Newtown Named A Top Community

For Music Education

Newtown was one of 179 communities in the country named for commitment and support of music education in schools by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation.

The announcement for the 12th annual Best Communities for Music Education survey results were announced on May 4.

In all, 179 communities out of 279 that submitted surveys were recognized, including 172 school districts and seven schools.

The Best Communities for Music Education survey is a nationwide search for communities whose programs exemplify a strong commitment to music education, according to the foundation. Established in 1999, Best Communities for Music Education recognizes and celebrates schools, their administrators, teachers, board members, parents and students for their support of music education and their efforts to assure access to all students as part of the core curriculum.

Each school receiving the “Best Communities” designation scored in the 80th percentile or higher in the survey’s grading process. Participants in the survey answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and other relevant factors in their communities’ music education programs. The responses were verified with district officials and advisory organizations reviewing the data, according to the NAMM Foundation.

The 2011 survey was conducted between January 14 and March 14 in collaboration with The Institute for Educational Research and Public Service (www.ku.edu/~ierps/cgi-bin) of Lawrence, Kan.,, an affiliate of the University of Kansas. Each school district or school was allowed to fill out one survey, completed by a school administrator and/or teacher with access to school and district demographic and budgetary information.

Other Connecticut public school districts named with the honor are in Bethel, Canton, Cheshire, Farmington, Greenwich, South Windsor, Torrington, and West Hartford.