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WCSD Earns Music Education Designation for Fourth Year in a Row
Reno, NV (May 4, 2011) - The Washoe County School District has been named one of the "Best Communities for Music Education in America" (BCME) for the fourth consecutive year. The National Association of Music Merchants Foundation has recognized a number of districts across the nation for their support of music education programs for students.
"For the Washoe County School District's music department to be recognized for the fourth year in a row as a 'Best Community for Music Education' in the United States is a great testament of the exceptional teaching by our music teachers," said Dave Branson, WCSD's music and fine arts coordinator. "In addition, this is a very positive reflection on the support given to music by Superintendent Heath Morrison, our school trustees and administration. We are very proud of this great honor and recognition and this again stresses the great importance for a music education for all children in WCSD."
Across the country, 179 communities that submitted surveys for the designation were recognized. The survey was conducted between January and March 2011 in collaboration with the Institute for Educational Research and Public Service in Lawrence, Kansas.
Washoe County School District is one of only five school districts in the western United States to receive this honor, along with Clark County School District in Las Vegas.
"Music always has been an integral and important part of our overall educational program in WCSD," said WCSD Board President Barbara McLaury. "It is very exciting to see that the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation once again has singled out the quality of our music teachers' instructional excellence as they develop the gifts and talents of our students throughout the district."
Each school district 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 reviewed the data.
The intent of the BCME is to help preserve school districts' current music programs.
About Washoe County School District: The Washoe County School District includes the Reno/Sparks metropolitan area, Incline Village, Gerlach, Empire and Wadsworth, Nevada. The District provides each of its 63,000 students with a superior education in a safe and challenging environment and is committed to graduate every child career and college ready.
For more information visit www.washoecountyschools.org. Follow us on Twitter at WCSDTweet.
Washoe County School District
425 East Ninth Street
Reno, NV 89520
