Colonial School District Honored for Commitment to Music Education

By ALEXIS TARRAZI and JUSTIN HEINZE

Colonial School District was recognized by NAMM Foundation as one of the 118 schools across the nation with the SupportMusic Merit Award (SMMA), honoring individual schools that have demonstrated strong support for and commitment to music education.

"Designations are made to districts and schools that demonstrate an exceptionally high commitment and access to music education," according to a NAMM press release.

Schools receiving the SMMA designation in 2016 include both public and private schools and range from elementary to middle and high schools.

The recognition was based on a number of factors:

• funding,
• staffing of highly qualified teachers,
• commitment to standards,
• community support,
• participation,
• and access to music instruction.

Each school and district was evaluated by the NAMM Foundation, with the assistance of researchers at The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.

“The schools and districts that the NAMM Foundation honors this year with this award demonstrate a commitment to supporting music education and assuring opportunities for music learning in the curriculum for all students,” said Mary Luehrsen of the NAMM Foundation in a release. “We are moving from a time when curricula were narrowed due to pressure from testing and test-prep remediation to a broader view of what is important for all children. That includes access to a well-rounded education – and an opportunity to learn and grow with music and the arts. The schools and districts we recognize serve as models for other educators looking to develop standards-based music education programs. ”

For a full list of the 2016 SupportMerit Award Schools CLICK HERE.

(Photo, NAMM Foundation)