Three Valley school districts recognized for music programs

Staff report

CARLSBAD, Ca.

Boardman, Canfield and West Branch schools are among 32 Ohio school districts recognized as Best Communities for Music Education in the United States by the National Association of Music Merchants.

The three Mahoning County districts are among 476 across the country to earn the recognition.

The organization recognizes outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders who work together to ensure access to music-learning for all students as part of the school curriculum.

The designation takes on added significance this year due to the passage of the new federal education law in December 2015. The Every Student Succeeds Act designates music as a recommended subject and as part of “a well-rounded education.” ESSA shifts more control to the states and schools and encourages policy-makers to include nontested subjects such as music to play a more important role in the curriculum.

“The schools and districts that the NAMM Foundation honors this year with this award demonstrate a commitment to supporting music education and assuring opportunities for music learning in the curriculum for all students,” Mary Luehrsen of the NAMM Foundation said in a news release. “We’re moving away from a time when curricula were narrowed due to pressure from testing and test-prep remediation to a broader view of what is important for all children. That includes access to a well-rounded education – and an opportunity to learn and grow with music. These schools and districts we recognize serve as a model for other educators looking for ways to make music part of their school community.”