Stratford Schools Recognized Nationally for Music

The following is a press release from the Stratford Board of Education.

The NAMM Foundation recognizes the Stratford Public School System for its outstanding commitment to music education with a Best Communities for Music Education designation.

Stratford joins 307 districts across the country to receive the prestigious distinction this year.

In its 14th year, Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) affirms school districts that have demonstrated exceptional efforts toward maintaining music education as part of the schools’ core curriculum.

The BCME survey requires districts to answer detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs.

Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Institute for Educational Research and Public Service of Lawrence, Kansas, an affiliate of the University of Kansas.

“It is important for students to learn music in school for many reasons,” said Margaret Lasek, Interim Superintendent of Schools. “Music develops skills needed for the 21st century: critical and analytical thinking, creative problem solving, effective communication, team work and more.”

The BCME designation is an important part of the NAMM Foundation’s efforts to advocate for school-based music education.

Numerous studies have demonstrated that learning to play music can boost other academic and social skills, such as math and learning to cooperate in a group.

The NAMM-funded Cost of Music Education study found that a comprehensive K–12 music education program cost an average of $187 per student per year in the sample district.

As Stratford finalizes its 2013–14 budgets, the announcement of this year’s Best Communities for Music Education designation brings attention to the importance of keeping music education part of school’s core education and music’s vital role in student success in school.