Texas State faculty member recognized for contribution to SupportMusic Merit award

This March, 98 K-12 schools across the nation received a SupportMusic Merit Award (SMMA) from The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation. The distinguished award recognizes schools for efforts by faculty, parents, students and community leaders who strive to support music education and its core curriculum.

Each school completed a survey that was developed by a national advisory committee, including Rebecca L. Tast, assistant professor of music education at Texas State University.

In addition to the schools receiving the SupportMusic Merit Award, 623 school districts received the Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) award, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

“Every year, new schools and districts are upping their game when it comes to music and the arts, often despite budget and curriculum pressures," says Mary Luehrsen, a member of The NAMM Foundation.

Since Congress passed the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in 2015, leaders in education have made it a priority to offer more well-rounded learning and encourage other districts to re-commit to art education programs.