|
The Perfect Storm
(Original Editorial from March 2001)
by Robert B. Morrison
Recent events make it imperative that the music and arts education community come to terms with what we now refer to as… The Perfect Storm.
When we examine the history of the various waves of public school music program cuts there existed either one (never both) of the following conditions:
Federal or State Budget Cuts – This occurred during the recession of the 70’s that lead to the long decline of arts programs in our schools, particularly true of our major urban centers. Education funding makes up the majority of most state budgets in this country. Because most states are required by law to manage to a balanced budget and shortfall in revenue to the states needs to be offset by budget cuts. Any budget cuts will usually impact education funding to local school districts forcing the real cuts to occur at the school level… and we all know where they tend to look first… music and arts education.
Back to Basics Movement – This occurs when the education reformers call for a strong focus on “Basic” subjects. This definition of basics usually includes Reading, Math and Science and nothing else (although we firmly believe and vehemently protect music and arts education as a basic of equal importance to, and stature of, these other subjects!) This occurred in the late 80’s and early 90’s and caused great damage until the current wave of grass roots advocacy (circa 1992) really took hold.
What has NEVER happened before in our history is the existence of both conditions simultaneously. The two issues are now converging to create what may be the greatest advocacy challenge that the music and arts education community has ever confronted. The Perfect Storm.
On the budget front a majority of states are now running budget deficits. Many of these states were ill prepared for the economic downturn and have recently made budget commitments, which were significantly under-funded. My favorite is the $8 million scholarship program in Arizona, which has ballooned to $800 million. Oops!) Cuts are being contemplated or made in several states NOW. These cuts have already lead to the elimination of music programs in many communities.
As for the back to basics movement we are now seeing local school officials who, because of the intense focus on reading and math performance, refuse to put any resources into anything other than those areas for which they will be held accountable. It is the age-old theory of “Teaching to the Test.” In many states and communities other the fear of failing has officials refusing to support expansion of music and arts programs and in some instances cutting programs altogether. Compounded by the message from the federal government of the need to improve reading and math performance and the legislative certainly that we will test every child in grades three through eight in these two subjects (see "No Child Left Behind") and we can begin to see how the landscape is rapidly changing.
What you can do:
1. Get educated – Find out what is happening in your state and community. Use this information to galvanize others.
2. Fight back. Be sure to be educating your local community about the important role of music and arts education in school performance. After all, most schools that tend to be at the top of the performance scale have robust music and arts programs while those at the bottom in most instances do not.
3. Do not take cuts at face value. Have parents and other concerned citizens continue to make the case about the importance of music in the schools and the role music plays in the overall development of a child.
4. Get Armed – Visit supportmusic.com website (http://www.supportmusic.com) for tools and materials to help you make the case about the importance of music and arts programs.
5. Watch This Space – We will continue to provide updated information about what is happening and what you can do!
By being informed we will be better prepared, as a community, to face the challenges that lie ahead. We hope the information provided will empower each of you to face the changing landscape that we will face in the coming year.
-----
Have a comment? Email bob@musicforall.org.
Reprint is available upon request
|
|