Fort Bend Independent School District NEWS RELEASE FROM COMMUNITY RELATIONS Keryn Miles, Communications Specialist keryn.miles@fortbendisd.com    281.634.1100

**  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  **

Fort Bend ISD Named “2010 Best Community for Music Education in America”

FORT BEND ISD ― The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation announced the results of its 11th annual “Best Communities for Music Education” survey, and Fort Bend ISD is included among the 174 school districts recognized for demonstrating an unwavering commitment to providing music education for its students.

“This honor confirms what our community has known for years,” said Dr. John Frossard, Chief Academic Officer. “In Fort Bend ISD, we have an abundance of outstanding students and dedicated educators committed to excellence in music education.”

The web-based 2010 survey was made available to all districts nationwide, and the results represent communities across the country. The school districts were measured across curricular and programmatic criteria, as well as public support of their music programs. The survey was developed and administered by The Institute for Educational Research and Public Service, an affiliate of the University of Kansas.

Each school receiving the “2010 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.

Throughout the 11 years the survey has been administered, many districts have reported that making the “Best Communities” list has had a positive effect on their ability to preserve music for their students amid budget cuts in arts programs.

This year's roster represents schools and school districts in 30 states. The complete list of “2010 Best Communities” can be viewed online at www.nammfoundation.org.

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