There were two proposals discussed at the last Board of Regents meeting held on Monday and Tuesday, April 19-20, 2010 that are of serious concern to NYSSMA. President Dan Mosher sent a letter outlining our concerns and position on this matter to Dr. David Steiner, Commissioner of Education. It was also copied to the Board of Regents, John King, Deputy Commissioner and David Frey, Chair of the Higher Education Committee.
The first is a request to allow school districts to select any one or two arts disciplines (Music, Visual Art, Theater or Dance) to fulfill the one unit arts requirement at the middle school level. Currently, 7th and 8th graders must complete ½ unit of music and ½ unit of art. If this proposal is approved, students could fulfill the requirement without taking music or art. For additional information on this proposal please go to the following website:
The second proposal is for an endorsement for elementary teachers (K-2) to teach visual and performing arts after taking 12 – 15 arts credits in order to obtain an “arts annotation.” This was discussed by the Committee on Higher Education on Tuesday. For additional information on this proposal please go to the following website:
http://www.regents.nysed.gov/meetings/2010Meetings/April2010/0410hed1.docNYSSMA is strongly opposed to both of these proposals. We do not object to added opportunities for students in dance and drama, but do not believe that they should replace established music and art programs. We support classroom teachers supplementing the work of arts teachers, but do not believe that 12 – 15 hours of “arts” courses will prepare them to be the sole provider of music instruction during such a critical stage of a student’s early development. We believe that the implementation of these proposals at the school level will have serious negative effects on students.
President Mosher's letter is included as a separate page on the Advocacy site. Please refer to it for additional information. Similar letters have been sent by the presidents of NYSCAME and NYSATA.
President Daniel Mosher's response to the Commissioner