Bill Summary
The resolution expresses support for designating March 2025 as "Music in Our Schools Month." It highlights the historical and cultural significance of music in the United States and its role in promoting community, cooperation, and inclusivity. The resolution underscores the importance of music education, which has been part of the American school curriculum since the 19th century, and its recognition under the Every Student Succeeds Act as essential for a well-rounded education.
The resolution notes the positive impact of music programs on student engagement, social and academic outcomes, particularly for at-risk students, and emphasizes the cognitive and emotional benefits of music education. It also addresses disparities in access to music education, particularly for students in urban and rural areas, and calls for increased support for music teaching in public schools. Overall, it advocates for the recognition of music's value in education and society.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the resolution designating March 2025 as "Music in Our Schools Month" could affect people:
1. **Increased Awareness and Advocacy for Music Education**: By designating a specific month to celebrate music in schools, the resolution can raise public awareness about the importance of music education. This may lead to increased advocacy efforts from educators, parents, and community members to support music programs in schools. As a result, more schools might allocate resources for music education, ensuring that students have access to comprehensive music curricula.
2. **Enhanced Student Engagement and Development**: The resolution highlights research indicating that participation in music programs improves student engagement and academic outcomes, particularly for at-risk students. As schools emphasize music education during this designated month, students may experience increased motivation and involvement in their studies. This can lead to improved social skills, emotional development, and even greater academic achievement, benefiting the students' overall educational experience.
3. **Addressing Disparities in Access to Music Education**: The resolution acknowledges the disparities in access to quality music education, particularly in urban and rural areas and among low-income families and minority communities. By recognizing this issue, the resolution can encourage policymakers and educational authorities to take action to provide equitable access to music education. This could result in increased funding and resources for underserved schools, allowing all students, regardless of their background, to benefit from music education and its associated developmental advantages.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 139 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. RES. 139
Expressing support for the designation of March 2025 as ``Music in Our
Schools Month''.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
March 26, 2025
Mr. Booker (for himself and Mr. Padilla) submitted the following
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Expressing support for the designation of March 2025 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 the cultural
heritage of the United States, as music 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 classrooms in the United States 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 (Public Law 114-95; 129 Stat. 1802)
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 programs
promotes student engagement, leading to improved social and academic
outcomes, particularly for at-risk students;
Whereas research has documented that participation in school music programs 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 a disproportionate number of students without access to music education
attend schools in urban or rural communities, public schools with a high
percentage of students from low-income families, and public schools that
are majority Black, Hispanic, or Native American: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) supports the designation of March 2025 as ``Music in
Our Schools Month''; and
(2) recognizes--
(A) the fundamental importance of music to the
culture of the United States;
(B) the long history of music as an integral part
of the schools in the United States;
(C) the disparate access to high-quality music
education that exists across the United States; and
(D) the need to do more to support the teaching and
learning of music in public schools.
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