TMEA to Honor Education Commissioner

MEA will present Robert Scott, was appointed Commissioner of Education Texas Commissioner of Education, by Governor Perry on Oct. 16, 2007. He with the Distinguished Service was unanimously confirmed by the Texas award at its Second General Session Senate on April 8, 2009. In this role, Scott onT Friday of the upcoming convention. serves as the head of the Texas Education TMEA presents this award to individu- Agency, which oversees the state’s 1,200 als who have made significant contribu- school districts and charter schools. tions to music and arts education in Texas Scott has long been considered one of through the years. the most thoughtful and innovative edu- Since his appointment to serve as cation policy experts in state government. Commissioner of Education and before A graduate of the University of Texas as education advisor to Governor Rick School of Law and a member of the State Scott served as senior policy advisor Perry, Scott has been a consistent sup- Bar, Scott has provided strategic leader- to Governor Perry during the creation of porter of a well-balanced education that ship to the for the the Texas High School Initiative in 2003 includes the arts. In his numerous key- past six years, serving as the agency’s chief and was instrumental in the bill’s passage notes to both the Texas Association of executive during a massive reorganization and implementation. The initiative, now Schools Boards and Texas Association of its functions in the summer of 2003. called the Texas High School Project, has of School Administrators, Scott always In January 2004, Scott was appointed been considered by several national voices speaks to the importance of the arts in the chief deputy commissioner, a position in as perhaps the nation’s most cutting-edge education of the whole child and often which he was responsible for the daily reform project in secondary education. points to the student music groups that operations of the agency and the imple- Scott has also been a noted advocate for usually perform at such sessions as classic mentation and execution of key statewide improved early childhood education and examples of gifted and talented students ­initiatives. Scott’s organizational abilities has pressed for the improvement of school in our schools. were on full display during the aftermath readiness for pre-kindergarten-aged chil- Scott has experienced the value of of Hurricane Katrina, when Texas took in dren, particularly for those who do not arts education firsthand through his two more than 46,000 students who had fled have the resources to seek that help else- children, who have both become exten- the storm-ravaged areas of and where. Scott’s further interests include sively involved in the arts at Bowie HS Mississippi, and again when Hurricane charter school innovation, incentive in Austin ISD. He recognizes how the Rita slammed the Southeast Texas coast. awards for teachers, and a renewed focus arts have affected virtually every aspect The agency received widespread acclaim on health and fitness and the arts in public of their educational growth and makes it for its response. schools. a priority in these tough economic times not to let those opportunities for Texas schoolchildren slip away. Scott has made three appearances at Second General Session TMEA, where he has spoken eloquently about why the arts must continue to be Friday, February 11 • 9 a.m. a cornerstone of the educational process. Lila Cockrell Theater Veteran education policy expert Scott

Southwestern Musician | February 2011 13 One of Scott’s first actions as continues to support innovative programs Putte (D-), who at the request Commissioner of Education was that address the drop-out rate. of TMEA carried HB 2908 and SB 815 to strengthening the agency’s accredita- restore credibility to fine arts and other tion functions with oversight of both the Past Recipients subjects of the Enrichment Curriculum; financial and academic performance of Past recipients of the Distinguished State Board of Education Chair Geraldine public schools. In this effort, Scott has Service Award are Carol More, who “Tincy” Miller, a vital supporter of arts implemented aggressive intervention and secured hundreds of string instruments education in Texas; Commissioner of has closed some campuses that repeat- for orchestra students in the inner-city Education Shirley Neeley, a champion for edly failed to serve Texas students. Scott schools of Dallas ISD; Representative the arts throughout her career in educa- believes in the ability of Texas educators Paul Sadler, then Chairman of the House tion; and most recently Senator Florence to engage every student and to ensure that Education Committee, who led the fight Shapiro (R-Plano), an avid supporter of school is both a meaningful and relevant to protect the well-balanced curriculum fine arts education, demonstrated in her experience for all. While many children in the public schools of Texas; Peggy and service as Senate Education Chair where experience challenges, Scott knows that Tom White of Dennis Bros. Printers, Inc., she guided legislation in support of fine with high academic standards every child who have served TMEA so faithfully arts education. TMEA is honored to add can be given the tools to succeed both in through the years; Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser, Commissioner Robert Scott to this list of school and life beyond school. The state the “Pied Piper” of music education in outstanding contributors to Texas music has approved college readiness standards, this country; Dr. Jack Christie, then education. 0 new curriculum standards, end-of-course Chair of the State Board of Education; exams, and stronger teacher certification Representative Rob Eissler (R-The Comment on this article: requirements under Scott’s leadership. He Woodlands) and Senator Leticia Van de tmea.org/features

14 Southwestern Musician | February 2011