The notion of entirely losing arts education in public schools in the creative beacon of Los Angeles should be shocking, but is chillingly real this year. This threat is critical - cutting arts education from the curriculum not only will decrease the quality of local artistry, it will also be a blow to fostering the creativity and innovation required to continue the growth of avant garde, life-changing industries that keep California on the cutting edge of progress.
Here's the Hard Math on the Plight of Music Education:
· California students lag behind the national average in hours of arts instruction -- up to 50% less in music and visual arts instruction at the elementary level.
· January 2010 - In the midst of the budget crisis, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) proposes to eliminate 50% of its current arts teachers in 2010-2011, and the remaining 50% by 2012.
· ETM-LA strives to fill in the gaps so 100% of the children enrolled in its partner schools receive music as part of their core curriculum.
In our fourth year, ETM-LA commits to fighting alongside the principals, district and community to maintain sustainable, standards-based music programs reaching every child in our partner schools. You can help ETM-LA keep music in schools, and ensure that Los Angeles' tradition of innovation and creativity continues to flourish. Music should be a core subject, and part of a well-rounded education that all children deserve. Please join us in this vital campaign!
SIX THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP:
1) Send a letter to your school board representative: http://www.artsforla.org
2) Sign a petition created by LAUSD arts educators: www.petitiononline.com
3) Learn the facts about why kids need music education: artsedge.kennedy-center.org
4) Know and share the story with friends and colleagues: latimesblogs.latimes.com
5) Adopt a class at an ETM-LA partner school, or make a donation: www.supportetmla.org
6) Volunteer with ETM-LA: www.etmla.org/how_to_help
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