Currently there is a Bill on the floor of the Legislation scheduled for March 4 agenda proposed by Senator Constantine that mandates PE for 225 minutes weekly for grades 6 - 8. While the intent of the bill is to make Florida students active and healthy, the bill has major "unintended consequences". Bill S0610 intention is to "recognize good nutrition and regular physical activity affects the health and well-being of students" it has no source of funding for the new physical education classes or funding for the additional nutrition guidelines of the bill. This in effect means that each school board will need cut programs in order to achieve these state mandated guidelines.
By mandating the 225 minutes of physical education a week the opportunity for music education at the grade level of 6 - 8 will be eliminated. The long-standing and well document positive effects of musical education streamlined with core educational framework have been recognized by The U.S. Department of Education. They state, "Many colleges view participation in the arts and music as valuable experience that broadens students' understanding and appreciation of the world around them." In addition, it plays a part in developing "children's intellectual development."
It is documented by College Entrance Examination Board that "students taking courses in music performance and music appreciation scored higher in the SAT than students with no arts participation. Music performance students scored 53 points higher on the verbal and 39 points higher on the math. Music appreciation students scored 61 points higher on the verbal and 42 points higher on the math." (Source: 1999 College-Bound Seniors National Report: Profile of SAT Program Test Takers, The College Entrance Examination Board, Princeton, New Jersey).
The U.S. Secretary of Education concludes, "I believe arts education in music, theater, dance and the visual arts is one of the most creative ways we have to find the gold that is buried just beneath the surface." Even the U.S. Secretary of Education believes that music and arts are valuable in the curriculum. He was quoted as saying "They (children) have an enthusiasm for life, a spark of creativity, and vivid imaginations that need training...training that prepares them to become confident young men and women. As I visit schools around the country I see a renewed interest in arts education and a growing concern about the negative impact of cutting art and music out of curriculum. The creativity of the arts and the joy of music should be central to the education of every American child." (Source: Richard W. Riley, U.S. Secretary of Education
Senator Carlton of the Senate's Committee on Education reported in her newsletter the following statement, "We want to make sure our students have every opportunity to succeed... The important thing is that our students have options." This bill effectively removes all option for participation in music programs.
The central idea of the Bill is something that most will whole heartedly agree with. However, as it is currently worded and un funded, the price tag of the "untended consequences" is too high. Elimination of music has a negative impact that is unacceptable according to the U.S. Department of Education and should be unacceptable to the citizens of Florida. At the time of release Members of the Senate Education Committee, Senator Constantine, Representative Weatherford, and the Governor's Office had not replied back with the option of making a comment on the issue. I urge Floridians to Speak Out and Voice Your Opinion. Don't allow the Florida Legislature make the wrong decision for our students.
Bright blessings,
Ashira
Ashira is a Practicing Pagan for over 15 years. Currently she is a featured columnist at http://Asknow.com
The Witches' Child Author
Bacon Bits Author
FFWA Member
Cassel Network of Writers Member
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