Dear UMEA members:
There is currently a proposal at the State Board of Education that will change the state requirements for 7th and 8th grade in Utah public schools. Please see the R277-700 summary http://www.boarddocs.com/ut/usbe/Board.nsf/files/ANLNFA5FAC94/$file/MiddleS…. The state board is considering requiring only "General Core" courses (Language Arts, Math, Integrated Science and Utah History) essentially making all other subjects "elective." They are also considering eliminating "units of credit" requirements for all courses. The proposed policy change gives the Local Education Agency (LEA i.e., local school district board) the power to set "requirements" for elective courses for these grade levels. This is a big change, and it is unclear the actual effect this will have on music courses. The UMEA Executive Board encourages you to read through the proposal and contact your state school board representative with any questions/concerns you may have about the policy. Final approval vote comes in the board meeting on Friday, August 4th. It will be "hashed out" in a committee meeting the previous day on August 3rd. Laura Belnap (Bountiful) is the head of the committee. Here is a list of all Utah State School Board Members and their contact information https://www.schools.utah.gov/board/members.
Here is the previous policy with the edits made for the new policy. http://www.boarddocs.com/ut/usbe/Board.nsf/files/ANZKK752323F/$file/R277-70…. You don't need to wade through the entire thing. Focus on section 5 (lines 118 through 178).
The UMEA Executive Committee will continue to contact USBE members this week in order to gain answers to specific questions we have and will keep you informed.
Thank you all for your dedication. I wish you the best as you wrap up your summer break and prepare for another school year.
Rhonda Rhodes
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Rhonda Rhodes, D.M.A.President, Utah Music Educators Association (UMEA)3743 W. 200 NHurricane, UT 84737435-635-4101 (h), 435-705-4270 (c)rhonda(a)infowest.com
