Education Secretary Rod Paige Urges Schools Not to Cut Arts
Programs. Show Your Support with a "Thank You"
In July, Education Secretary Rod Paige gave a strong boost to arts education when he sent a two-page letter to America's school superintendents (approximately 16,000 nationwide) urging them not to cut art 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.
The Music for All Foundation encourages everyone to use the Secretary's letter and the supporting USDOE announcements to support local music and arts education programs.
Secretary Paige's letter:
http://www.ed.gov/policy/elsec/guid/secletter/040701.html
Department of Education Announcement
http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2004/08/08062004.html
8/13/04 Ed Review article:
http://www.ed.gov/news/newsletters/edreview/2004/0813.html
NCLB Newsletter: (PDF)
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