In This Issue
- Update On Arts Block Grant Funding
- Alameda Schools Must Work to Avoid More Music Cuts
- CSU San Marcos Professor Links the Arts with Democratic Values
- Palos Verdes Reports on District's Art Programs
- Arts Task Force Created by Wisc Leaders
- The School Administrator
- Arts Related Businesses Employ Nearly 3 Million Nationwide
- NAMM Announces "Wanna Play Music Week"
- New Arts and Workforce Research and Information
CONFERENCES, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Help Shape The Future of Arts Education in California!
- Teaching Artists as Advocates Webinar
- International Professional Development Opportunity
- Regional Forums Throughout California
- National Arts Ed Training on System Change
- Arts Education: Taking Stock of the Future
- Arts LINC
- SouthCAP Summer Institutes
- OC Performing Artscenter Summer Leadership Institute
SCHOLARSHIPS, CONTESTS & AWARDS
- LEGO Creativity Awards
- Scholarships for High School Students
RESOURCES,
FUNDING
OPPORTUNITIES
- ASCAP Foundation Announces New Grant Guidlines
- Sierra North Arts Project Grant Proposals
- English/Drama/Musical Theatre
APRIL 10, 2008
Update
on Arts Block Grant Funding
In our effort to keep you informed about the budget process
in Sacramento and how it may impact ongoing arts education funding,
we want to focus on several bills and offer some perspective on what
you might expect in the coming months:
The Republican leadership of the Assembly has introduced several bills, designed to help local education agencies (LEAs) deal with the current fiscal crisis. These proposals would allow categorical funds to be spent with greater flexibility. AB 2831 (Fuller) would allow for any and all unencumbered categorical funds to be expended to the general fund. AB 2890 (Duvall) would consolidate categorical funds into six categories, so that arts education could be competing against other educational interests for ongoing funds.
The Democratic leadership has responded to the recommendations by saying that, “Flexibility is nothing more than code for cut.”
At the same time, Governor Schwarzenegger has made clear that for him arts education remains a top priority. A story in the March 20, 2008 Orange County Register reported, “The governor said he also wants to give school districts more freedom in determining how to spend certain “categorical funds,” money tied to specific programs and services, but not at the expense of money earmarked for “vital” programs like music, the arts, and physical education.”
The likelihood is that these bills will remain where they are, in the Assembly Education Committee and not move forward in the legislative process. In his analysis of the bills, the Senior Education Committee Consultant Gerry Shelton wrote, “The issues raised in these bills should most appropriately be discussed in the context of budget actions that the House is considering.” In other words, these issues are a component of the larger negotiation of the state budget.
In addition to those bills, the Legislative Analyst’s Office has made its own proposals to increase district level spending flexibility of categorical funding, from the existing maximum of 15% to 50%. If enacted, this proposal would mean that only 50% of categorical funding would be protected to be used for the purpose for which it was intended, while the rest of the funding would be at the discretion of local education agencies. Similar proposals have been made in the past by the LAO, and have not gained traction in the legislature.
A final proposal for consolidation of categorical funding came yesterday from the Assembly Education Committee, AB2933. Recommendations that will flesh out a committee bill propose establishing “true” block grants, for use of program funds which encompass the ‘spirit’ of certain programs. In that grouping, ‘arts and music’ would be included within the “Pupil Support“ Block Grant, along with other programs including “Existing School Library and Improvement” and “Instructional Materials.”
The challenge we face in any proposed consolidation of funding into larger block grants is that a district may or may not choose to use those funds to fund arts education, depending on their priorities. Instead of a guarantee of funding, that decision will be left to the discretion of local officials. History suggests that arts education is frequently relegated to secondary status when competing with established priorities, such as instructional materials.
While lawmakers continue to discuss various priorities, it is important that we continue to raise our voices to support arts education. Last week over 420 of you sent letters to the Governor and legislators in response to our most recent “Call to Action.” If you have not yet sent your letters, click here to go to California Alliance’s Action Center. We will continue to keep you informed every step of the way, and will ask for your support when it is most needed.
Alameda
Schools Must Work To Avoid More Music Cuts
Since the 1980s Alameda has provided music education to its elementary students.
Since the early 1990s the elementary music and PE programs have worked as a team,
splitting an hour of instruction between the two subject areas, 30 minutes to
each during the classroom teacher's prep period. The board's action has eliminated
music in grades 1-3 entirely in favor of a full hour of PE during the prep period.
Expanding PE and eliminating music does not save money. To read the article
in full, click
here.
CSU
San Marcos Professor Links the Arts with Democratic Values
Modeling of democratic values and principles in the schools has gone off course,
but it is not too late to change direction, points out Merryl Goldberg, Ed.D.,
Professor of Visual and Performing Arts, California State University San Marcos
Arts Education is, technically, core to the school curriculum according to federal mandates and certain state mandates. However, it is rarely made accessible to all students despite earnest advocating on the part of dedicated organizations and individuals. Advocates in the arts have developed many compelling arguments defending art's value within schools. Many of these advocacy efforts focus on art's impact on "soft skills" such as: children's self esteem, ability to care, and insight into cultures and ways of communication across cultures. Other efforts focus on art's more quantifiable impact, such as test scores or better daily attendance. While these efforts have merit they just haven't made a true impact in terms of changing school policy toward the arts. Goldberg suggests a different tact. To read the article in full, click here.
Palos
Verdes Reports on District's Arts Programs
Since December 2005, when 4th District Los Angeles County Supervisor
Don Knabe announced the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District was a
recipient of an “Arts for All” grant, officials have worked to improve arts education
for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Julie Beckman, the district’s
arts facilitator who taught for 17 years at Silver Spur Elementary School, on
Thursday gave the School Board an update on the progress of arts education. “The
ongoing money has been scaled back for 2008-09, but the program is moving forward,”
said School Board President Malcolm Sharp, who was on the original community
arts team that developed a plan for the district. “It’s not just teaching to
the test out there,” he stated. Though budgetary woes have the PVPUSD in standby
mode, Beckman still is working to offer more for students. Beckman oversees the
different arts monies coming into the district and determines where funding is
needed. Other than a strong music program for youngsters in kindergarten through
fifth grade, “Our area of weakness was at the elementary level,” she said. “One
of our main goals … is providing staff development for our elementary teachers.”
To read the article in full, click
here.
Arts
Task Force Created By Wisconson Leaders
Wisconsin Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton and Elizabeth Burmaster, state superintendent
of public instruction, announced Friday the creation of a task force designed
to promote the impact of the arts in education and the state's economy. The
new Task Force on Arts and Creativity in Education will recommend policies and
legislation on the role of the arts in providing a quality education in Wisconsin.
The
School Administrator: The Arts at K-12's Center Stage
The March 2008 issue of The School Administrator, a publication of the
American Association of School Administrators focuses on the importance of arts
in K-12 education. Articles include "Why the Arts Deserve Center Stage" by
Richard J. Deasy; "Bucking Trends: Expanding the Arts" by Kathi R.
Levin; "Creating a Brighter Workforce With the Arts" by Robert L. Lynch; "The
Arts in Contemporary Education" by John M Eger; "Creating a Whole New
World" by
Paul D. Houston; "The Whole Picture: Arts Reside in Riverside Schools" by Susan
J. Rainey. To
read more, click here. click
here.
Arts-Related
Businesses Employ Nearly Three Million People Nationwide, Study Finds
Arts-related businesses in the country's largest cities represent 4.3
percent of all businesses and 2.2 percent of all jobs in the United States,
a new report from Americans for the Arts finds. Based on data from Dun & Bradstreet
and geo-economic analysis, the report, Creative Industries 2008: The 50 City
Report, finds that there are more than 612,000 arts-related businesses employing
some 2.98 million people in the United States, and that employment by arts-related
businesses has grown 11.6 percent in the past year — more than four times the
increase in overall employment growth. To read the article in full, click
here. (Source: PDN News Alert)
NAMM
Announces "Wanna Play Music Week," May 5-9
NAMM, the trade association of the international music products industry,
announced that May 5-9, 2008 will officially be known as "Wanna Play Music
Week," a time to recognize the vital role music and music education plays
in the lives of all Americans.
New
Arts and Workforce Research and Information
At Arts Advocacy Day, Americans for the Arts released new research on the
attitudes of American business executives and public school superintendents toward
creativity and innovation, launched in partnership with The Conference Board
and American Association of School Administrators. Key Findings of the
report, Ready to Innovate: Are Educators and Executives Aligned on the Creative
Readiness of the U.S. Workforce? are now available, click
here.
Conferences, Professional Development
Help
Shape the Future of Arts Education in California
Join the California County Superintendents Educational Services Association
and the California Alliance for Arts Education for “Reinvigorating Arts
Education in California Schools: What’s the Story” April 21-22, 2008,
Embassy Suites, Sacramento.
This exciting two-day conference will examine the important efforts at the state, regional, county and local levels to improve the quality, equity and access to arts learning. This conference will highlight advocacy, career technical education, building the role of arts education within the education community, district and countywide education efforts and discipline-based workshops, as well as coordinated legislative visits.
Early registration deadline has been extended to April 11!
NEW!! For every 3 people who register from the same school district or organization, receive 1 additional registration FREE!
REGISTER NOW!!! To register online, click here. Rooms at the Embassy Suites Sacramento are filled. Other suggestions include: Holiday Inn-Capitol Plaza , 300 J Street, 916-446-0100; Clarion Hotel Sacramento, 700 16th Street, 916-444-8000; Best Western / Sutter House, 1100 H Street, 916-441-1314.
Teaching
Artist as Advocate Webinar
"Teaching Artists as Advocates" will feature
field experts from Alameda County, CA and Minneapolis, MN who will share
first-hand accounts of arts learning and community engagement. They will
also offer advice on what teaching artists can do to effect change.
The webinar will focus on how teaching artists promote arts learning in public schools. Our presenters will provide real-time examples and talk about how arts learning in public schools has affected students, teachers, parents and themselves. Have questions on how or why? Presenters will be available to answer your questions live, on Thursday April 10, at 3 PM EST (2 PM CST, 12 PM PST). For more information, click here (http://keepartsinschools.org/Webinar/teachingartistflyerv3.pdf). To RSVP, please email: dnachbar@douglasgould.com and write "register" in the subject line. The event is free and open to all who are interested - so tell your friends and colleagues.
International Professional Development Opportunity in Arts Integration The Artist/Teacher Institute International (ATI International) is a project of Arts Education in Maryland Schools Alliance and the Maryland State Department of Education. ATI International is a week-long residential program in Adelphi, Maryland, from July 20-26, 2008. Participants attend performances, discussions, and hands-on workshops that enable them to explore the various roles of dance, music, theatre, and visual arts in teaching and learning. The arts are discussed as separate content areas as well as the manner in which they can be integrated with other academic subjects. ATI International is open to educators from within and outside the United States. Registration and payment deadline is Friday, April 18 2008. For a program brochure and registration form, click here.
Regional Forums Throughout California
The California County Superintendents Association (CCSESA) is sponsoring
regional forums across the state to engage educators, school board members,
parents, arts organizations, and community members in a discussion about
arts learning for California students. The regional forums are intended
to provide an opportunity to discuss key ways to advance arts education in
our schools. The forums will include these key elements: Vision, Visibility,
Resources and Support, Call to Action, Next Steps.
To contact the regional lead in your area, go to www.ccsesaarts.org and click on "About Us".
National Arts Education Training on System Change
Americans for the Arts annual arts education conference takes place this year
in Philadelphia, PA, June 20-22, 2008. The conference features research
and coaching on systemic arts education change, including new creative workforce
research, RAND research on systemic provision of arts education, and Dick Deasy
discussing arts education in his final weeks as director of the Arts Education
Partnership. For the first time ever, Americans for the Arts will host the
Teaching Artist Strand at the National Convention - a program for and by teaching
artists, in partnership with the Dana Foundation. For more information,
click here.
Arts
Education: Taking Stock of the Future, Save the Date: June 24, 2008 in
Washington, DC
This one-day symposium will engage participants in an interactive discussion
of major advances in arts education that have occurred since the Arts
Education Partnership was founded and in recommending areas of focus
and actions needed to advance the field in the future. The symposium
will be hosted by the U.S. Department of Education at their Barnard Auditorium. An
evening event will follow to honor and celebrate the exceptional leadership
of Richard J. Deasy. For more information, click
here.
Arts
LINC (Arts and Literacy in Nebraska and California)
An Arts Education Model Development and Dissemination Project
is hosting a three-day outreach, June 25-27, 2008 in San Diego. The event is
co-sponsored by the San Diego Natural History Museum. The focus is on integrated
literacy instruction with the arts and science. Space is limited. For
more information or registration materials, please email: Nancy.Andrzejczak@leusd.k12.ca.us.
SouthCAP
(TCAP) Summer Institutes
SouthCAP, a regional site of The California Arts Project, is offering
five institutes this summer for educators from Orange, San Diego and Imperial
Counties. These offerings are for the elementary classroom teacher as well as
the arts teacher, K-12. All institutes offer Continuing Education credits and
some scholarships are available. For a discounted price apply by April 1st, and
due to the current budget constraints in many districts, payment may be deferred
to the next fiscal year. For more information, click
here or contact
Helena Hanna at 619-594-6647 or hhanna@projects.sdsu.edu.
Orange
County Performing Artscenter Summer Leadership Institute Accepting Registrations!
Join fellow educators for an inspiring week of arts learning experiences
at the 4th annual Arts Teach Summer Leadership Institute presented by the Orange
County Performing Artscenter in partnership with the Orange County Museum of
Art, Orange County Department of Education and UC Irvine Extension. The goal
of the Institute is to provide meaningful, authentic, proven tools and techniques
that will enable any classroom teacher to feel confident in integrating the arts
into their personal teaching style and classroom objectives for each year, even
if they have not had specific training in music, dance, theatre or the visual
arts. Continuing education units will be available through UC Irvine Extension.
On-line registration available, click
here.
Scholarships, Contests & Awards
LEGO
Creativity Awards
The search is on fo
Scholarships
for High School Students
The Jack
Kent Cooke Foundation selects high-achieving youth with financial
need and provides them with individualized educational opportunities
and support, throughout high school, that will enable them to develop
their talents and abilities. The Foundation awards approximately 70 of
these scholarships each year. The Young Scholars Program is one of the
most individualized scholarships offered in the US.
Resources, Funding Opportunities
ASCAP
Foundation Announces New Grant Guidelines
The ASCAP Foundation is a publicly supported charitable organization
dedicated to supporting American music creators and encouraging their
development through music education and talent development programs.
As part of this mission, the foundation annually provides grants to nonprofit
organizations engaged in educational programs for aspiring songwriters
and composers.
The foundation's average grant is between $3,000 and $5,000, and is made on an
annual one-time basis. The foundation does not consider requests for general
operating or administrative support or annual giving campaigns, capital purposes,
endowments, deficit operations, recordings, marketing efforts or performance
and production funding. The foundation does not purchase advertisements, sponsor
events, or donate equipment.
Full grant applications are by invitation only. Those interested in applying
for a grant must first submit a Letter of Inquiry Form by August 1, 2008. Applicants
will hear within one month of receipt of their Letter of Inquiry whether their
organization will be invited to submit a full grant application. Letters of Inquiry
should be submitted to the ASCAP Foundation as early as possible. Full grant
applications for 2009 funding must be received by October 1, 2008.
Visit the ASCAP Foundation Web site for complete program guidelines, application procedures, and information on previously funded programs.
Sierra
North Arts Project Grant Proposals
Sierra North Arts Project is pleased to announce that the CRESS Center
Collaborative Research Grant now RFP is available, click
here.
Grant proposals are encouraged from K-12 teachers for collaborative educational research projects focused on strengthening elementary and/or secondary education. A total of $35,000 in funding is available for the 2008-2009 academic year; proposals may request up to $10,000. Proposals must be received by 5pm on April 14, 2008. Contact Christine Monroe, SNAP Director, for more information about partnering on this grant opportunity, 530-752-9683, clmonroe@ucdavis.edu.
English/Drama/Musical
Theatre Teacher
Gardena High School
Visual And Performing Arts Department
1301 W. 182nd Street
Gardena, California 90248
Please send or fax a letter of intent and/or resume to:
Jacquie Augustus, Assistant Principal
Email: jacquie.augustus@lausd.net
Fax: 310-366-6943
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