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Worcester County Public Schools (WCPS) has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education, for the second year in a row.
Now in its 21st year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. To qualify for the Best Communities designation, WCPS answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music programs, Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.
“We are so proud of the work our music educators do with our kids every day,” said WCPS Superintendent Mr. Lou Taylor. “Music is an essential part of our county’s curriculum. It connects us culturally, socially, spiritually and educationally. Especially during these difficult times, music is the one common theme that brings us all together.”
This award recognizes that Worcester County Public Schools is leading the way with learning opportunities as outlined in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The legislation guides implementation in the states and replaces the 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 a well-rounded education for all children.
“Music education is fundamental to our students’ growth and development. It opens and strengthens pathways in the brain, that no other content area can do. I am so proud of our music educators and how passionate they are about what they teach”, says WCPS Coordinator of Fine and Performing Arts, Tamara Mills.
For more information about the NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.