OMEA: Leadership

Follow legislature of concern to all Oregon teachers on the MENC web site.
http://www.menc.org/music_classes/advocacy/writecon.htm

Legislative Alert!

Senate Bill 180, sponsored by Senator Metsger and Representative Shetterly will have a hearing on Thursday, February 15, 2001 in the afternoon. Both are very supportive of music education. They have asked for our input on this proposed legislation.

Summary

Senate Bill 180
Allows school districts to offer music as part of second language requirement. If offered by school district, allows students to use music to satisfy second language requirements.

This bill was suggested by middle school students who due to limited electives were being encouraged to take foreign language classes instead of music classes.

Possible points of discussion:

Music students will still be required to meet college entry standards for fluency in a second language
Music students can meet the second language standard during high school
This may be better solved through adjustments to school schedules to allow for arts and second language instruction
Every student deserves the benefits of both arts and second language mastery

To voice your opinion please forward your input by e-mail to your senator and representative with copies to Senator Metsger and Representative Shetterly. Remember that they are our friends and have invited our input. The OEA Cyberlobby Center makes sending your input easy. Visit it at:
http://congress.nw.dc.us/cgi-bin/stateindex.pl?command=statemail&dir;=nea&state;=or

John Skelton
OMEA President