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PMEA
District 7 Advocacy Page
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This page features
information provided by the PMEA Advocacy Chair (currently Richard
Victor) and the
District 7 Advocacy Chair (currently Eric
Griffith), with the latest posts at the top.
From: Richard Victor <<mailto:rdv11@scasd.org>rdv11@scasd.org>
Date: September 8, 2007 10:22:12 AM EDT
To: PMEA.Leadership.Advocacy.Network.A-H
Subject: ACTION ALERT: Reject Test-based pay programs
Contact Congress Now!
The House Committee on Education and Labor has released a reauthorization draft for Title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act/No Child Left Behind that contains provisions that could result in the imposition of test-based pay programs on teachers without their agreement.
Tell Members of Congress to reject these proposals.
Use the NEA Legislative Action Center to send the following message to your U.S. House Representative:
* * *
I strongly urge you to oppose inclusion in legislation to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of federal programs-voluntary or not-that mandate basing teacher pay on student test scores.
Such an intrusion into what would be a matter of local collective bargaining agreements is offensive and disrespectful to educators and would undermine the relationship between teachers of tested and non-tested subjects.
I urge Congress to reject any test-based pay program that could be imposed on teachers without their agreement.
* * * *
It only takes a few minutes to TAKE ACTION!
Paste this address into your browser: capwiz.com/nea/issues/alert/?alertid=10277076&type=CO
Compose your message by clicking on the red arrows next to the talking points
you wish to use. - or cut and paste the message written above. You can add
your own statements if you wish. However, that is not necessary. It is the
number of messages received about an issue that makes the difference to politicians.
Fill in the sender information and send your message. It is that quick!
Please also send me an email letting me know you have contacted congress about
this issue.
Thank you!
* *
Richard Victor
Advocacy Chairperson, Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA)
Voice: (814) 466-6768
May 17, 2007
Editor's Note: NAMM and SupportMusic.com continue to lead a national advocacy effort in support of music education in the schools. I will keep you posted on this latest effort! - - RV
NAMM AND SUPPORTMUSIC COALITION APPLAUD U.S. SENATORS' CALL FOR STUDY OF ACCESS TO MUSIC AND ARTS EDUCATION
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 9, 2007: NAMM, the trade association of the international music products industry, today announced that Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN) sent a letter to David Walker, the Comptroller General of the Government Accountability Office (GAO), requesting that the GAO conduct a study on access to music and arts education in the American public school system since passage of the No Child Left Behind Act.
This week, Senators Dodd and Alexander also introduced a resolution recognizing the benefits and importance of school-based music education. Senators Dodd and Alexander are members of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), and are Chairman and Ranking Member of its Subcommittee on Children and Families.
"No child should be deprived of the chance to explore his or her creativity in a nurturing educational environment," said Dodd. "Picking up a musical instrument, a paint brush, or a script can allow a child to discover a hidden talent and can serve as a much-needed positive influence in the midst of the many difficult decisions that young people face today. I am hopeful that the GAO will act quickly to deliver findings about the current condition of arts education in American public schools so that we can seek to improve it during the reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act."
Added Alexander: "Music Education is important. I
had some great teachers, but my piano teacher, Miss Lennis Tedford was the
best. From age five until my high school senior recital, I spent thirty minutes
with her each week. "Don't play that monkey business," she
would say, as she could always tell when I'd been playing too much Jerry
Lee Lewis.
"From Miss Tedford I learned more than music. She taught me the discipline
of Czerny and the metronome, the logic of Bach, the clean joy of Mozart. She
encouraged
me to let my emotions run with Chopin and Rachmaninoff. She made sure I was
ready for the annual piano competition, and that I performed completely under
control. I still thank her for the discipline and love of music she gave me
each time I sit at the piano today."
A companion resolution, introduced by Reps. Jim Cooper (D-TN) and Jon Porter (R-NV), passed the House of Representatives on April 26 by unanimous consent.
"NAMM and its large coalition of partners applaud these Senators‚ actions to determine how 'No Child Left Behind' has impacted music and arts education in this country," said Joe Lamond. "Both houses of the U.S. Congress now stand in favor of the many proven benefits of making music and the importance of music and arts education for every child. And we hope music advocates everywhere will remind their local school boards of this overwhelming Congressional support when school budgets are being discussed."
* *
Richard Victor
Advocacy Chairperson, Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA)
Voice: (814) 466-6768
May 4, 2007
Here are some useful website links that some may find useful:
www.childrensmusicworkshop.com
www.amc-music.org
www.supportmusic.com
www.schoolmusicmatters.com
Eric Griffith
Advocacy Chairperson, PMEA District 7
May 4, 2007
U.S. House Unanimously Passes Resolution Supporting School-Based Music Education
CARLSBAD, CA - Members of Congress passed House Concurrent Resolution 121 unanimously, showing a display of continued support from Congress for music education as part of a complete education for all children.
NAMM recently met with Reps. Jim Cooper (D-Tenn.) and Jon Porter (R-Nev.), providing them with research outlining the many social, developmental and educational benefits for school-aged children who receive music education in the school curriculum. Reps. Cooper and Porter presented the bi-partisan Resolution with strong support last year, and this year, more than 25 cosponsors signed the Resolution.
The Resolution states that learning music in schools is important because it develops skills needed by the 21st century workforce such as critical thinking, creative problem solving, effective communication and team work; keeps students engaged in school and makes them more likely to graduate; and helps students achieve in other academic subjects such as math, science and reading.
"
A lot of folks who have had the privilege of a music education take it for
granted," said Rep. Jim Cooper (D-Tenn.). "But 30 million or more
of our children across this country every day are being deprived of that chance
to not only experience the joy of music but as my colleagues have mentioned,
the increased and enhanced learning abilities that music offers and also the
ability of music to deter people from gangs and drugs and other undesirable
activities... Whether it's band or whether it's
orchestra or whether it's students on their own learning the guitar or
other instruments, it's a wonderful way to not only enjoy life but to
enhance their skills."
" My passion for music began in the first grade with my parents' encouragement for which I am deeply grateful," said Rep. Jon Porter (R-Nev.) "It has been the greatest gift. Music brings people together whether it is at church, in school or at a concert. The discipline and teamwork I learned throughout the years, playing individually or collaboratively have been invaluable lessons applicable to every aspect of my life."
"
One of the basic reasons that every child must have an education in music is
that music is a part of the fabric of our society," said Rep. Yvette Clarke
(D-N.Y.) "The intrinsic value of music for each individual is widely recognized
in the many cultures that make up American life. Music helps shape individual
abilities and character. Success in society is predicated on success in school.
Skills learned through the discipline of music transfer to study skills, communication
skills and the
cognitive skills useful in every part of the curriculum. Participation in music
brings countless benefits to every individual throughout life. The benefits
may be psychological, spiritual or physical. I ask my colleagues to support
this Resolution and support the next generation of music lovers."
"
Research has shown that students' involvement in their school music program
is crucial to a complete education," said Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.). "Musical
study develops critical thinking and self-discipline skills and improves a
child's early cognitive development, basic math and reading abilities,
self-esteem, SAT scores, ability to work in teams, spatial reasoning skills
and school attendance. In an analysis by the U.S. Department of Education [outlining]
data on more than 25,000 secondary
school students, research has found that students who report consistent high
levels of involvement in instrumental music over the middle and high school
years showed significantly higher levels of mathematics proficiency by grade
12 regardless of a student's socioeconomic status."
"
This Resolution expressing support for music education is a message from the
U.S. Congress that music education is a critical element of a complete education
for all children," said Mary Luehrsen, director of public affairs and
government relations at NAMM. "The Resolution also serves to remind states
and local communities to assure access to music education for all students
and that music education stands along side other core academic subjects in
helping students achieve in school and in life.
Music and arts education are, for many students, the reason for coming to and
staying in school. This Resolution supports the ongoing work of educators,
parents and citizens who believe that music education is not a frill or extra-curricular
activity -- it is basic to a whole education for every child."
Cosponsors of the bill included Rep. Howard Berman (D-Calif.), Rep. Steve
Cohen (D-Tenn.), Rep. John Conyers Jr. (D-Mich.), Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-N.Y.),
Rep.
Lincoln Davis (D-Tenn.), Rep. Susan Davis (D-Calif.), Rep. John Duncan, Jr.
(R-Tenn.), Rep Bob Etheridge (D-N.C.), Rep. Baron Hill (D-Ind.), Rep. Ruben
Hinojosa (D-Texas), Rep. Rush Holt (D-N.J.), Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.),
Rep. Ron Kind (D-Wis.), Rep. Betty McCollum (D-Minn.), Rep. Thaddeus McCotter
(R-Mich.), Rep. James McGovern (D-Mass.), Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), Rep.
George Miller (D-Calif.), Rep. Dennis Moore (D-Kan.), Rep. James Moran (D-Va.),
Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.),
Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton, (D-D.C.), Rep. Donald Payne (D-N.J.), Rep. Heath
Shuler (D-N.C.), Rep. Louise McIntosh Slaughter (D-N.Y.), Rep. John Spratt
(D-S.C.), Rep. John Tanner (D-Tenn.), Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Rep. Joe
Wilson (R-S.C.), Rep. Michael Capuano (D-Ma.), Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-Calif.),
Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas), Rep. Lois
Capps (D-Calif.), Rep. Kenny Hulshof (R-Mo.)
* *
Richard Victor
Advocacy Chairperson, Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA)
Voice: (814) 466-6768
From: Richard Victor <rdv11@scasd.org>
Date: April 9, 2007
To: PMEA.Leadership.Advocacy.Network.A-H@rly-mf05.mail.aol.com
Subject: NCLB: Time for ACTION!
Editor's Note: Our senators and representatives in Washington are returning
to work this week. It's time to start sending them MANY emails to support the
inclusion of Music as part of the reauthorization of No Child Left Behind.
Please follow the directions printed below. In order for me to gauge the effectiveness
of this network, would you please also send me a reply to this email when you
have taken action? Do it this week! Thanks. - - RV
NCLB: TIME FOR ACTION
Step 1: Go to the NEA LEGISLATIVE ACTION WEB SITE on ESEA
http://www.nea.org/lac/esea/index.html
Step 2:
Enter your zip code and click on the ACT NOW button.
Step 3:
Change the subject line from: Share NEA's Positive Agenda for
the ESEA Reauthorization with Members of Congress
to: Include Music in the ESEA Reauthorization
Step 4:
Cut and paste the following text into the editable text box. If you wish,
add more talking points suggested by the NEA by clicking on the red arrows:
* * *
As Congress prepares to consider reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind
Act, I would like to share with you my belief that it is imperative to keep
music education in our schools. Music teaches the 21st century skills which
will prepare students for success in the competitive global economy.
Creativity and innovation are paramount in the world economy and key factors
in addressing many challenges that our society faces. Music education is essential
for developing a child’s creativity, and in turn will improve our economy
and our children's future.
In a survey conducted by The Partnership for 21st Century Skills, seventy percent of survey participants cited deficiencies among incoming high school graduates in “applied” skills, such as professionalism, and in work ethic, defined as “demonstrating personal accountability, effective work habits, punctuality, working productively with others, and time and workload management.”
The National School Boards Association lists the “life” skills
of leadership, ethics, accountability, adaptability, personal productivity,
personal responsibility, people skills, self-direction, and social responsibility
among the skills that schools should teach to prepare students for success.
These are skills taught every day in Band, Choir, Orchestra, and General Music
classes throughout our country. Math and Science may give students some of
the knowledge needed to prepare for success, but it is music that provides
students with the needed skills and music does it better than any other curriculum
in the schools.
We cannot afford to deprive our children of these valuable tools, resources and knowledge.
It is essential that every child be given the opportunity to learn about, enjoy and participate in music. You can play a critical role in ensuring that music education in our schools is not lost. Your support is needed to guarantee that our children are given all the tools necessary to develop into creative, talented and bright individuals who will lead us to a better tomorrow.
* * *
Step 5:
Fill in the sender information and click on SEND MESSAGE.
Step 6:
Reply to my email to let me know you have taken ACTION!
* * *
CUT AND PASTE TIPS: If you are "cutting-and-pasting" text be aware that the "pasted" text may not be an exact representation of the "cut" text. This is because wordprocessing programs may contain software specific codes that may be interpreted differently outside of the program in which they were created. Double and single quotes are examples of characters that often do not translate properly when taken outside of their original word processer.
To avoid this problem first cut and paste the above paragraphs into your word processor program. Then save the file as "plain text". For example, when in Microsoft Word, go to File - Save As. Choose "text only" from the drop down menu located by the title "Save As Type" This will save your file with a .txt extension (e.g. mymessage.txt). Open your .txt file to "cut" the text and then "paste" it into the message field for your letter.
* *
Richard Victor
Advocacy Chairperson, Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA)
Voice:
(814) 466-6768
March 13, 2007
Today, hundreds of dedicated arts supporters from across the country have come together in Washington, DC for National Arts Advocacy Day, a united effort to tell Capitol Hill how important culture is to our communities, how much arts education means to our children, and how much the arts improve our daily lives.
Even if you’re not able to go to Washington, you can still participate in Arts Advocacy Day by asking your Members of Congress to support the arts. By visiting the AMERICANS FOR THE ARTS web site you’ll be able to send a message directly to your Representative and Senators telling them why the arts are important to you and your community. They have provided bullet points covering ten key Arts Advocacy Day issues, which you can use in the sample letter that they have drafted for you. You are also encouraged to write your own unique story to illustrate the importance of the arts to your community. Using the E-Advocacy Center, you can create and send your letter to Congress in less than two minutes. We urge you to send your message to Congress today to coincide with office visits scheduled today to the Hill.
Last year over 2,400 messages were sent to 445 Capitol Hill offices within hours, greatly increasing the visibility of the arts supporters visiting with their Members that day! We hope to have that kind of impact again this year.
Go to: http://www.capwiz.com/artsusa/issues/alert/?alertid=9482296&type=COand send your message NOW!
* * *
Richard Victor
Advocacy Chairperson, Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA)
Voice:
(814) 466-6768