E-Newsletter for May 23, 2007
__________________________________________________________________
- Arts Education Funding Update: 2006-07 Budget
- Arts Education Funding: 2007-08 Budget
- AB 1365 Would Bring $32 Million To The CAC
- Arts Education Gets Respect - And Funding
- Low-Achieving Schools Eliminating Electives
- School Arts Programs Rely On Donations, Volunteers
- The Master of Fine Arts Degree Is Now the New M.B.A.
- Senators Dodd and Alexander Call on G.A.O. for Arts Education Study
- Arts Education “Dear Colleague” Letter Finds Support From 74 House Members
- Afterschool: New Research On How and Why To Put Arts In Existing Programs
- Huckabee: Musical Instruments Can Be "Weapons Of Mass Instruction"
- Advocacy Day at the Capitol
- SupportMusic Community Action Kit Now Available
- "Kids Come Alive with the Arts" PSA Created; Copies Available for Cable Stations and Other Media Outlets
- National Endowment For The Arts Announces The NEA Education Leaders Institute
- New Online Music Community Launched through Herb Alpert Foundation
- Announcing the Release of Landmark Economic Impact Study
- National Teaching Artist Compensation Survey
CONFERENCES, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- California Consultancy for Arts Education (CCAE) Summer Institute
- Summer Guitar Workshops
- SouthCAP Institutes
SCHOLARSHIPS, CONTESTS & AWARDS
- High School Writing Contest from the California Arts Council
-
Learning in the Arts for Children and Youth - An NEA Grant Program
EMPLOYMENT & JOB OPPORTUNITIES
- Membership Coordinator/Assistant to the Director of School Programs
- Artistic Director
- English/Drama Instructor
- Middle School Dance Instructors (2 positions)
__________________________________________________________________
California News
Arts Education Funding Update: 2006-07 Budget
As decisions are being made by school districts about how they’re going to invest the new arts education block grant funding, we are beginning to hear details of the thoughtful implementation of these funds:
- In Culver City, an administrative council for principals was established to guide district-wide decision. They voted to fund an Arts Coordinator position, provide professional development, artists in residence positions, and purchase musical instruments.
- In Norwalk-La Mirada the money will fund an arts coordinator position, support professional development for both teachers and principals, as well as provide funding for arts education coaches.
- In Pasadena the focus is on buying curriculum and hiring specialists, based on their implementation goals.
- In Rosemead, the plan is to purchase SRA curriculum tools, along with the necessary technology needed to use those tools. In addition, investment is being made in textbooks for 7th and 8th grade art and music classes, musical instruments, art supplies, and staff development.
- In Santa Monica, the funding will be used for materials, supplies and equipment for all arts programs, the development of curriculum, and professional development for teachers and administrators.
We are also hearing stories from school districts that raise concerns as to whether the new money is being spent for the purposes for which it is intended. The language mandating the new funding clearly states that these funds may be used to supplement, and not supplant existing funds being used to provide arts education. School districts facing cutbacks due to declining enrollment may be seeking ways to use these new funds to pay for existing programs or to make capital expenditures on facility renovations, neither of which allowed within the guidelines of this funding.
We are continuing to follow these stories, and in certain cases contact superintendents and board members to voice our concerns. It is equally important for parents and advocates to get involved in the local district planning process. This can be as simple as making a phone call to your local school district office to find out about how they intend to spend the new arts education money.
In cases where you’re hearing information that suggests that the money is not being properly spent, we encourage you to let us know by writing to joe@artsed411.org. In addition, if you’re hearing of successful, thoughtful, and inclusive district planning processes, we’d like to hear about that as well.
By engaging in the planning process now we can help to ensure that this important investment in arts education is wisely spent, to improve the quality of our children’s lives and education.
Arts Education Funding: 2007-08 Budget
The revised budget submitted by the Governor’s office, known as the “May Revise”, was released last week. The good news is that funding for K-12 programs, including the arts education block grant, remained at the same level as the original budget submitted in January. There continues to be concern in Sacramento about the discrepancy between differing assessments of the amount in the general fund, related to property taxes and the amount that public schools have received from those taxes. We will continue to watch these developments and report on any impact they may have on the arts education block grant.
AB 1365 Would Bring $32 Million To The CAC
AB 1365 Karnette (D-Long Beach) requires 20% of state sales and use tax revenues derived from the sales of art dealers, art auctioneers, and certain other business entities be deposited in the State Treasury for allocation to the California Art Council. The California Board of Equalization (BOE) estimates that the 4.75% rate of sales and use tax on works of art amounts to $166 million per year. AB 1365 would transfer 20% of this amount, or $32 million from the state's General Fund to the California Arts Council. This is not a new tax; it is merely a designation for the spending of dollars the state is already collecting. AB 1365 is on the suspense calendar in the Assembly Appropriations Committee and will be taken up in the next few weeks. To read the text of the bill, click here. (Source: California Arts Advocates)
Arts Education Gets Respect - And Funding
Columnist Bob Sipchen learns how school districts around Los Angeles County are succeeding in the arts -- thanks in large part to increased public funding. "For the 1999-2000 school year, the [Los Angeles Unifies School] district had $7.85 million to spend on arts education. The dough shoots straight up from there: $13 million the next year, $18 million the next, then $21 million, $27 million, $32 million, $33 million. For the 2006-07 school year, the district is going to pump $37 million into arts instruction, not counting a projected windfall of an additional $39 million from the state." To read full article, click here. (Source: Cultural Policy Listserv)
Low-Achieving Schools Eliminating Electives
Instead of electives such as art, music and shop, northern California students are taking two or three language-arts classes and math classes, and struggling students may miss out on social studies and science as well. "It's like saying all you need is water, you don't need food," said Jason Ebner, who taught middle-school history until it was virtually eliminated. To read full article, click here. (Source: ASCD SmartBrief)
School Arts Programs Rely On Donations, Volunteers
Some schools in San Diego County increasingly rely on student and parent fundraising to fund arts programs, affirming the findings of the recently published SRI International report on arts education in California schools. To read full article, click here. (Source: ASCD SmartBrief)
The Master of Fine Arts Degree Is Now the New M.B.A.
"As we talk about the foreshadowing of a whole economy based upon creativity and innovation, the dawn of the 'Creative Age,' as the Nomura Research Institute put it, we are more acutely aware of the importance of reinventing our business strategies, our corporations, our communities, our schools, our housing and land-use policies, and more. Nothing can remain the same if we are to survive, let alone succeed, in this new global economy. Perhaps we can start by redesigning our high school and college curricula to focus on preparing students for this new competitive, innovative and creative age." To read full article, click here.
_________________________________________________________________
Senators Dodd and Alexander Call on G.A.O. for Arts Education Study
Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Lamar Alexander (R-TN) have written the
Government Accountability Office (G.A.O.) requesting a study on access to music and arts education in the American public school system since the passage of the No Child Left Behind Act. The request calls on the G.A.O. to investigate evidence of the possible link between participation in music and arts education and increased student engagement, positive behavior, high school graduation rates, and academic achievement for all students, including minority and low-income students and students with disabilities. For more information, click here.
(Source: Americans for the Arts)
Arts Education “Dear Colleague” Letter Finds Support From 74 House Members
The Congressional Arts Caucus, co-chaired by Reps. Louise Slaughter (D-NY) and Chris Shays (R-CT), has sent a “Dear Colleague” letter signed by 72 additional members of Congress to House Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman David Obey (D-WI) and Ranking Member James Walsh (R-NY). The letter calls for the Arts in Education program at the U.S. Department of Education to be funded at $53 million in the FY 2008 federal budget. The program is currently funded at $35.3 million. For more information about arts education funding, please click here. (Source: Americans for the Arts)
Afterschool: New Research On How and Why To Put Arts In Existing Programs
A new special publication from Americans for the Arts features research by Peterson et al. on the attitudes about and needs concerning arts education among after school program directors. To read the publication in full, click here. (Source: Americans for the Arts)
Huckabee: Musical Instruments Can Be "Weapons Of Mass Instruction"
"Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee says musical instruments can be 'weapons of mass instruction' and schools should not be allowed to cut music and art education classes. . . . Huckabee argues the need for music education should be part of the national debate, and he suggests that it Americans spent more time with their 'hands wrapped around a music instrument' they'd spend less time with their hands 'around something destructive.'" To read full article, click here. (Source: Cultural Policy Listserv)
(return to top of page)
__________________________________________________________________
Announcements
Advocacy Day at the Capitol
“You shoulda been there!” This year’s “State of the Arts – Leadership in Education Conference”, sponsored by the California County Superintendents Educational Services Association (CCSESA) Arts Initiative and the California Alliance for Arts Education was held in Sacramento on May 15-16. The conference was attended by 250 enthusiastic arts education advocates, teachers, administrators, and artists from around the state.
Following workshops that explored various aspects of engagement at the local level, attendees were briefed on the current political climate in Sacramento, before dividing into groups and targeting the legislators that represent their districts. Besides advocating for continued support for arts education funding in the budget, they were able to leave behind information about a new arts and physical education website, due to launch in the coming weeks, that will track the spending of the new funding at the local level, and is a first step towards building a system of accountability around this investment.
A reception was held later in the day, which was attended by legislators and staff, as well as conference participants. Senator Jack Scott received a memorable “rock star” welcome from the crowd, in recognition of the leadership he’s provided in support of arts education in the legislature. Also in attendance were Senator Tom Torlakson and Assemblymembers Betty Karnette, Jim Silva, and Jean Fuller.
The conference provided the opportunity to deepen one’s appreciation of the efforts being conducted throughout the state, to reassess one’s own role as an arts education advocate, and to take action. But perhaps most importantly, the conference reminded attendees of the community that exists throughout the state among those who recognize the importance of arts education, and sent a message of encouragement that, though we are making progress towards providing arts education for every child, we have a long way to go.
SupportMusic Community Action Kit Now Available
Keeping music education programs strong and active in our schools benefits the entire nation. The new SupportMusic Community Action Kit is designed to help you do just that by providing step-by-step guidance for effective music advocacy presentations designed to foster community support.
Get your SupportMusic Community Action Kit by calling NAMM at 800-767-6266 or e-mailing your request to info@namm.org. (Source: Music for All)
"Kids Come Alive with the Arts" PSA Created; Copies Available for Cable Stations and Other Media Outlets
The California Arts Council--through the assistance of the California Channel in Sacramento--will make available the public service announcement (PSA) entitled "Kids Come Alive with the Arts," an animated 30-second spot featuring voice-over by actor and California Arts Council member Annette Bening. The spot emphasizes the importance of the arts for children, and that funding from sales and renewals of the California Arts License Plate goes towards arts programs for children and communities. (A 30-second audio-only version for use on radio and other appropriate venues, is also available.)
Contact Mary Beth Barber at (916) 322-6588 to obtain a DVD, Beta or CD. An internet-friendly version of the PSA can be found on the California Arts Council's website here.
(Source: CAC newsletter)
National Endowment For The Arts Announces The NEA Education Leaders Institute
Modeled on the successful Mayors' Institute of City Design, the Institute will convene arts education stakeholders. With the increasing emphasis on core school subjects such as reading and math, art teachers and art programs are struggling to maintain a place in the regular school schedule. The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) announces the NEA Education Leaders Institute, a new program that will help increase the commitment of school leaders, state legislators, and policy makers to enhance the quality and quantity of arts education. The NEA Education Leaders Institute will gather teams of school leaders, legislators, policymakers, educators, professional artists, consultants and scholars from up to five states at a three-day conference, to discuss a shared arts education challenge, and engage in strategic planning to advance arts education in their respective states. To read the full press release, please click here.
New Online Music Community Launched through Herb Alpert Foundation
ArtistsHouseMusic.org is a free, comprehensive, and interactive online community for musicians and music business enthusiasts. Launched on May 1, 2007, the site provides expert advice from successful music entrepreneurs and educators. Songwriting basics, how to book and promote gigs, the ins and outs of copyrighting and contracts, how to audition successfully, and how to become an effective music educator are just a few of the myriad subjects covered on the site. The site’s conception and funding for its development comes from The Herb Alpert Foundation.
Announcing the Release of Landmark Economic Impact Study
Americans for the Arts announces the release of Arts Economic Prosperity III, the third study of the nonprofit arts and culture industry's impact on the nation's economy. These studies are the most potent and oft-cited advocacy tool used to justify public- and private-sector support to nonprofit arts organizations, featuring findings from 156 study regions (116 cities and counties, 35 multi-county regions, and five states).
Make an impact the next time you are advocating for increased funding for the arts by proving that the arts mean business! To order the National Full Report, the Summary Report, or Brochure with Study Highlights, click here.
National Teaching Artist Compensation Survey
The Association of Teaching Artists (NY) is trying to reach as many Teaching Artists as possible to complete its survey on teaching artists and compensation. ATA is looking for baseline information as Teaching Artists throughout the country contact ATA with questions such as how much does a Teaching Artist receive per day, per half day? Who sets fees? How much can a Teaching Artist expect to earn after working in Arts In Education for five years, ten years? Is a Teaching Artist a professional career? How does a Teaching Artist advance professionally in Arts In Education? To access the survey, click here. (Source: Americans for the Arts)
(return to top of page)
__________________________________________________________________
Conferences, Professional Development
California Consultancy for Arts Education (CCAE) Summer Institute
In July 2007, the annual CCAE Summer Art Institute will move to a new site, the University Library Gallery on the campus of California State University, Sacramento. Participants will work from real works of art in a dynamic and engaging art setting and will receive all the resources needed to transfer their experiences into their classrooms. Focus artworks for the Institute will be drawn from the University’s exemplary permanent collection of paintings and sculptures. These works will be selected for their ability to engage students of all ages in meaningful looking, discussing, writing, critical thinking and art-making.
More information, click here and here. For questions, contact kdkurutz@saclink.csus.edu. (Source: CAC newsletter)
Summer Guitar Workshops
Each summer, multi-day workshops are available that provide rigorous guitar training, guitars and graduate credits to school music teachers. Developed by coalition affiliate GAMA (the Guitars and Accessories Marketing Association), in partnership with MENC and supported by NAMM, these workshops offer music educators a new way to engage today’s music students, as well as provide teachers with instructional materials and accessories. There are still several open seats in the Washington DC and San Anselmo, CA sites. To apply please click here. Application deadline is June
1st.
SouthCAP Institutes
SouthCAP, a regional professional development center of The California Arts Project (TCAP), is offering summer institutes for both the general classroom teacher as well as the arts specialist teacher. Pathways to Understanding the Arts Disciplines Institutes in visual arts, dance or theatre provide hands-on experience for the classroom teacher to feel more confident in integrating the arts in their curricular day. The Collaborative Design Institute provides the arts specialist teacher a collaborative experience with other arts teachers in their field to deepen their understanding of standards-based arts instruction and unit design. These institutes are being offered in July and August and are taught by highly qualified, experienced educators in the arts.
For more information and to download a brochure and registration form, click here.
(return to top of page)
__________________________________________________________________
Scholarships, Contests & Awards
High School Writing Contest from the California Arts Council
High school juniors from select counties around the state are invited to participate in the My California Story Slam, a pilot-project writing competition that encourages students to use the knowledge of their emotional lives to create literature. Entries will be first judged on their ability to evoke the moment of a personal experience and a sense of meaning or depth of feeling, and then reviewed for personal style. Eligible entries must be no longer than 800 words, and only one story per student. Specific formatting and application requirements apply. For further information please see the application online at www.cac.ca.gov and click onto the "My California Story Slam" icon. Winners will be announced in September, and each will receive $1,000, and each winner's school will receive $1,000 for his or her school's library. Deadline: June 1, 2007.
For questions, contact Ray Tatar (916) 322-6395 or Kristin Margolis (916) 322-6391, or email myca@caartscouncil.com. (Source: CAC newsletter)
(return to top of page)
__________________________________________________________________
Learning in the Arts for Children and Youth - An NEA Grant Program
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. The Arts Endowment strongly endorses the arts as a core academic subject area. Organizations must provide curriculum frameworks and carefully designed evaluations to assess every child's progress in achieving proficiency in the arts. In this category, the Arts Endowment hopes to call attention to projects that recognize and cultivate best practices in the field of arts education for children and youth.
Learning in the Arts projects may take place in school-based or community-based settings and should focus on children between 5 and 18 years old. Application Deadline: June 11, 2007. Earliest Beginning Date for Arts Endowment Period of Support, June 1, 2008. For more information on these grants, please click here.
(return to top of page)
__________________________________________________________________
Employment & Job Opportunities
Membership Coordinator/Assistant to the Director of School Programs
Music Center: Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles County
Attn: Rosylyn Rhee
135 N. Grand Ave.
LA, CA 90012
T. 213/972-3309
F. 213/972-4307
www.musiccenter.org
Artistic Director
Playwrights Project
2356 Moore Street, Ste. 204
San Diego, CA 92110-3019
write@playwrightsproject.org
www.playwrightsproject.org
Deadline: June 30, 2007
English/Drama Instructor
Gardena High School
Jacquie Augustus
Assistant Principal
Gardena High School
jacquie.augustus@lausd.net
Middle School Dance Instructors (2 positions)
Los Angeles Unified School District
LaMoin Garrard
Arts and Community Advisor LAUSD LD#4
Ph: 323.932.2006
lamoin.garrard@lausd.net
__________________________________________________________________
Hot Links to Online Job Pages
__________________________________________________________________
ArtsEdMail provides all the latest information to connect the Arts Education community in California.
Our free e-newsletter is published every two weeks. We rely on you to support our efforts.
Become a member or make a donation today! Visit CAAE Home.
__________________________________________________________________
READ AEM ARCHIVES
UNSUBSCRIBE (put "unsubscribe" in message heading)
__________________________________________________________________
Copyright. California Alliance for Arts Education. Redistribution of this e-mail news bulletin is encouraged.