Arts Education Planning: A Coach in Every Corner

Our coaching program is based on the successful model pioneered with the Los Angeles County Arts for All Initiative.  Over the past 5 years, more than 20 coaches have been trained, using a combination of intensive workshops, working side by side with an experienced mentor through a district planning process, and creating and sharing new techniques within a professional learning community.

The Need for Arts Education Planning
Research has long substantiated the value of high quality visual and performing arts learning as essential to a complete education for all students. The California Arts Education Strategic Task Force recommended that the arts (dance, music, theatre and visual arts) be included in all school district plans.  (Findings and Recommendations 2007)

Services Provided to Districts
We bring knowledge of the strategic planning process, facilitation skills, and experience in arts education that will enable a district to:

• Develop a 3-5 year, budgeted district master plan for arts education
• Develop a board policy with broad support from educators and the community
• Advise a district in the implementation of key priorities of the plan, including planning for professional development for teachers and curriculum development.

Offering Technical Assistance in Two Phases
Phase I
Coaches provide technical assistance in conducting a needs assessment of arts education in the district, developing a comprehensive arts education policy, and developing a budgeted plan of action to address the identified priorities in the visual and performing arts.

Phase II
Coaches provide technical assistance to the district and community teams that have completed Phase I.  Through quarterly meetings, coaches will guide the teams in the implementation of the long-range plan; help assess progress; and adjust the long- range plan as needed.

Presenting… Our Arts Education Planning Coaches

Here’s what our partner school districts say:
“Both the training and coaching provided were phenomenal.  It helped us focus and progress on the job at hand. We are pleased with the strategic plan that was so skillfully and collaboratively developed.” Melinda Jaggi, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Palmdale School District

“Our coach planned and conducted our meetings in a way that respected and involved the various stakeholders in the process.  Having an outside coach allowed me to participate as a member of the team. I am amazed at the work that was accomplished in such a short period of time and am proud of the plan we will be presenting to the Board.” Linda Welch, Assistant Superintendent, Educational Support Services, East Whittier City School District

“The San Diego County Office of Education strongly endorses the “Coach in Every Corner” program sponsored by the California Alliance for Arts Education.  The program is providing us with expert facilitation, as we are moving through a strategic planning process for our entire county.  Dr. Liz Lindsley, aided by her magic “Sticky Wall”, is a dynamic force in helping us craft the future of arts education for all students.”  I highly recommend the use of this program. Ron Jessee, Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator, San Diego County Office of Education

“Our Arts Education consultants [coaches] facilitated our vision, focus areas, plan and strategies; they also lead us through a step by step plan of implementation for our five year strategic plan.  Their professionalism, good humor and ability to think fast on their feet were crucial to our success.” Laura Wolford, Parent, Horace Mann Elementary School, San Jose

Check out our
Insider’s Guide to Arts Education Planning
Available online:
http://www.artsed411.org/insidersguide/index.aspx

This program is supported in part by the Clarence E. Heller Foundation and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
The California Alliance for Arts Education is a member of the Kennedy Center for Arts Education Network.