E-Newsletter for March 21, 2007
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- Update On Arts Education Funding
- Governor Declares March 2007 as Arts Education Month
- Arts Advocates Ask Congress for Increases
- State Officials Declare 'Illinois Arts Education Week'
- Minnesota Educators Charge Arts Lag Under No Child Left Behind
- Fine Arts Courses in Texas Tied To Higher Academic Ratings, Lower Drop Out Rates
- An Unfinished Canvas Summary Report Available Online
- The Insider’s Guide to Arts Education goes Digital
- Plan Your Arts Learning in Action Event Today
- Statement By Secretary Spelling on Arts Advocacy Day
- Americans for the Arts Seeks Writers
CONFERENCES, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Discounts for Groups : State of the Arts: Leadership in Education Conference
- Americans for the Arts Annual Convention
- Building Literacy Through The Arts
- Teacher-to-Teacher Summer Workshops 2007
- Learning in the Arts for Children and Youth
- Target Corporation Offers Arts Program Grant Opportunities
SCHOLARSHIPS, CONTESTS & AWARDS
- Summer Internships and Fellow Positions at Americans For The Arts
EMPLOYMENT & JOB OPPORTUNITIES
- Program Associate, The Global Youth Media and Arts Program
- Visual Arts Teaching Position, Burbank High School
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California News
Update On Arts Education Funding
ACR 18, a resolution recognizing March as Arts Education Month, authored by Assemblyman Ira Ruskin (D-Redwood City) and sponsored by CAAE, passed off the Assembly floor on March 15, with 67 co-authors and no opposition. Talk about bipartisanship!
The measure recognizes "Arts education, which includes dance, music, theatre, and the visual arts, is an essential and integral part of basic education for all pupils in prekindergarten, kindergarten, and grades 1 through 12; and ...The arts are crucial to achieving a state educational policy that is devoted to the teaching of basic academic skills and lifelong learning capacities with the goal of truly preparing all children for success after high school."
The measure goes on to highlight the further benefits of a quality arts education, recognizes the new funding for arts education in the current budget, and concludes by encouraging "all legislators to participate with their educational communities in celebrating the arts with meaningful activities and programs for pupils, teachers, and the public that demonstrate learning and understanding in the visual and performing arts, and urges all residents to become interested in and give full support to quality school arts programs for children and youth."
If you would like to read the full text of the resolution, click here.
Meanwhile, we continue to watch carefully as school districts throughout the state consider how they intend to distribute the new arts education funding they have now received. (The remaining 25% will be distributed in June.) As stated in the previous ArtsEdMail, the $500 million in one time funding for arts education supplies and equipment, to be shared with physical education, is expected to be distributed by mid-April. We will keep you posted.
Governor Declares March 2007 as Arts Education Month
Governor Schwarzenegger issued a Proclamation on March 5, 2007, proclaiming March as Arts Education Month in California.
"By investing in arts education in our K-12 schools, we improve not only our children’s cognitive skills, but also give them new means to discover, explore and appreciate the beauty of the world around them. I am a strong believer in the tremendous impact that the arts can have on the young minds of our children, and I am committed to making sure that they are an integral part of every child’s education. In support of the arts, California has budgeted hundreds of millions of dollars to needed programs for the benefit of our children. Through the efforts of federal, state and local governments, non-profit organizations and concerned individuals, we will ensure that every student will be exposed to the benefits of arts education." To read the full text, please click here.
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Arts Advocates Ask Congress for Increases
Musicians, actors, and other artists testified before a House subcommittee in Congress last week, asking that the government restore arts funds to levels from the early 1990s, before programs were drastically cut, reports the Associated Press. The advocates want to see federal money for the National Endowment for the Arts increased to $176-million in the next fiscal year. President Bush’s proposed 2008 budget recommends $128.4-million for the endowment, up $4-million over 2007. If the endowment were given funds commensurate with the 1992 allocation, adjusted for inflation, it would receive $254-million next year, arts advocates said. To read the article in full, please click here.
State Officials Declare 'Illinois Arts Education Week'
The State Board of Education has proclaimed March 11th through the 17th
Illinois Arts Education Week . . . . The week's theme is Shaping the Future With the Arts. Part of the week involves recognizing schools' artists and learning about careers in art. To read the full article, please click here.
Minnesota Educators Charge Arts Lag Under No Child Left Behind
No Child Left Behind, the education reform act that President Bush signed into law in 2002, is up for re-authorization this year. The program has garnered praise in many circles for bringing more accountability to public schools. But some say it elevates certain subject areas at the expense of others. One subject critics say the act has "left behind" is arts education. . . . According to the Minnesota Music Educators Association, there's been a 6.5 percent decrease in the number of public school music teachers in the state since 2000. Many elementary schools now offer arts programs for just nine weeks out of the year. Nationally, arts education time in the classroom has dropped 22 percent since No Child Left Behind was enacted. To read the article in full, please click here.
Fine Arts Courses in Texas Tied To Higher Academic Ratings, Lower Drop Out Rates
Schools that have higher levels of student participation in fine arts receive higher academic ratings and have lower drop out rates, according to a new analysis of Texas high schools and middle schools. Average student enrollment in fine arts courses is 17 percent points higher in high schools that are rated “Exemplary” than in those rated “Low Performing,” based on data from the Texas Education Agency on 951 high schools. Schools with the lowest drop out rates on average have 52 percent of their students enrolled in fine arts classes while schools with the highest drop-out rates have only 42 percent of their students in fine arts courses. The data from 864 middle schools followed the same trend as high schools.
The analysis was conducted by the Texas Coalition for Quality Arts Education (TCQAE), which includes more than 50 fine arts education organizations, and the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA). The results were released Monday at a news conference at the Capitol. For more information on The Texas Coalition for Quality Arts Education (TCQAE) please click here.
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An Unfinished Canvas Summary Report Available Online
A landmark study from independent research institute SRI International, for the first time systemically examining the status of arts education in California, reveals that the vast majority of California's schools fail to meet state standards for teaching the arts, and that access to arts instruction varies widely among the state's schools. To read the report, please click here.
The Insider’s Guide to Arts Education goes Digital
CAAE’s Insider’s Guide is both a guidebook and a hands-on technical assistance process that enables districts to assess current arts learning programs and funding allocations, identify gaps in delivery, and create long range plans that will ensure equitable access for all students in each of the four arts disciplines. The Insiders Guide to Arts Education Planning offers field-tested best practices, innovative ideas, templates and strategies as a guide to navigate the challenging terrain of arts education planning. To visit the Guide, please click here.
Plan Your Arts Learning in Action Event Today
The California State PTA and CAAE are jointly sponsoring a statewide campaign to bring elected officials into our schools to witness the power of learning in the arts during arts education month in March. First-hand experience with the arts is a powerful tool; having the opportunity to witness students’ engagement, joy, enthusiasm and learning has great impact on any observer. One of the goals of Arts Learning in Action is to bring EVERY state legislator into a school during March. Make the most of your arts activities during the month of March by using this toolkit to plan and organize your own Arts Learning in Action event. Click here to get started!
Statement By Secretary Spelling on Arts Advocacy Day
U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings made the following statement on the celebration of 2007 Arts Advocacy Day: “I am pleased to join the many artists, administrators, arts educators, parents, and others in celebrating 2007 Arts Advocacy Day. The No Child Left Behind Act recognizes the important role that arts have in our schools for a well-rounded education. The arts are a unique tool to stimulate and enrich learning. Not only do the arts encourage our children’s imagination and creativity, but they can also teach lessons of history, math, and other subjects in a more memorable and profound way.” For the full statement please click here.
Americans for the Arts Seeks Writers
Americans for the Arts is seeking writers for its new publication, the Arts Education Information Quarterly (AEIQ), which will share expertise in advancing arts education. Americans for the Arts invites submissions of manuscripts and proposals for the AEIQ series. For questions or submissions, contact artseducation@artsusa.org.
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Conferences, Professional Development
Discounts for Groups ~ State of the Arts: Leadership in Education Conference
California County Superintendents Educational Services Association Arts
Initiative and California Alliance for Arts Education invite you to State of the Arts: Leadership in Education Conference. Sacramento, CA, May 15-16, 2007. Featured speakers include Eric Booth, nationally recognized author and speaker, and Dr. Katrina Woodworth, senior researcher at the Stanford Research Institute, who will share findings from a recent study of arts education in California. For more information and to download a brochure and registration form, click here.
Americans for the Arts Annual Convention
Americans for the Arts will hold it’s annual convention in Las Vegas on June 1, 2 & 3, 2007. A new arts education strand will feature the work of several local and statewide California initiatives. For more information please click here.
Building Literacy Through The Arts
The Orange County Performing Arts Center’s Education and Community Programs presents Building Literacy Through The Arts, Professional Development Institute targeting K-12 educators, administrators, parents, student teachers and others on August 6 - 10, 2007. Discover how the arts are linked to literacy through demonstrations by teaching artists from Arts Teach and Orange County Museum of Art in dance, theatre, music and visual arts. Participants will have the opportunity to see Mamma Mia! For more information and registration brochure, click here.
Teacher-to-Teacher Summer Workshops 2007
The workshop presentations and materials from the U.S. Department of Education Teacher-to-Teacher Workshops were developed by various individuals and are being provided as illustrative examples of what might be useful to teachers. California workshops are scheduled in Orange County, San Diego, and Mountain View. Registration opens April 2007. For more information, please click here.
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Funding Opportunities
Learning in the Arts for Children and Youth
The National Endowment for the Arts is committed to providing leadership in arts education by inspiring all young Americans through rich arts experiences. A high quality education in the arts opens a critical gateway to a lifetime of appreciation and engagement. The Learning in the Arts for Children and Youth category offers funding for projects that help children and youth acquire knowledge and understanding of and skills in the arts. Projects must provide participatory learning and engage students with skilled artists, teachers, and excellent art. Application Deadline is June 11, 2007. For more information, please click here.
Target Corporation Offers Arts Program Grant Opportunities
Target grants support local communities in arts programs, early childhood reading, and family violence prevention. Funds aim to bring the arts to schools or make it affordable for families to participate in cultural experiences; promote a love of reading; and support programs that strengthen families by preventing or reducing the cycle of family violence. Applications are only accepted online. Deadline to apply is March 31, 2007. For detailed information, please click here.
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Scholarships, Contests & Awards
Summer Internships and Fellow Positions at Americans For The Arts
Americans for the Arts is currently accepting applications for summer interns in their Washington, DC, and New York offices. Through a combination of learning experiences, work projects, and group collaborations, interns become integral members of the team. Interns are expected to participate in daily activities, contribute skills and ideas, and produce excellent work, all the while preparing to become the next generation of arts, nonprofit, and cultural leaders. Summer internships are full-time and undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to apply. The application deadline is April 16, 2007. For more information, please click here.
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Employment & Job Opportunities
Program Associate
The Global Youth Media and Arts Program
World Savvy
999 Sutter Street, 4th fl
San Francisco, CA 94109
To apply: submit a cover letter and resume to Victoria Restler prior to April 23rd.
Email: Victoria@worldsavvy.org
Visual Arts Teaching Position
Burbank High School
Burbank Unified School District
1900 W. Olive Avenue
Burbank, CA 91506
It is a full time art position- visual arts- drawing painting and
sculpture. The school year will begin in the second
week of August for pre-school teacher days and then
the children arrive the following week.
For more information, please click here.
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Hot Links to Online Job Pages
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