Round Rock ISD has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. The District was one of 738 in the nation to earn the distinction.
To qualify for the Best Communities designation, the District had to provide evidence and data related to program requirements, funding, instruction, and support for innovative music programs and community music-making programs. Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.
“The Fine Arts Department at Round Rock ISD is incredibly proud of our students, staff, and community’s achievements this school year,” said Jager Loyde, director of fine arts – music. “It is an honor to be named a NAMM Foundation Best Community for Music Education. This distinction exemplifies Round Rock ISD’s commitment to music education and the strong support of fine arts in our community!”
Since the passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in 2015 and a stated emphasis on a well-rounded education, many school districts have re-committed to music and arts education programs. During the pandemic, music and arts programs were vital to keeping students engaged in school. ESSA provides designated funding for well-rounded educational opportunities through Title IV Part A Student Academic Success and Achievement grants. NAMM Foundation research has revealed that school districts are widely using these grants to address instructional gaps in access to music and arts education.
