THE NEW JERSEY MUSIC EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION a federated state association of NATIONAL ASSOCIATION for MUSIC EDUCATION News From Our Division Chairs
Administration & Advocacy Dennis Argul
Elizabeth Public Schools
dennisargul@gmail.com
Advocacy
As the academic year is winding down, here is a summer assignment for us all to consider: 10 Advocacy Actions
1. Keep students at the center. School administrators work through complex issues every day. Help them stay focused on student welfare.
2. Know that you can make a difference. It’s been said that 10 letters to a public official or decision-maker will put issues on their radar screen; 25 letters will make them explore the issue; and 50 letters can change a vote. Understand and use this knowledge to your benefit. Organize a letter-writing or e-mail campaign as soon as you become aware of an issue and have developed a position.
3. Connect with businesses. Ask the business community to support and arrange student performances or exhibitions in the workplace. Offer to make a “What Research Is Telling Us” presentation to inform them of the impact of music on learning.
4. Showcase student achievement for parents and the community through concerts, performances and exhibitions whenever possible. Schedule regular student performances at school board meetings. Include information in concert programs to create awareness of the educational and developmental benefits of studying music.
5. Strive for equity. Work to ensure that your school district provides equal opportunities for arts education for all children, applies the Arts Standards to all children and puts equity on the school board’s agenda.
6. Prepare arguments carefully. Music belongs in the core curriculum. Learn how time and funding decisions are made to help you reason with school officials. Understand the pressures the school board is under and the tough decisions it has to make. Attend meetings regularly, and report back to your group. Remain professional, poised and positive in your work with school and community leadership.
7. Get to know school board members. All board members are potential allies. Work to help school board members understand the importance of music education. Invite them to student performances, and introduce them to the audience. If appropriate, ask them to say a few words. Thank them for their interest in student achievement through music.
8. Don’t argue against another program. Show that you are willing to work for the good of all students. Keep the discussion centered on students, not teacher-job centered.
9. Become a source of solid information. Local board members appreciate your help in bringing them new information on music education’s vital role in life and learning. Use credible data to build trust.
10. Thank administrators and board members for their positive comments and support. Thank even those who did not vote with you; there will be other battles.
continued on page 12 TEMPO 10 MAY 2018
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