The 2014 Music education policy summit
L to R: Eileen Weiser, State Board of Education; Adam Zemke, State House of Representatives;
Rebekah Warren, State Senator. (not pictured: John Austin, President, State Board of Education.
Rebekah Warren, State Senator. (not pictured: John Austin, President, State Board of Education.
A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who participated in the first every Music Education Policy Summit. By all accounts the day was a wonderful success and great opportunity to influence policy makers on music education related legislation. Our morning panel focused on teacher evaluation and creating a K-5 music education requirement in Michigan public schools. Both President Austin and Senator Warren shared their thoughts on music education policy and all panel members answered questions from the participants.
L to R: Ken Moore, Band Director; Dan Quinn, Exec. Dir. Great Lakes Education Research and Practice; Mitch Robinson, Professor Music Education, MSU; Larry Hutchinson, Bass Player, Detroit Symphony Orchestra; Colleen Conway, Professor Music Education, U of M; Shawn Lewis-Lakin, Superintendent Royal Oak Public Schools.
Our afternoon panel featured a variety of music education advocates discussing the current state of music education and ideas for the future. The discussion was passionate and interesting as the participants reflected on the mornings discussions and ways to further the conversation and advocacy.
What next?
Our next job is to develop relationships with our legislators. Contact your legislator via the links below and tell them of the importance of Music Education. Share stories about its benefits that you've witnessed and show them your passion. Together we can make a difference!
State of Michigan House of Representatives
State of Michigan Senate
State of Michigan House of Representatives
State of Michigan Senate