NY legislators are currently considering bills (Senate – S6318A and Assembly A6490A) which require instruction in arts and music education to be incorporated into curriculums for all public-school students and taught by an appropriately certified teacher. The legislative session for this year concludes at the end of May so there is not much time.
- Currently, Music (and the Arts) are designated as “regulatory”, meaning the subject matter is only recommended by the New York State Education Department (NYSED). NYSSMA has been advocating for Music (and the Arts) to match the status of other subject matter such as Mathematics, English, Physical Education, etc. and be designated as “statutory”. Music (and the Arts) would be treated like other subject matter and be included as part of New York State Education Law.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
- STEP 1 – Please add your name to the linked NAfME form to send your support for the bills electronically at ACT NOW (via National Association for Music Education)
- STEP 2 – Contact your local legislator directly and ask them to support the bill. Share this document that summarizes what we are advocating for. Establishing positive relations for your local legislators is the best means to gain support for this very important initiative.
- Consider sharing this information with your local music parent advocacy groups.
- Feel free to contact Michael Mastrangelo – Advocacy/Government Relations Committee Chair at grc@nyssma.org if you have any questions about how to communicate with your legislator.
We have the best chance of making this happen for students across New York State if the NYSSMA membership works together.
Thank you for your consideration!
Michael Mastrangelo
NYSSMA Advocacy/Government Relations Committee Chairperson