Education Secretary Rod Paige Urges Schools Not to Cut Arts Programs

Late last month (July), Education Secretary Rod Paige gave a strong boost to arts education programs when he sent a two-page letter to America's school superintendents (approximately 16,000 nationwide) urging them not to cut arts programs. Secretary Paige's directive also encourages states and local communities to access funding available through Department funding programs, or Title programs, to support arts education programs. The arts are identified as part of the core curriculum in No Child Left Behind education legislation.

Secretary Paige issued the letter after learning that arts education programs are in trouble because of the No Child Left Behind Act. District leaders warned that state budget cuts and the focus on math and reading in schools have limited arts instruction. Paige appointed former National Endowment for the Arts Education Director Doug Herbert as a special assistant to ensure that the arts do not get shortchanged under NCLB.

"As I travel the country, I often hear that arts education programs are endangered because of No Child Left Behind. It is disturbing and just plain wrong," Paige wrote. "For both the important knowledge and skills they impart and the ways in which they help students to succeed in school and in life, the arts are an important part of a complete education. As we work together to implement NCLB, let's ensure that all children have the opportunity to learn and grow in and through the arts." SupportMusic.com distributed the announcement of the Secretary's letter.

Secretary Paige's letter and the supporting documents provide music and arts education advocates with a powerful new tool to use when faced with potential program reductions. Everyone is encouraged to download copies of these materials for use in your local communities. We also urge everyone to forward this information to other music and arts educators and associations so this important information is disseminated as widely as possible.

To get a copy of the letter and all the supporting documents go to: http://music-for-all.org/USDOEletter.html

In addition, we encourage everyone to send a "Thank You" note to the following individuals:

Secretary of Education Rod Paige
Anne Radice, Chief of Staff
Susan Sclafani, Counselor to the Secretary
Doug Herbert, Special Assistant

You may quickly send a pre-addressed email from the Music for All website at: http://music-for-all.org/USDOEletter.html

Or you can send a letter addressed to the individuals above at:
c/o Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Room 7W106
Washington, DC 20202

WhyMusicEd expresses our appreciation to the Music For All Foundation for providing the information in this article. To learn more about the Foundation's important work or to subscribe to their news service visit http://music-for-all.org

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