Bill > HB1819

This bill aims to emphasize the importance of music education in public schools. The key provisions are: 1. Beginning in the 2023-24 school year, school districts with more than 200 enrolled students must provide 100 minutes per week of music instruction to each student in grades 1 through 5. Districts must adopt a policy and procedure to implement this requirement by the 2024-25 school year. 2. Music instruction can be provided by teachers with an elementary education endorsement, recognizing the shortage of teachers with specific music endorsements. 3. The Washington State School Directors' Association, in consultation with the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, must adopt a model policy and procedure for districts to implement the music instruction requirement, which should address the importance of access to music education, consider any needed exemptions, and recognize the need to fill positions with teachers who may not yet have the proper endorsement. The bill aims to ensure more consistent access to music education, as opportunities have been uneven across school districts, and music programs are often the first to be cut during budget reductions.

Education

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1819&Year=2023&Initiative=false