NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21
Reston, VA 20190
Telephone: (703) 437-0700
Facsimile: (703) 437-6312
May 10, 2007
Dear Colleagues:
Over the next few weeks, you will hear and read many different reports and perspectives on the accreditation policy struggle here in Washington. We ask that you not focus on pieces emphasizing personalities or political theatre. You should also not accept indications that ultimately what the USDE wants, it will get. Please remember that no press account, no matter how accurate can capture the full set of dynamics operating in a situation such as this. Also, remember that we have three branches of government – a checks and balance system that hopefully will provide the means for reaching appropriate and balanced decisions.
As the Negotiated Rulemaking process comes to an end and the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act gains momentum in early summer we may suggest that you contact your representatives in Washington. At the moment the best thing to do is to stay informed, not on a moment by moment basis for the discussion changes hourly, but with the bigger picture and major activities. Here in the National Office we continue to work the problem along with a growing number of colleagues.
Here is what we suggest you do at this time.
1. Read and think about the briefing letters we have been sending. They are full of analyses and possible talking points about the issues in contention.
2. Share the letters with those who you believe would benefit from them, but please be judicious about this. Think about the extent to which specific individuals are ready to consider the point of view the letters express, and thus whether the letters have a chance to be effective in that instance.
3. If you have a personal acquaintance with a member of Congress, and you wish to share that with us, please let us know so that we may contact you later if your assistance could be especially useful.
4. Read and listen to others speak about Negotiated Rulemaking on accreditation with the background understanding that the American Council on Education, a number of other institution-based organizations in Washington including CHEA, and the Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors (ASPA) are particularly outspoken in their opposition to USDE proposals that, in ACE president David Ward’s words, would “federalize” accreditation and thus higher education. We are not alone.
5. Remember that Negotiated Rulemaking will end soon, and then the Secretary of Education will issue proposed regulations with a comment period. Prior to that call for comment we expect to forward one or more short briefing papers and sets of talking points for your use in reviewing and responding to the proposal. We may also ask that you contact your Washington representatives with your responses.
6. Express concerns to leaders on your campus about the potential for federal misuse of accreditation and the importance of taking this possibility seriously. The independence of the local campus is at stake. The briefing letters may be useful; please see point 2.
7. Watch for possible information from us about reauthorization of the Higher Education Act. This act has important accreditation provisions and is the law that truly governs the relationship between the federal government and accreditation.
8. Know that NASM is doing everything it can to support a relationship among institutions, accreditation, and the federal government that continues to respect the independence of each, especially with regard to the academic decisions of institutions.
Let me take this occasion to thank you for your expressions of appreciation and support for the briefing letters. There are two more to come in the following weeks.
Best wishes as you end the academic year.
Samuel Hope
NASM Executive Director
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