The Mineola School District has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from the NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. Mineola joins 476 districts across the country in receiving the prestigious award in 2016.
The Best Communities Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.
Districts that have been recognized by the NAMM Foundation are often held up as models for other educators looking to boost their own music education programs.
To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Mineola Supervisor of Fine and Performing Arts, Joseph Owens, answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community music-making programs. Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.
This award recognizes that Mineola is leading the way with learning opportunities as outlined in the new federal education legislation, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The legislation, signed into law in December 2015, replaces No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), which was often criticized for an overemphasis on testing—while leaving behind subjects such as music. ESSA recommends music and the arts as important elements of well-rounded education for all children.
“Our students are the beneficiaries of a community that supports music and the arts,” said Owens. “Receiving this award for eight consecutive years is a true testament to our community’s belief in a well-rounded education for all students. This recognition is a true credit to all members of the Mineola community; students, parents, teachers, administration and the board of education.”
—Submitted by the Mineola School District
