Bill Summary
This resolution expresses support for designating March 2019 as Music in Our Schools Month. It highlights the importance of music in human culture and its role in promoting cooperation and inclusivity. The resolution also acknowledges the historical presence of music education in American classrooms and the need for public commitment to its teaching. It recognizes music as a means of exploring human emotions and holds intrinsic value as an art form. The resolution cites research that shows the positive impact of music education on student engagement, social and academic outcomes, and cognitive development. It also acknowledges the lack of access to high-quality music education for racial minorities and low-socioeconomic students and calls for more support for music education in public schools.
Possible Impacts
1. The legislation could potentially lead to increased funding for music education in public schools, allowing for better access to resources and instruction for students of all backgrounds.
2. The resolution may raise awareness of the importance of music in education, leading to more support and recognition for music teachers and programs in schools.
3. Students from marginalized communities or low-income backgrounds may have increased opportunities to participate in music programs and gain the benefits outlined in the legislation, such as improved academic and social outcomes.
[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 216 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
116th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 216
Expressing support for designation of March 2019 as Music in Our
Schools Month.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
March 11, 2019
Ms. Velazquez (for herself and Ms. Norton) submitted the following
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education and Labor
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Expressing support for designation of March 2019 as Music in Our
Schools Month.
Whereas music has been present in every known human culture throughout history
and modern times;
Whereas music is one of the most important manifestations of our cultural
heritage, as it embodies our national identity and illustrates our
shared history;
Whereas music education helps communities share ideas and values among cultures
and generations, promoting a more cooperative and inclusive citizenry;
Whereas singing has existed in American classrooms since before the signing of
the Declaration of Independence;
Whereas, in 1838, music as its own curriculum was first adopted by public
authority in the public schools of Boston, Massachusetts;
Whereas the development of a musical people has been and remains dependent on a
public commitment to the teaching of music in all schools;
Whereas State legislatures and educational agencies have supported music as part
of the regular school curriculum;
Whereas the Every Student Succeeds Act identified music as part of a well-
rounded education;
Whereas music is a means for exploring the emotional and aesthetic dimensions of
the human experience;
Whereas music holds intrinsic value as an art form, providing opportunity for
self-expression, fellowship, and spiritual fulfillment;
Whereas research has documented that participation in school music promotes
student engagement, leading to improved social and academic outcomes,
particularly for at-risk students;
Whereas research has documented that participation in school music also promotes
cognitive, social, and emotional development, exercising skills valuable
to the workforce such as motivation, attentiveness, self-discipline,
teamwork, persistence, empathy, respect, and leadership; and
Whereas racial minorities and students who are of low-socioeconomic backgrounds
are less likely to have access to a high-quality music education: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives supports the
designation of Music in Our Schools Month and recognizes--
(1) the fundamental importance of music to the Nation's
culture;
(2) the long history of music as an integral part of the
Nation's schools;
(3) the disparate access to high-quality music education
that exists across the country; and
(4) the need to do more to support the teaching and
learning of music in public schools.
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