For Immediate Release:   May 2, 2008

 

BPS Named Among the “Best Communities for Music Education” in the Nation

Brevard One of Only Three Districts in Florida to be Honored

 

            VIERA—Brevard Public Schools is being recognized as a national leader in music education. The NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) Foundation has announced the results of its ninth annual “Best Communities for Music Education” survey, which includes 110 school districts across the U.S. BPS is featured on the list, one of only three districts in Florida to be honored.

The designated programs exemplify community commitment to include music education as part of a quality education for all children. The NAMM Foundation and its music education advocacy efforts work to insure that all children have access to quality music education programs that encourage lifelong participation in music making.

            “This is one more accolade honoring the outstanding music education efforts we have across our school district,” said Superintendent Dr. Richard A. DiPatri. “Brevard is proud to be among the nation’s best in this important area.” 

Hundreds of teachers, school and district administrators, school board members, parents and community leaders, representing communities in all 50 states, participated in the Web-based survey. The districts were measured across a variety of program support, curricular and programmatic criteria. Furthermore, the results were measured proportionally, so that communities of different sizes were compared equally.

Participants in the survey answered detailed questions about funding, enrollment, student/teacher ratios, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, private music lesson participation, and other relevant factors in their communities’ music education programs. The responses were verified with district officials, and the sponsoring organizations reviewed the data.

Research reveals strong correlations between quality music education in school and academic achievement. Students actively involved with music programs develop skills needed by the 21st century workforce, including critical thinking, creative problem solving, effective communication and team work.

                              

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