Supporters of Music Education in Tennessee,
Thank you for contacting your state senators Wednesday in response to the proposed Senate Bill 631, which, as introduced, would have added social studies requirements to high school graduation requirements with a number of potential negative impacts on arts programs and students’ ability to participate in the arts.
Thursday morning, the Senate made the decision to delay consideration of the bill until next Thursday, April 20. There is a corresponding bill in the House that has now been amended, removing the high school graduation requirement component of the bill and instead focusing on mandating units on Tennessee History in the elementary and middle school curriculum. It is likely that the delay will allow for the same amendment to be added to Senate Bill 631 prior to its consideration next week.
Your calls and emails on behalf of music students and strong Tennessee music programs helped to ensure that the bill would not proceed as introduced! TMEA will continue to monitor the bill in advance of its consideration, along with all other pending legislation that may impact access to and support for music education for all K-12 students across the state.
Christopher K. Dye
TMEA Government Relations / Advocacy Chair
Johnathan Vest
TMEA President
Thank you for contacting your state senators Wednesday in response to the proposed Senate Bill 631, which, as introduced, would have added social studies requirements to high school graduation requirements with a number of potential negative impacts on arts programs and students’ ability to participate in the arts.
Thursday morning, the Senate made the decision to delay consideration of the bill until next Thursday, April 20. There is a corresponding bill in the House that has now been amended, removing the high school graduation requirement component of the bill and instead focusing on mandating units on Tennessee History in the elementary and middle school curriculum. It is likely that the delay will allow for the same amendment to be added to Senate Bill 631 prior to its consideration next week.
Your calls and emails on behalf of music students and strong Tennessee music programs helped to ensure that the bill would not proceed as introduced! TMEA will continue to monitor the bill in advance of its consideration, along with all other pending legislation that may impact access to and support for music education for all K-12 students across the state.
Christopher K. Dye
TMEA Government Relations / Advocacy Chair
Johnathan Vest
TMEA President