District’s Music Education Program Receives National Recognition

The New Providence School District has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from the NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. The district joins 476 districts across the country in receiving the prestigious award in 2016.
The Best Communities Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.
Districts that have been recognized by the NAMM Foundation are often held up as models for other educators looking to boost their own music education programs.
To qualify for the Best Communities designation, members of the district community answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community musicmaking programs. Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.
This award recognizes that all district schools in New Providence are leading the way with learning opportunities as outlined in the new federal education legislation, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The legislation, signed into law in December 2015, replaces No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), which was often criticized for an overemphasis on testing—while leaving behind subject such as music. ESSA recommends music and the arts as important elements of well-rounded education for all children.
“Congratulations to our Music Department and school community for this recognition!” said Dr. David Miceli, Superintendent of Schools. “To receive this prestigious award four years in a row is a testament to the sustained commitment to music education in our schools. Once again, congratulations to our students, staff, parents, and administration for this wonderful accomplishment.”
About The NAMM Foundation:
The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its approximately 10,300 members around the world. The foundation advances active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs. For more information about the NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.