Wayland Schools Honored for Commitment to Music Education

MIKE CARRAGGI (Patch Staff) contributed to this report.

WAYLAND, MA - Wayland Public Schools was recognized by NAMM Foundation as one of the 476 school districts across the nation as one of the Best Communities for Music Education.

Being a Best Community for Music Education is recognition for "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," according to a release by NAMM.

The recognition was based on a number of factors:

• funding,
• staffing of highly qualified teachers,
• commitment to standards,
• community support,
• participation,
• and access to music instruction.

Each school and district was evaluated by the NAMM Foundation, with the assistance of researchers at The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.

“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,” said Mary Luehrsen of the NAMM Foundation in a release. “We are moving 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 and the arts. The schools and districts we recognize serve as models for other educators looking to develop standards-based music education programs. ”

For a full list of the BCME school districts, click here.

(Photo, NAMM Foundation)