Where is Art?
Since the enactment of the No Child Left Behind law (NCLB), 22 percent of school districts have cut back on art and music, according to the Center for Education Policy. And yet, education research shows arts education can boost achievement in core subjects, as well as transform poor schools.
Congress must address this “unintended consequence” of NCLB, as it works to reauthorize the law in 2007, according to the “Arts Unified Statement,” signed by NEA and 50 other organizations. It should increase funding for arts programs—and, at the same time, also encourage schools to use federal funds for arts programs that help achievement. For more information, go to www.aep-arts.org.
Victory in Nebraska!
After rejecting a bid, supported by the Nebraska State Education Association, to allow a variety of local assessments (rather than one state test) to meet NCLB requirements, the U.S. Department of Education has given Nebraska’s system its tentative approval—making it the only state with local assessments. Beginning in October, a review of the tests used by Nebraska’s 254 districts was expected—a step that should lead to formal approval.
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