Government News
MSIP 5 Information
January 17, 2013
Sample Letter to the State Board of Education
URGENT:
The Missouri State Board of Education has released their Agenda for January 22 & 23, 2013. This agenda includes a review of MSIP 5 Resource and Process Standards.
Again, this is a vital issue concerning the future of required Music Education in Missouri.
This is a time-sensitive issue! I urge you to take a few minutes and send a letter to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education stating your support that the directive of the State Board of Education to develop a Process Standard requiring school districts to demonstrate adequate instruction in fine arts as part of MSIP 5 be followed.
MMEA supports the position that the indicators written for the standard should include:
· a minimum number of minutes of instruction in elementary schools and middle/junior high schools,
· the instruction be provided by certified teachers in the appropriate arts disciplines, and
· an arts assessment tool, chosen by the school district, be used to verify the quality of instruction and report student performance levels.
What should you do?
1. Make it a priority (As soon as possible) to send a letter to the State Board of Education supporting the development of a MSIP 5 Process Standard requiring school districts to provide music education within their curriculum. Please follow the following link to the MMEA Website for more information and for a sample letter to the State Board of Education. http://www.mmea.net/content/
2. Spread the word! Encourage families and friends to send letters as well. We are ALL stakeholders in quality education for our children, which includes MUSIC education.
Where do you send your letters?
E-mail your letter to robin.barbour@dese.mo.gov
**Indicate on the subject line: "Forward to All State Board of Education Members.”
**Indicate on the subject line: "Forward to All State Board of Education Members.”
The MMEA voice is a powerful voice and one that needs to be heard! With over 3,000 members, we CAN make a difference. I encourage you to “do your part” as a Missouri Music Educator and send you letter in support of required music education as soon as possible.
Respectfully,
Rob Nichols
President, MMEA
SEND LETTERS STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION:
1. Compose your letter (A sample letter is linked for your convenience)
2. E-mail your letter to robin.barbour@dese.mo.gov
**Indicate on the subject line: "Forward to All State Board of Education Members.”
Current State School Board Members:
Rev. Stan Archie, Kansas City, President
Peter Herschend, Branson, Vice President
Debi Demien, Wentzville, Member
Mike Jones, St. Louis, Member
Mike Ponder, Cape Girardeau, Member
Charlie Shields, St. Joseph, Member
Sybl Slaughter, Lebanon, Member
Russell Still, Columbia, Member
Welcome to Missouri Music Educators Association
MMEA's state membership of over 3,000 music educators encourages everyone to join together as advocates for music education in our schools.