The National Association for Music Education (MENC)Announces Position Statements

Statements on Alternative Certification and Inclusivity Address Concerns, Music Educators Role, Guidelines

RESTON, VA (PRWEB) August 28, 2003 --- The National Executive Board of MENC: The National Association for Music Education has released official position statements on the topics of Alternative Certification and Inclusivity in Music Education. These two statements, which were developed as consensus statements from the field, follow a statement on fund-raising, and documents dealing with music with a sacred text, the rationales for music education, and other essential topics.                

The Alternative Certification statement addresses the concern that alternative routes to teacher certification vary significantly in quality and rigor. Regardless of the certification that music educators receive, MENCs position is that knowledge and skills in music and music education are essential and that without them, music teachers cannot be successful. Music educators should be informed and aware of alternative certification developments in their states and willing to participate in the preparation of alternatively trained teachers. The complete statement can be viewed at http://www.menc.org/connect/surveys/policy/altcertstatement.html.

The Inclusivity in Music Education statement addresses the concern that some Americans may be excluded from music education, denying them access to music as an essential path toward meeting their educational needs, breaking social and economic barriers, and accommodating diverse learning styles. MENCs position is that the music educator should embrace and practice the best instructional techniques and strategies and strive to ensure that all students have access to music programs that address learning and achievement in all areas set forth in the National Standards. The knowledge and skill that all students need are outlined in the National Standards for Music Education. The complete statement can be viewed at http://www.menc.org/connect/surveys/policy/altcertstatement.html.

The purpose in developing these statements is to put into words the position our national organization has taken regarding issues, often controversial, that music teachers face and must address in their local school districts and within their respective states," says David Circle, MENC President-elect. The intent is to provide members the answer to the question, 'What does MENC have to say about this issue? Our intent is to provide information to our members that will be helpful as they work with administrators, boards of education and other decision makers whose decisions directly affect music education."

The next position statement topic to be considered by the National Executive Board is Public School and Community Music Group Relationships. Drafts of every position statement are posted online and members comments are solicited and reviewed by a Position Statement Review Committee before final recommendations are presented to the National Executive Board.                                 
For more information, call MENC at 1-800-336-3768 or visit www.menc.org.      

MENC, the worlds largest arts education organization, is the only association that addresses all aspects of music education. More than 100,000 members represent all levels of teaching from preschool to graduate school. Since 1907, MENC has worked to ensure that every student has access to a well-balanced, comprehensive, and high-quality program of music instruction taught by qualified teachers. MENCs activities and resources have been largely responsible for the establishment of music education as a profession, for the promotion and guidance of music study as an integral part of the school curriculum, and for the development of the National Standards for Arts Education.   

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