Dear UMEA Colleagues, There was a public hearing on Wednesday, Sept 20 at the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) concerning rule R277-700. UMEA Advocacy chair, Christine Wolf, and other UMEA board members spoke opposing the new rule that no longer requires arts credit at the state level for grades 7 and 8. Beginning in October, local school district will have the power to implement any requirements for arts, foreign language, health, PE, CTE and computer studies. While some districts may continue their commitments to the arts, we fear that this rule will result in great inequities in access to music courses across the state. Many of you may have already voiced your opinion on this issue, but please be aware that the USBE is still taking comments on this new rule until 5pm on Tuesday, Sept. 26. Those wishing to comment can email: rule.comments@schools.utah.gov You can also find a recording of the September 20th hearing on the USBE website: www.schools.utah.gov Thank you, Rhonda Rhodes -- Rhonda Rhodes, D.M.A.Instructor of Music Education and Woodwinds, Dixie State UniversityPresident, Utah Music Educators Association435-705-4270