE) program written by Dr. F. Robert Sabol of Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana.
This Special Report looks at how arts-based charter schools in the District of Columbia, Louisiana,
Maryland and North Carolina provide access to arts education and integrate the arts schoolwide across
curricula, community engagement and teacher professional development.
Tracking how the coronavirus is impacting colleges
From online learning to financial considerations, Education Dive is collecting news, analysis and expert advice on how the sector is responding to the pandemic.
Policy Roundup compiled by NAfME’s Matt Barusch.