BPS101's Music Education Program Receives National Recognition for the TENTH Time
BPS101 has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. BPS101 received this award in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. BPS101 is one of only 32 districts in Illinois to receive the designation this year.
Now in its 25th year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. To qualify for the Best Communities designation, BPS101 answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, and support for the music programs. Responses were then verified with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.
“This amazing achievement is such a great reflection of the dedication and passion our students, staff, and families have for music and our stellar fine arts programming, says Tom Kim, Superintendent at BPS101. “To be consistently recognized with such an achievement shows our community and teachers’ commitment to providing an outstanding music education experience.”
This award recognizes that BPS101 is leading the way with learning opportunities outlined in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). ESSA recommends music and the arts as important elements of a well-rounded education for all children.
“The benefits of music education are boundless!” says 5th Grade Band & Orchestra Teacher Lisa Hatfield. “While research consistently reveals correlations between music education and academic achievement, it is crucial to recognize its broader impact. Music education cultivates social skills such as teamwork, communication, cultural understanding, and a sense of belonging in an era where fostering empathy and cooperation is paramount. Music bridges divides and enriches the lives of our students and community members, and we are so fortunate for the unwavering support from the Batavia District and families!”
After two years of music education, researchers found that participants showed more substantial improvements in how the brain processes speech and reading scores than their less-involved peers and that students involved in music are more likely to graduate high school and also attend college. Everyday listening skills are stronger in musically-trained children than in those without music training. Listening skills are closely tied to perceiving speech in a noisy background, paying attention, and keeping sounds in memory.
About The NAMM Foundation
The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported partly by the National Association of Music Merchants, its 15,000 member companies, and individual professionals. The foundation advances active participation in music-making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving, and public service programs. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.
