The 2002 federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) legislation names arts education as part of the “core curriculum” for schools, on par with reading, math and science. This legislation underscores research that supports music education as a critical component to the overall educational experience of our youth. By listing the arts among the core academic subjects, NCLB established a goal that all students have the opportunity to achieve in the arts, and reap the benefits of a comprehensive, creative, innovative education.

Even with this policy directive outlining the role of arts and music education in schools, the federal legislation has not made its way to state and local schools. As a result, more than 22 percent of schools surveyed nationally have reduced instructional time for music and art. Parents, employers and community leaders expect schools to prepare children to be creative and successful in the information age, and still, there is a discrepancy in many schools between the curriculum and desired outcomes for student learning, particularly in the areas of arts and music education.

Legislators need to know that their constituents support and believe that music education in schools is vital to ensuring a quality education for all children. As Congress begins to consider reauthorization of No Child Left Behind legislation, we must demonstrate our commitment at the federal, state and local levels to making sure students have the opportunity to learn music and arts in school, and to expand their minds through more creative and innovative education.

By communicating your views to your Member of Congress, you are taking a critical first step to ensuring a commitment to arts education. By demonstrating community support across the country, we can encourage legislators to not only reauthorize NCLB legislation with language that strengthens access to music and arts education, but to also strengthen the federal commitment to ensure that a quality arts curriculum is implemented nationwide.

Please take a moment today to tell your Member of Congress that reauthorization of No Child Left Behind must continue to support and strengthen our national commitment to the arts, both in theory and in practice, in schools across the country.