Governor Ron DeSantis signs legislation to expand music education in elementary schools
Press release from the Office of Governor Ron DeSantis
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill (SB) 478, sponsored by Senator Keith Perry, to convert the Early Childhood Music Education Incentive Pilot Program into a permanent program available to school districts across the state. The Early Childhood Music Education Incentive Program provides assistance to school districts in implementing comprehensive music education programs in kindergarten through second grade.
“Music education has been shown to help children with language development, brain development, and fine motor skills,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Florida has nation-leading early childhood and early literacy programs, and this bill will further help schools build a strong learning foundation for our youngest students.”
The Department of Education will be responsible for administering the program. Eligible schools will receive $150 per student enrolled in a comprehensive music education program. Schools must meet the following criteria to be program eligible:
- Includes all students enrolled at the school in kindergarten through second grade.
- Is staffed by certified music educators.
- Provides music instruction for at least 30 consecutive minutes two days a week.
- Complies with class size requirements under the law.
- Complies with the Department of Education’s standards for early childhood music education programs for students in kindergarten through second grade.
The Early Childhood Music Education Incentive Pilot Program was established in 2017 to assist certain school districts in implementing comprehensive music education programs in kindergarten through second grade. Pilot program schools were selected based on their proximity to the University of Florida and Florida International University. The universities were required to evaluate the effectiveness of the pilot program.
Totally not needed. Teach elementary school kids the basics before exposing them to elitist interests.
Joe , what’s better, in your mind, sex education (indoctrination) or a valuable skill that may develop into a longtime passion?
How are they different?
Is Keith wearing a spandex jacket?
Appreciation and participation in music and the arts – these are universal human activities, not frivolous “elitist” past times – are worthy activities for kids in school and necessary parts of a complete education for citizens in civilized society. I learned to play an instrument in a Florida public school many decades ago, and while I no longer play it, it educated me also in how music is made and appreciation for types of music I may not have otherwise known about.
PS Kudos to Sen Perry on this, and I am not a regular fan.
I completely agree! Music is a lost art for far too many.
When are you going to report about DeShameus president run announcement? This news source is starting to look super suspicious and fake like the rest. I see a lot of support with this continued reporting for someone and no mention of him dumping our state. Waiting for the endorsement lol.