In This Issue
- Update On Arts Block Grant Funding
- Celebrate March as Arts Education Month
- In Harmony: Hayfork School Combines Music and Math
- Political Landscape: Scott Notches Up Accolades
- Alliance for Inclusion In The Arts
- Coloring Outside Curriculum Lines
- City Schools Fail to Comply with State Rules on Arts Classes
- Insight Gained into Arts and Smarts
- Policies, Practices and Promises
- Parents Say Arts Education A Key Voting Factor
- 10th Annual CA Youth in Theatre Day Celebrated
CONFERENCES, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Help Shape the Future of Arts Education in California
- Regional Forums Throughout California
- National Arts Education Training on System Change
- Arts Education: Taking Stock of the Future
- Arts LINC
- SouthCAP (TCAP) Summer Institutes
SCHOLARSHIPS, CONTESTS & AWARDS
- KDFC Classical Star Search
- Student Recognition Art Contest
- Global Warming Student Art Contest
RESOURCES,
FUNDING
OPPORTUNITIES
- Support for Arts Education Partnerships
- Lincoln Center Institute Invites You to Explore Imagination in Education
- Instrumental Music Teacher- Middle School
- Musical Theatre/Drama Teacher
- Executive Director
- Middle School Multiple Subject Teacher
MARCH 19, 2008
Update
on Arts Block Grant Funding
The Assembly Budget Sub-Committee #2 on Education Finance met on
March 11 in
Sacramento, chaired by Assemblywoman Julia Brownley. The committee heard testimony
from Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell, Assistant Secretary
of Education Scott Hill, and Representatives of the Legislative Analyst’s Office
and the Department of Finance, on the current budget proposal. No action was
taken.
Both the Assembly Budget Sub-Committee #2 and the Senate Budget Sub-Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review #1 – Education, are scheduled to meet next on March 25.
We will be following those proceedings carefully. Proposals to expand categorical spending flexibility or to consolidate categorical funding into larger block grants could have a devastating impact on arts education programs, particularly in disadvantaged schools, where arts education programs are just now beginning to show signs of rebirth due to the investment of the new funding. If the past 30 years are any indication, we know without a doubt that arts education will be one of the first casualties in a district if funding is not protected, taking us back to the time when equitable access to quality arts learning is restricted to communities of privilege.
Celebrate
March As Arts Education Month
Governor Schwarzenegger has issued a proclamation declaring March 2008 as Arts
Education Month. See the full text of the proclamation here.
SCR 82, a legislative resolution proclaiming March as Arts Education Month, is sponsored by the California Alliance for Arts Education and authored by Senator Abel Maldonado (Monterey) and co-authored by Assemblymember Jean Fuller (Bakersfield). To read the text of the bill, click here.
Visit Arts Learning in Action, a toolkit designed by the California Alliance for Arts Education and the California State PTA, for guidance on how to organize policymaker visits to your classroom to witness the power of arts learning in action.
In
Harmony: Hayfork School Combines Music and Math to Boost Academic Performance
Violins in math class? Hayfork Elementary School officials say it
has added up to improved student performance. The school has purchased
50 violins, 20 keyboards and instructional materials and is using them in classrooms
to improve math and other higher-level thinking skills. Cynthia Boruff, the Mountain
Valley Unified School District's only music teacher, adapted the Math+Music program
for the elementary school from the MIND Research Institute, a nonprofit research
organization that studies neuroscience and mathematics. To read the article
in full, click
here.
Political
Landscape: Scott Notches Up Accolades
Laying off teachers, In his 12th and final year in the Legislature, State Sen.
Jack Scott is racking up accolades. Between Saturday and Tuesday, the veteran
lawmaker was honored separately by four state organizations for his legislative
work on education and the arts. Actress Annette Bening congratulated Scott for
his legislative leadership on behalf of the arts at a California Lawyers for
the Arts event on Sunday in Santa Monica. Scott, who has authored legislation
to provide more funding for arts education, chairs the Joint Committee on the
Arts. To read article in full, click
here.
Alliance
for Inclusion in the Arts: Celebrating Two Decades of Advocacy, Awareness,
and Ongoing Education about Artists with Disabilities
Things are opening up in film, television and theatre with
respect to issues of disability—there has been progress. At the same time, the
surface has barely been scratched," says Sharon Jensen, executive director
of the Alliance for Inclusion in the Arts. Based in New York City, the
Alliance, formerly the Non-Traditional Casting Project (NTCP), is a national
nonprofit established in 1986 to address and seek solutions to racism and exclusion
in theatre, film, and television. To read the article in full, click
here.
Coloring
Outside Curriculum Lines to Depict the Drop in Arts Education
It was all art, all morning, at a Montgomery Country school, as
third-graders in Room 12 sketched ideas for Harry Potter and SpongeBob SquarePants
postage stamps while sixth-graders down the hall drew architectural designs for
a castle. The school’s three-hour artfest cast a local spotlight on a national
reality: art is often squeezed out of the curriculum by the academic demands
of the No Child Left Behind law. For the 320 students toting sketchpads, charcoal
pencils and erasers, the event meant a three-hour break from math, language arts
and other classes. Fourth-grade teacher Jackie Moore considered it a protest
against a decline in public school arts education attributable to budget cuts
and a focus on standardized test scores spurred by the federal law. Her sentiments
echoed a report released last month by the Washington-based Center on Education
Policy, which found that many elementary schools across the country have allotted
more time to reading and math by cutting time for social studies, science, art
and physical education. The issue of "curriculum narrowing" has become
a key part of the debate over reauthorizing the 2002 federal law, which is designed
to improve reading and math proficiency. To read the article in full, click
here.
City
Schools Fail to Comply with State Rule on Arts Classes
Only 4 percent of the city’s elementary schools meet the state’s
requirement for arts education, according to the results of a city survey Mayor
Michael R. Bloomberg announced on Thursday. The state requires that elementary
school students receive education in dance, music, theater and visual arts every
year. The survey showed that fewer than 30 percent of middle schools met the
requirement of providing two half-unit art classes between seventh and eighth
grades. Despite the requirements, the state does not demand that the City Education
Department report on arts instruction. But city officials emphasized that they
would ask more schools to meet those expectations. To read the article
in full, click
here.
Insights
Gained Into Arts and Smarts
Findings released this week from three years of studies by neuroscientists
and psychologists at seven universities help amplify scientists’ understanding
of how training in the arts might contribute to improving the general thinking
skills of children and adults. While the report still doesn’t provide any
definitive answers to the arts-makes-you-smarter question, it sounds a final
death knell to the myth that students are either right- or left-brained learners,
say the scientists involved in the study. It also offers hints on how arts learning
might conceivably spill over into other academic domains. To read the article
in full, click
here.
Policies,
Practices, and Promises: Challenges to Early Childhood Music Education
in the United States
The United States has achieved nearly universal access to education
and has witnessed a phenomenal growth in the number of children who attend childcare
programs. In addition, researchers and practitioners are making notable advances
in the field of early childhood music. Many preschools, however, feel pressure
to accelerate learning for young children to prepare them for high- stakes testing
in the elementary schools at the expense of early childhood music programs. In
this article, the author looks at policies that have impacted early childhood
music education practices, examines challenges that No Child Left Behind and
other policies present, and presents promising practices and future recommendations
for early childhood music. To read the full article, click
here.
Parents
Say Arts Education A Key Voting Factor
Think 360 Arts, a Colorado-based arts education organization, released
the results of a statewide study today suggesting that arts education will be
on the minds of Colorado parents when they select their elected officials this
November. Nearly 90 percent of respondents indicated that they would be more
likely to vote for a candidate whose list of priorities included more access
to the arts in school. To read the full article, click
here.
10th
Annual CA Youth in Theatre Day Celebrated in Sacramento
Two hundred and fifty theatre students, their parents, theatre educators,
administrators, and guests will gather in a Senate Committee Room in the Capitol
in Sacramento to celebrate the Tenth Annual California Youth in Theatre Day. The
day will also include visits from legislators, theatre workshops and performances,
and handout of individual certificates to each student and teacher in attendance.
The certificates are prepared by the California Educational Theatre Association
and the Lt. Governor’s John Garamendi’s office. The Senate Proclamation
will be presented to Gai Jones, Founder of CYIT on the floor of the Senate on
March 24, 2008. Registration forms for the 2009 event will be available
online, 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. Make your hotel reservations at Embassy Suites Sacramento NOW! The rate of $159 per night is available for a limited time only! To reserve your room contact the hotel directly at 916-326-5000 or go online here, and enter group code SES.
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 www.tcap.net or contact
Helena Hanna at 619-594-6647 or hhanna@projects.sdsu.edu.
Scholarships, Contests & Awards
KDFC
Classical Star Search
The search is on for the Bay Area’s best undiscovered classical talent.
Your 4-minute audition video could lead to performing for a packed house
at the live Classical Star Search finals, with guest performer and judge
Lang Lang, and a $2,500 grand prize. Contest open to non-professional
classical instrumentalists or vocalists in two categories: ages 10-20;
and 21 and over. Deadline for videos is March 28. For more information, click
here.
Student
Recognition Art Contest
School Innovations & Advocacy, a full-service firm dedicated to providing
great solutions for education, hosts an annual art contest for California
public K-12 students. This year’s theme is “Road to Your Dreams – Where
Can Education Take You?” Finalists are featured in a beautiful calendar
distributed to California school administrators. Each student receives
a certificate of participation and one finalist in each age bracket (K-3,
4-8, 9-12) will win a $150 Grand Prize. The deadline is May 2, 2008.
For more information and entry forms, click
here, or
call 1-877-954-4357.
Global
Warming Student Art Contest
Have your students participate in this contest to express what global
warming means to them and win $250 (the teacher who has the
most students enter will also receive $250 for class supplies.). Students
can use any medium to express their views on global warming, including
drawing, painting, graphic design, photography, video, song writing,
poetry, etc. For an entry form and additional information, click
here. For
questions, please email rishell@next10.org or
call 650-321-5417.
Resources, Funding Opportunities
Support
for Arts Education Partnerships
The National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts and MetLife Foundation
have announced the renewal of the MetLife Foundation Partners in Arts
Education Program. The goal of the program is to enhance arts learning
in K-12 Public Schools by supporting exemplary Community School of the
Arts/Public School partnerships that serve large numbers of public school
students during the school day, exemplify best practices in creating
and sustaining effective partnerships, provide pedagogically-sound arts
education experiences, prioritize student learning and achievement; and
address national, state, and/or local arts education standards.
Grants are restricted to 38 U.S. cities and only organizations that are Full Members in good standing of the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts may apply. Non-member organizations should submit a membership application and first-year dues payments at least one week prior to submitting an application. Visit www.nationalguild.org for membership information.
Application Deadline is May 23, 2008. For more information on the MetLife Foundation Partners in Arts Education Program, click here, or contact Kelly McHugh, Program Associate (212) 268-3337 x12, kellymchugh@nationalguild.org.
Lincoln
Center Institute Invites You to Explore Imagination in Education
Discover how to unlock imaginative learning through engaging with works
of art. Find new excitement in your teaching practice. Share the insights
of professional artists. Lay down paint, move to a beat, try on a stage
character, invent your own music, improvise in a group or solo, and enjoy
research.
For more information please click here, or contact tfroelich@lincolncenter.org.
Instrumental
Music Teacher - Middle School
(Temporary Position 2008-2009)
12797 Third Street
Yucaipa, CA 92399
Deadline: March 21, 2008
For more info: click here click
here
Or contact: Jill Castanon
Ph: (909) 797-0174 116
E: jill_castanon@ycjusd.k12.ca.us
Musical
Theatre/Drama Teacher
Arts Small Learning Community
Gardena High School in LAUSD
Send a letter of interest/resume or contact:
Jacquie Augustus
Assistant Principal
Gardena High School
1201 W. 182nd Street
Gardena, California
E: jacquie.augustus@lausd.net
Executive
Director
Young Audiences of Northern California
Submit resume with cover letter stating salary history/requirement,
and contact information for three (3) professional references.
By email only: sarahontheroad@comcast.net
Deadline: March 31, 2008
Middle
School Multiple Subject Teacher
Arts Academy of Kihei Charter School
Mark Christiano, Director
300 Ohukai Rd #209, Kihei, Maui, HI, 96753
For more info, click
here
Fax cover letter and resume to (808) 874-6745
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