Steve, have you heard of this? Might be a great entry.

Meanwhile, they still look like they’re “saving the day.” They’re not saving the day. And the parents who have the money and motivation to get arts education for their children are not inspired to do so in our schools. All of their money is going for Ethos music lessons.

The principals at the low-income schools are in a horrible bind — free up instructional time for music/art and lose reading/math time. (And worry about lower scores.)

From my inquiries, I have learned that Ethos offers discounts (on a sliding scale) for low-income families, but does not provide scholarships — or after school transportation.

I agree with your comments. My question about Ethos was to see where were coming from. If PPS would honor its commitments to its music programs Ethos (and Muse, and Pacific Crest) wouldn’t exist. It’s disappointing that the only way new instruments are purchased in this district is through hard to get grants. Administrators see grants as a “get out of jail (meaning responsibility)” card. I have no doubt that the folks at these truly extra curricular organizations love music but this is not equitable access for all kids DURING THE SCHOOL DAY. Music is curricular not extra.

My beef with Ethos is not with the hard working staff or the work they do with the children they are able to reach. My complaint is with the misconception that Ethos solves the problem of PPS not funding music education in poor schools.

Ethos’ founder (and city council candidate) Charles Lewis perpetuates this myth, as in this quote (since removed) from the Ethos Web site: “When budget cuts threatened to destroy music education programs in Portland Public Schools, Charles stepped in and found a solution.”

It’s not a solution; it’s not even a band aid.

These organizations foster a charity mentality toward the least well-off among us, and, like I said, give political cover to policy makers who maintain a system that takes pretty good care of students in wealthy neighborhoods but not in others.

This isn’t to say charity is bad. If Stand or Ethos are able to reach some poor children and make a difference, I support them in that.

But charity is no substitute for fully-funded public education — for all students, in every neighborhood, taught by fully-credentialed, represented teachers.