ArtsEdMail [CAAE]

California News

Back to School Greetings from California Alliance
The school year of 2007-08 begins on a high note for arts education advocates throughout California, with the Governor’s signing of the state budget that included $109,757,000 to fund the Arts and Music Block Grant. We want to express our thanks to the nearly FOUR HUNDRED of our reader/activists, who took the time to send a message Governor Schwarzenegger, acknowledging his ongoing support for arts education. Our united voice is making a difference in Sacramento!

Along with the new funding, which includes a cost-of-living increase on last year’s amount, there are two significant changes in budgetary language, that may impact the delivery and implementation of this funding:

First, new language states that if the governing board of a district, charter, or county office of education elects not to allocate funds to schoolsites, they are required to “adopt a resolution to that effect at a public meeting. The resolution shall specify how the funds are to be allocated among schoolsites and for district-wide purposes and the reasons for those allocations.” In addition, prior to the public meeting, they are required to “inform schoolsite councils, schoolwide advisory groups, or school support groups, as applicable, of the content of the proposed resolution and of the time and location where the resolution is proposed to be adopted.”

The Department of Education is currently working on FAQs that will address the definition of “resolution.” While we await official word from CDE on the definition and requirements of the “resolution,” think of it as a plan or proposal for use of the funds and the reasons for those uses, which the governing board will then be required to approve.

A second significant change in budget language states that by February 2, 2008, as a condition of receipt of funds, “the governing board of each school district (and charter, or county office of education) shall provide a summary report to the State Department of Education of how these funds were expended or are proposed to be expended, the number of students and grade levels served. The department shall collect and compile this data and report that information to the Legislature and the Governor.”

The Department of Education has advised that in this case, a “summary report” may constitute the expenditure lists and option code lists and the hiring of teachers, the number of students served with the supplemental funding, as well as courses now being offered due to the supplemental funding. Official wording on this will be forthcoming from CDE. Any specific questions about this funding may be directed to Nancy J. Carr, the CDE Visual and Performing Arts Consultant, at (916) 445-5669.

The California Alliance supports these changes as positive steps towards creating a system of accountability for the arts education block grant funding.

For arts education advocates, the coming year offers both the opportunity and responsibility for each of us to “tell the story” about the difference that this new funding is making in the lives of elementary and secondary students throughout the state. As you hear and see how the new funding is being implemented in the schools in your community, we hope you’ll share that information with the rest of us. Please take the time to communicate your impressions and concerns to California Alliance Policy Director Joe Landon joe@artsed411.org.

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News Across The Nation

Arts Education’s Recommendations For No Child Left Behind
The reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) provides an opportunity for arts education advocates to inform their elected officials in Congress about the academic and social value of arts education for all students, and why it is so important to support arts education in the reauthorization of the law.

On Wednesday, September 12, 2007, the Arts Education Working Group, a coalition of national arts and arts education advocacy organizations, released their legislative recommendations for the reauthorizations of NCLB, because research has shown that arts education has suffered as a result of the focus on mathematics and reading in NCLB. The Working Group continues to work with House and Senate committee staff to incorporate these recommendations into the reauthorization drafts. For more information please visit the American’s for the Arts website here.

Teach Art For Its Own Sake: Responses by ASCD & Americans For The Arts
The New York Times recently reported that the two researchers infamous for their report citing no causality between arts education and academic achievement are publishing a book that advocates for the arts in public schools. Blogs on the ASCD and the Americans for the Arts websites post looks at this popular news story and discuss the intrinsic value of arts education. To see the ASCD Blog Post, click here. To visit Nick Rabkin’s blog on the Americans for the Arts website, click here. (Source: NYSAAE Newsletter)

Education in the Arts: New Modes of Thinking Gained by Students
In an educational system strapped for money and increasingly ruled by standardized tests, arts courses are being cut back at schools across the country. In a recent study of several art classes in Boston-area schools, it was found that arts programs teach a specific set of thinking skills rarely addressed elsewhere in the curriculum. The implications are broad, not just for schools but for society. As schools cut time for the arts, they may be losing their ability to produce not just the artistic creators of the future, but innovative leaders who improve the world they inherit. It is well established that intelligence and thinking ability are far more complex than what we choose to measure on standardized tests. Children who have a knack for language and math and who can absorb and regurgitate information are rewarded. But these tests reveal little about a student's intellectual depth or desire to learn, and are poor predictors of eventual success and satisfaction in life. To read the full article, click here.

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Announcements

California Arts Day - October 5, 2007
The California Arts Council promotes the seventh annual California Arts Day on October 5, 2007, the first Friday of the month, coinciding with National Arts and Humanities Month. This year's theme is "California Comes Alive with the Arts." The CAC's goal is for Californians to explore what's offered by local arts organizations during the California Arts Day weekend and to demonstrate the role and value of arts and culture throughout our state. For more information on California Arts Day 2007, click here.

Get Ready: October is National Arts and Humanities Month (NAHM)
An opportunity to recognize and celebrate the positive impact the arts bring to our schools and communities. We hope you'll join us along with other arts leaders and supporters across the county by planning activities to showcase the arts in your area. For more information on how to participate and advocate, please click here.

NPAN Announces Technical Assistant at Alliance of Justice's West Coast Office
Starting September 28, 2007, one Friday every month, an Attorney/Trainer will be available in our West Coast Office from 1:00 and 3:00 pm (Pacific), by appointment, for 30-minute sessions of in-person technical assistance. Technical Assistance Office Hours are an opportunity for you to ask questions about the federal tax-and election-law rules governing nonprofit advocacy. To make a 30-minute appointment for in-person technical assistance at our Oakland, CA office on a Friday, between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm, please e-mail Nayantara Mehta at Nayantara@afj.org.

California Arts Council to Meet in Los Angeles on Monday Sept 17
The California Arts Council (CAC) will meet publicly in Los Angeles on Monday, September 17, 2007, at the California African American Museum at 600 State Drive, Exposition Park, Los Angeles, CA 90037, (213) 744-7432. The meeting will begin at 10:00 am and conclude at approximately 3:00 pm. The public is invited to attend and address the Council during the public comment period in the morning. Based on the number of people wishing to speak, public testimony may be time-limited. The Council will also have a half-day informational retreat session on the previous afternoon on Sunday, September 16, 2007, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 250 Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

For more information, contact the California Arts Council's communication director Mary Beth Barber at (916) 322-6588, mbarber@caartscouncil.com. For more information, click here and review the most recent press release on the meetings.

Call For Nominations: Outstanding And Creative Young Educator
The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development is seeking nominations for a teacher under 40 years old who demonstrates excellence, a positive impact on students, and creativity in the classroom. The deadline for application is October 15, 2007. For more information please click here. (Source: NYSAAE Newsletter)

PTA Start the Art Week
It’s time to start planning for PTA Start the Art Week October 8-12, 2007.
Join the PTA the second week of October to celebrate, embrace and advocate for the arts. PTA believes that all children deserve a quality arts education. An arts education enhances a student's intellectual, personal and social development. To learn more, click here.

California Arts Education Strategic Task Force Report
Read the six high priority recommendations designed to move the public school reform agenda toward a full and comprehensive education that includes systematic instruction in the four disciplines of the arts—dance, music, theatre, and visual arts. To access the findings, click here.

Music For All Partners With Video Game To Promote Music Making
Ubisoft, one of the world's largest video game publishers, and Music for All, one of the largest and most influential national music education organizations in support of active music making, announced a cause-based partnership to promote the value of music-making for everyone through Ubisoft's unique Nintendo game, Jam Sessions(TM). The game launched in North America September 12, 2007. For more information, click here. (Source: Americans for the Arts)

Huckabee Continues Focus on Arts and Music Education
To hear Huckabee tell it, expanding arts and music instruction is not only a cure-all for much that ails America's schools, but also key to keeping the country competitive. The economy of the future, he says, will place a premium on creativity, and even scientists and engineers will need to be able to be inventive, in addition to knowing the periodic table of elements. To read article in full, click here. (Source: Americans for the Arts)

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Conferences, Professional Development

Defying Gravity: California Educational Theatre Association Conference
The 42nd annual CETA Conference takes place at Beverly Garland’s Holiday Inn in North Hollywood, CA, from October 11-13, 2007. For more information on workshops, presentations, and to register online, click here.

2007 Conference for Community Arts Education to be Held in Los Angeles
The National Guild will be holding the 70th Annual National Conference in downtown Los Angeles from November 7-10, 2007. Designed specifically for community arts education leaders, the conference meets the networking and professional development needs of executive directors, trustees, program directors, and arts administrators. The program includes in-depth institutes, plenary sessions, site visits, networking events, and more than three dozen workshops, roundtables and panel sessions. In addition, there is currently a call for students to participate in performance showcases, which allow individuals to gain professional recognition for advancements in quality arts education. (Source: CAC Newsletter)

How Local Systems of Arts Education Deliver High-Quality Arts Learning
A forum focusing on best practices and lessons learned from collaborative efforts to increase arts learning experiences for all children and youth within a region. The forum, presented in conjunction with the Guild’s 2007 Conference for Community Arts Education, will highlight recent findings from RAND Education’s study sponsored by the Wallace Foundation. RAND Education Director Dr. Susan Bodilly will discuss demonstrate processes by which organizations can work to enhance arts education in their communities.

Taking place Friday, November 9, 2007, 10:30am-12:30pm, at the Wilshire Grand Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. Public school educators and administrators in California will receive complimentary admission to this special event. Space is limited and you must register to attend. Public school personnel should RSVP by clicking here. All others are invited to register for 1-3 days of the conference, just click here. Forum attendance is complimentary with conference registration. For more information, or questions contact Kelly McHugh at 212-268-3337 ext. 12 or kellymchugh@nationalguild.org.

Backstage Pass: Insights into Student Achievement
Insight Education Group, is organizing this event for K-12 educators, covering topics from Classroom instruction to instructional leadership to accountability. It will be held February 27 - March 1, 2008 at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel in Hollywood, California. Early bird registration rates apply until September 30, 2007. For more information and registration application, please click here.

Northern California Association of Kodaly Educators Workshop
This workshop will present Native American materials for K-12 music teachers: folksongs and singing games, recorder music, and stories to make this fascinating culture come alive to you and your students. Led by Dr. Burton, a nationally known expert teacher, participants will also recieve a materials packet to take home. For more information contact Jeanette Wilkin, pianojeanette@yahoo.com.

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Resources

Google Offering Free Adwords Advertising In-Kind Grants
Google is offering free Adwords Advertising in-kind grants. Google grants support organizations demonstrating a philosophy of community service to help the world in areas such as education, youth advocacy, and the arts among other disiplines. Grant recipients can use their award of free AdWords advertising on Google.com to raise awareness and increase traffic to their respective site. There is no deadline to apply. More information is available here. (Source: California Arts Council)

Matching Grants To Purchase Stringed Instruments In Schools
Classics for Kids Foundation offers matching grants toward the purchase of high-quality stringed instruments and mentoring to nonprofit music programs serving young people grades 3-12. CFKF works only with instrument providers that assure the highest craftsmanship, sound, and ease of playing, so that young players gain the fullest benefit with their instrument. To learn more click here. (Source: NYSAAE Newsletter)

National Gallery of Art: Interactive Kids Art You Can Make On-Line
Take an art trip to the National Gallery via the web. Make a collage or mobile. Visit the paint box, and a whole host of other great options for teachers, parents, and kids. To visit, click here. (Source: SMARTS newsletter)

NGA Classroom: Counting on Art
In Counting on Art, students explore the paintings of Horace Pippin and Wayne Thiebaud and the mobiles of Alexander Calder to discover and practice math and visual art concepts. A great resource for teacher. For more information, click here.
(Source: SMARTS newsletter)

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Scholarships, Contests & Awards

Awards From VSA For Young Musicians With Disabilities
The VSA arts International Young Soloists Award is given annually to four outstanding musicians with disabilities, two from the United States and two from the international arena. The award provides an opportunity for each of the emerging musicians to earn a $5,000 award and a performance in Washington, D.C. Any individual musician (instrumental or vocal) from the United States who has a disability, age 25 and under is eligible to apply. For more information please click here. (Source: NYSAAE Newsletter)

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Funding Opportunities

Rewarding Schools For Creative Use Of Technology
Best Buy believes technology can excite and engage students, creating a more valuable educational experience. In recognition of creative uses of interactive technology in K-12 classrooms, Best Buy's Teach Awards will grant up to $100,000 to schools and school districts within fifty miles of a Best Buy store. Deadline September 30, 2007. For more information and an application, please click here. (Source: NYSAAE Newsletter)

Airborne Teaching Trust Fund
The Airborne Teacher Trust Fund awards funds to elementary and middle school teachers and their schools to help innovative programs get off the ground. Next quarter deadline is October 31,2007. To fill out an application, click here. (Source: NYSAAE Newsletter)

Grants for School Field Trips
Target has doubled their field trip grants program so that more students can have more opportunities to learn outside the classroom. Teachers pick the place and their group could get up to $1,000 from Target. Grants apply to field trips occurring in Spring 2008. Deadline November 1, 2007. For more information, click here.

New Performing Arts Grant
The National Projects Fund will support national projects that strengthen the health of the dance, jazz, presenting and/or theatre fields. Interested organizations should submit a letter of inquiry to the Arts Program of no more than 3 pages, outlining the project and articulating its impact on the dance, jazz, presenting or theatre field. A brief history of the organization(s) involved should also be attached. Send to, Arts Program - National Projects Fund, Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, 650 Fifth Avenue, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10019. For more information, click here. (Source: Americans for the Arts)

Bank of America Awards for Excellence in Orchestra Education
Orchestra education programs have grown exponentially over the past decade. The Excellence in Orchestra Education Awards allows Bank of America to honor excellence, identify best practices, and share information about outstanding education programs with our member orchestras. For more information and to apply, click here. (Source: Americans for the Arts)

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Employment & Job Opportunities

Director of Cultural Affairs
San Francisco Art Commission
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 240
San Francisco, CA 94102
More info, click here.

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Hot Links to Online Job Pages

CA Music Education	CA Theatre Education	CA Visual Arts Education
Cultural Commons Job Page	Teaching Education (ED-JOIN)	California Assembly of Local Arts Agencies
California Arts Council Job Page	Americans for the Arts Job Bank

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