Welcome to the EdTA Advocacy Update
April 3, 2014 edition
The Advocacy Update is where you can find state and national news about theatre and other arts education
EdTA NEWS
Twenty-two EdTA members attended Arts Advocacy Day 2014 in Washington, D.C. March 24-25—here’s some of their story, in pictures. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152710076598976.1073741830.32000918975&type=1
Democracyworks winner Emily Zauzmer reads her essay before the general assembly of advocates at Arts Advocacy Day 2014. http://schooltheatre.org/community/resources/viewdocument/?DocumentKey=6d8f0c2e-799a-4891-a629-4f1319f0ef34
NATIONAL NEWS
AEP Releases ArtScan 2014: A Comprehensive Source on State Arts Education Policies The Arts Education Partnership has released ArtScan, a searchable index of state-by-state arts high school graduation requirements, assessment requirement, and other education policies and laws that shape arts education instruction and opportunities for more than 50 million students in public elementary and secondary schools across the United States.
The College Board Award for Excellence and Innovation in the Arts deadline has been extended until Aprl 15. The College Board Award for Excellence and Innovation in the Arts celebrates exemplary approaches to arts education for students in grades 6-12. Awards of $5,000 will be given to model programs in three areas; one school will receive an additional $2,500 as the national winner.
AEP 2014 National Forum in Pittsburgh, Sept. 11-12, 2014 is accepting session proposals. AEP joins the Arts Education Collaborative of Pittsburgh (AEP’s host organization for the National Forum) in inviting AEP Partners and leaders from across the country to share exemplary work supporting the national imperative to prepare all students for college, careers, and citizenship. The submission deadline is May 15.
STATE NEWS:
California: LA Unified arts budget: most funds will go to 'arts integration' teachers, The Los Angeles Unified School District plans to increase spending on arts instruction by nearly $16 million over the next three years (89.3 KPCC Southern California)
California: The arts in the classroom …there is no way that every student is being exposed to this wide range of arts curriculum with any depth. Especially with the recent emphasis on test scores, the arts are a supplement, rather than an important part of the curriculum for all grades and all students (Napa Valley Register)
Georgia: Savannah Arts Admissions Process Questioned, Some Garrison parents are questioning the admissions process for Savannah Arts Academy (WASV3 Savannah)
Georgia: Senate Passes Bill Aimed at Separating Georgia from Common Core, The Georgia Senate Wednesday approved a bill aimed at separating the state from the Common Core education standards (90.1 WABE)
Illinois: Survey Shows Arts Education Reality Doesn't Match CPS Promises , A new survey of 170 Chicago public elementary schools by Raise Your Hand Illinois found that 65 percent do not offer the expected minimum of two hours of arts education per week, as stated by both Mayor Emanuel and CPS officials (NBC Chicago)
Iowa: UNI reps push for fine arts in Iowa schools, There’s a movement in the state Capitol to merge fine arts, the "A" in STEAM, into the Iowa Core. (wcdcourier.com)
New York: With arts funding down, grants become more important , Funding for the arts in Central New York might not be as accessible as it is for groups in New York City (Observer Dispatch)
Ohio: Ohio Arts Council names new executive director, Donna S. Collins of Glenford, Ohio, has been named the new executive director of the Ohio Arts Council. (Columbus Dispatch)
South Carolina: Mac announces 25 Million endowment campaign, http://greenvillejournal.com/life-culture/art-entertainment/2942-mac-announces-25-million-endowment-campaign.html (Greenville Journal)
Utah: Rethink education funding, stop Lockhart, Utah families, who consistently cry for more education funding, will be disappointed if House Speaker Becky Lockhart’s idea to put a $200-300 million technology outlay into schools wins out over restoring the programs and educational opportunities that have been slashed in recent years (Desert News)
WORTH READING/WATCHING
Democracyworks essay winner Emily Zauzmer reads her essay before the general assembly of delegates at Arts Advocacy Day 2014.
Some advocates think it might be time to ditch arts education as we know it Kate Wells Explores new tactics used by arts advocates, as they continue to promote the arts.
EdTA vice president Frank Pruet talks about the day he became an arts advocate EdTA Vice President Frank Pruet, shares his initial experience at Arts Advocacy Day. From day long training sessions to partnering with Chinese Students who insist that China supports the Arts better than America, Pruet walks us through his journey as he evolves into an Arts Advocate.
EdTA Hawkins Award winners on why attending Arts Advocacy 2014 matters The Hawkins Award, named for the late Florida State Chapter Director, Daron Hawkins, is a new funding program intended to help promote theatre advocacy by EdTA members. This year, State Chapter Directors were asked why attending Arts Advocacy Day would be a beneficial experience for them. This year's winners are: Jeff Hall, Jesuit High School, Portland, Oregon; Sharon Chadwick, Liberty High School, Clark County School District, Nevada; and Helen Duranleau-Brennan, Davenport (Iowa) North High School.
Democracyworks first and second runnerups essays. Madeline Calais,Troupe 2980, Memorial Senior High School Houston, Texas; and Hannah Maria Beatty, Troupe 6141, Providence School of Jacksonville (Florida), were selected as this year’s first and second runner-up Democracyworks essay winners. Read their essays here.