Advocacy

We as a small vocal group have recommended for years to the College Board for the need of an AP in Theatre approved course. What I had heard was in the works was an AP in Performance: Theatre, Dance, or Music. That way our students could perform for advancement. I think an approved test in Theatre History might even be a step forward. I think it is time with our teachers' renewed interest to have EdTA Jim Palmarini and our leaders in curriculum to move our agenda forward with the College Board. National Board certification in Theatre instead of English would help with our state's efforts for a Theatre credential. Where and how do I sign up? ------------------------------------------- Gai Jones -------------------------------------------

Regarding an Advanced Placement Exam and National Board Certification in theatre: About eight years ago, the Educational Theatre Association, in collaboration with the National Dance Organization, lobbied the College Board to do a survey of colleges and universities on their perception of the value AP in these arts areas.The fundamental question was: Would you grant credit for an AP in theatre arts?. Of the responding higher education institutions, 20% said they would; of those 20%,only 4% said they would award theatre department credit. While I think the survey was flawed (the number of surveyed schools was extremely limited and some had very modest theatre programs), the survey effectively shelved any inclination the College Board had towards creating an AP in theatre. What did result from that survey, along with broader calls from arts educators, was the creation of the College Board's Arts Advisory Board, a committee that works to support a larger role for arts education within the CB's mission. For the last several years, the College Board has had a moratorium on the creating of new APs, focusing instead on refining popular existing offerings. At the end of the day, they will not create an AP that is not profitable, and the perception is that there are simply not enough students engaged in advanced theatre classes to support profitability. I know that's not what theatre educators want to hear, as the perception is that an AP exam suggests mastery, and validation for those who teach it. 

But there are things to be optimistic about: With the creation of the College Board's Arts Advisory Board came a new level of commitment and engagement, that is best demonstrated in the CB's role as a full partner in the National Core Arts Standards (NCCAS). As a member of NCCAS leadership, the College Board has played an enormously important role in their creation of a series of seminal research studies that are foundation of the 2014 Core Arts Standards. Further, the level of collaboration between the Board and organizations like EdTA has grown ten-fold--they certainly know who we are and what we ultimately are seeking from them. I't's certainly possible that a fused performance AP that encompasses multiple arts disciplines could occur, but at this juncture it is only speculation. But I would add this: the grade band structure of the Core Arts Standards includes three high school levels: Proficient, Accomplished, and Advanced. While the standards in themselves are not a curriculum, they do form the foundation for the creation of rigorous content and appropriate assessments. The NCCAS definition of the Advanced level student is one whose knowledge and skill has prepared him for college-level work in the discipline. In other words, the Advanced level of the standards and the curriculum and assessment it demands is equal to that of an AP course and exam. 

On  National Board Certification: this is an issue that is worth revisiting on a regular basis, as I think it's more attainable. My concern is that National Board certification is not equally valued in all states. There have been a handful of states that reduced the financial incentive for teachers to invest the time and money to obtain certification. But the validation it confers is inarguable. Some years ago, former EdTA Executive Director Michael Peitz and I pursued a dialogue on Board certification with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) leadership, but there was limited interest on their part in moving forward. That said, I do think this is an issue worth reconsideration and would like to hear what others think about it. And NBPTS does have renewed interest in the arts, partly due to the profile of the new arts standards: I'll be leading an overview of Core Arts Standards at the NBPTS's national conference--Teaching & Learning 2014--in March, and I'm sure there will be opportunity to bring this issue up with their leadership. 

-------------------------------------------
James Palmarini
Director of Educational Policy

-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 02-24-2014 11:25
From: Gai Jones
Subject: College Board and EdTA working on AP Theatre and National Board Certification


We as a small vocal group have recommended for years to the College Board for the need of an AP in Theatre approved course. What I had heard was in the works was an AP in Performance: Theatre, Dance, or Music. That way our students could perform for advancement. I think an approved test in Theatre History might even be a step forward.


I think it is time with our teachers' renewed interest to have EdTA Jim Palmarini and our leaders in curriculum to move our agenda forward with the College Board. National Board certification in Theatre instead of English would help with our state's efforts for a Theatre credential.

Where and how do I sign up?
-------------------------------------------
Gai Jones

-------------------------------------------

While I may come off as extreme and idealistic, I wish this topic would become the main goal of the EdTA until the College Board offers an AP in Theatre (and/or Theatre & Dance). I am sad to admit I stopped writing letters about 7 years ago to the College Board, EdTA, ETS, and NJDOE about this matter when I heard the study was in process naively thinking it was just a matter of time before the AP exam would be created and offered.

It is sad to think we need an AP exam but it is clear that because of longstanding national trends an AP exam awards the "stamp of legitimacy" to a discipline in the eyes of building and district administration and the regional LEAs. During my wait for one to be created, I was able to arrange a partnership with a local university so for the last 7 years my theatre arts program has been accredited in a way that our senior level fulfills 2 semesters of the university's introductory theatre courses. Our students are dually enrolled their senior year of high school and receive 6 college credits on official transcripts noting them as first year college students. I am sure many of you have the same setup and know that for the most part credits from a university are transferable to whatever college/university a student chooses to attend. I know of at least 3 NJ state universities that participate in a partnership such as this so I too am confused by such a low percentage of post-secondary schools reporting in an unfavorable light for an AP Theatre exam according to the study years ago.

Furthermore, while the partnership is wonderful, I can tell you for certain that in the eyes of the school/district administration and the LEA, college credit and partnership is meaningless compared to the AP exam because of school rankings. Regularly, a student will be pushed out of my program along with the opportunity of earning 6 college credits just so he/she can be enrolled in an AP course so that the school/district can note higher AP enrollment and boost rankings. This process hurts our discipline and more importantly does not put the students' educational interests first. On a side note, it is bad business as well, since when comparing the two offers from the student's perspective, one would get "more bang for your buck" by taking a year long course that awards you 6 college credits. However, even that logic cannot compete with the status of AP and the hold that the College Board has on secondary education because of the importance our educational system as a whole places on AP courses.

I would suggest that this matter should be of the highest importance for EdTA. There should be no acceptance of defeat and no willingness to simply hope for the best while noting the College Board's stance on the matter. The more vocal and outspoken the EdTA, our leading theatre organization, is on this topic the more support and advocacy will there be at the grass roots level throughout the country.

How can we take action on this matter in a strong and clear way?
I am interested.

Best,
Danny

-------------------------------------------
Daniel Paolucci
Theatre Arts Specialist
JCArts High School Program
Jersey City Public Schools
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 02-25-2014 10:35
From: James Palmarini
Subject: College Board and EdTA working on AP Theatre and National Board Certification

Regarding an Advanced Placement Exam and National Board Certification in theatre: About eight years ago, the Educational Theatre Association, in collaboration with the National Dance Organization, lobbied the College Board to do a survey of colleges and universities on their perception of the value AP in these arts areas.The fundamental question was: Would you grant credit for an AP in theatre arts?. Of the responding higher education institutions, 20% said they would; of those 20%,only 4% said they would award theatre department credit. While I think the survey was flawed (the number of surveyed schools was extremely limited and some had very modest theatre programs), the survey effectively shelved any inclination the College Board had towards creating an AP in theatre. What did result from that survey, along with broader calls from arts educators, was the creation of the College Board's Arts Advisory Board, a committee that works to support a larger role for arts education within the CB's mission. For the last several years, the College Board has had a moratorium on the creating of new APs, focusing instead on refining popular existing offerings. At the end of the day, they will not create an AP that is not profitable, and the perception is that there are simply not enough students engaged in advanced theatre classes to support profitability. I know that's not what theatre educators want to hear, as the perception is that an AP exam suggests mastery, and validation for those who teach it. 

But there are things to be optimistic about: With the creation of the College Board's Arts Advisory Board came a new level of commitment and engagement, that is best demonstrated in the CB's role as a full partner in the National Core Arts Standards (NCCAS). As a member of NCCAS leadership, the College Board has played an enormously important role in their creation of a series of seminal research studies that are foundation of the 2014 Core Arts Standards. Further, the level of collaboration between the Board and organizations like EdTA has grown ten-fold--they certainly know who we are and what we ultimately are seeking from them. I't's certainly possible that a fused performance AP that encompasses multiple arts disciplines could occur, but at this juncture it is only speculation. But I would add this: the grade band structure of the Core Arts Standards includes three high school levels: Proficient, Accomplished, and Advanced. While the standards in themselves are not a curriculum, they do form the foundation for the creation of rigorous content and appropriate assessments. The NCCAS definition of the Advanced level student is one whose knowledge and skill has prepared him for college-level work in the discipline. In other words, the Advanced level of the standards and the curriculum and assessment it demands is equal to that of an AP course and exam. 

On  National Board Certification: this is an issue that is worth revisiting on a regular basis, as I think it's more attainable. My concern is that National Board certification is not equally valued in all states. There have been a handful of states that reduced the financial incentive for teachers to invest the time and money to obtain certification. But the validation it confers is inarguable. Some years ago, former EdTA Executive Director Michael Peitz and I pursued a dialogue on Board certification with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) leadership, but there was limited interest on their part in moving forward. That said, I do think this is an issue worth reconsideration and would like to hear what others think about it. And NBPTS does have renewed interest in the arts, partly due to the profile of the new arts standards: I'll be leading an overview of Core Arts Standards at the NBPTS's national conference--Teaching & Learning 2014--in March, and I'm sure there will be opportunity to bring this issue up with their leadership. 

-------------------------------------------
James Palmarini
Director of Educational Policy

-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 02-24-2014 11:25
From: Gai Jones
Subject: College Board and EdTA working on AP Theatre and National Board Certification


We as a small vocal group have recommended for years to the College Board for the need of an AP in Theatre approved course. What I had heard was in the works was an AP in Performance: Theatre, Dance, or Music. That way our students could perform for advancement. I think an approved test in Theatre History might even be a step forward.


I think it is time with our teachers' renewed interest to have EdTA Jim Palmarini and our leaders in curriculum to move our agenda forward with the College Board. National Board certification in Theatre instead of English would help with our state's efforts for a Theatre credential.

Where and how do I sign up?
-------------------------------------------
Gai Jones

-------------------------------------------

Thank you for all the discussion and suggestions on the AP course.  I love this community, not only because teachers can help each other, but it provides a forum to hear what is on your minds.  We don't have all the answers yet, but I want you to know that I read this every day and I am listening. 

Keep the feedback coming...because we are not giving up.

-------------------------------------------
Julie Woffington
Executive Director
Educational Theatre Association


-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 02-26-2014 09:03
From: Daniel Paolucci
Subject: College Board and EdTA working on AP Theatre and National Board Certification

While I may come off as extreme and idealistic, I wish this topic would become the main goal of the EdTA until the College Board offers an AP in Theatre (and/or Theatre & Dance). I am sad to admit I stopped writing letters about 7 years ago to the College Board, EdTA, ETS, and NJDOE about this matter when I heard the study was in process naively thinking it was just a matter of time before the AP exam would be created and offered.

It is sad to think we need an AP exam but it is clear that because of longstanding national trends an AP exam awards the "stamp of legitimacy" to a discipline in the eyes of building and district administration and the regional LEAs. During my wait for one to be created, I was able to arrange a partnership with a local university so for the last 7 years my theatre arts program has been accredited in a way that our senior level fulfills 2 semesters of the university's introductory theatre courses. Our students are dually enrolled their senior year of high school and receive 6 college credits on official transcripts noting them as first year college students. I am sure many of you have the same setup and know that for the most part credits from a university are transferable to whatever college/university a student chooses to attend. I know of at least 3 NJ state universities that participate in a partnership such as this so I too am confused by such a low percentage of post-secondary schools reporting in an unfavorable light for an AP Theatre exam according to the study years ago.

Furthermore, while the partnership is wonderful, I can tell you for certain that in the eyes of the school/district administration and the LEA, college credit and partnership is meaningless compared to the AP exam because of school rankings. Regularly, a student will be pushed out of my program along with the opportunity of earning 6 college credits just so he/she can be enrolled in an AP course so that the school/district can note higher AP enrollment and boost rankings. This process hurts our discipline and more importantly does not put the students' educational interests first. On a side note, it is bad business as well, since when comparing the two offers from the student's perspective, one would get "more bang for your buck" by taking a year long course that awards you 6 college credits. However, even that logic cannot compete with the status of AP and the hold that the College Board has on secondary education because of the importance our educational system as a whole places on AP courses.

I would suggest that this matter should be of the highest importance for EdTA. There should be no acceptance of defeat and no willingness to simply hope for the best while noting the College Board's stance on the matter. The more vocal and outspoken the EdTA, our leading theatre organization, is on this topic the more support and advocacy will there be at the grass roots level throughout the country.

How can we take action on this matter in a strong and clear way?
I am interested.

Best,
Danny

-------------------------------------------
Daniel Paolucci
Theatre Arts Specialist
JCArts High School Program
Jersey City Public Schools
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 02-25-2014 10:35
From: James Palmarini
Subject: College Board and EdTA working on AP Theatre and National Board Certification

Regarding an Advanced Placement Exam and National Board Certification in theatre: About eight years ago, the Educational Theatre Association, in collaboration with the National Dance Organization, lobbied the College Board to do a survey of colleges and universities on their perception of the value AP in these arts areas.The fundamental question was: Would you grant credit for an AP in theatre arts?. Of the responding higher education institutions, 20% said they would; of those 20%,only 4% said they would award theatre department credit. While I think the survey was flawed (the number of surveyed schools was extremely limited and some had very modest theatre programs), the survey effectively shelved any inclination the College Board had towards creating an AP in theatre. What did result from that survey, along with broader calls from arts educators, was the creation of the College Board's Arts Advisory Board, a committee that works to support a larger role for arts education within the CB's mission. For the last several years, the College Board has had a moratorium on the creating of new APs, focusing instead on refining popular existing offerings. At the end of the day, they will not create an AP that is not profitable, and the perception is that there are simply not enough students engaged in advanced theatre classes to support profitability. I know that's not what theatre educators want to hear, as the perception is that an AP exam suggests mastery, and validation for those who teach it. 

But there are things to be optimistic about: With the creation of the College Board's Arts Advisory Board came a new level of commitment and engagement, that is best demonstrated in the CB's role as a full partner in the National Core Arts Standards (NCCAS). As a member of NCCAS leadership, the College Board has played an enormously important role in their creation of a series of seminal research studies that are foundation of the 2014 Core Arts Standards. Further, the level of collaboration between the Board and organizations like EdTA has grown ten-fold--they certainly know who we are and what we ultimately are seeking from them. I't's certainly possible that a fused performance AP that encompasses multiple arts disciplines could occur, but at this juncture it is only speculation. But I would add this: the grade band structure of the Core Arts Standards includes three high school levels: Proficient, Accomplished, and Advanced. While the standards in themselves are not a curriculum, they do form the foundation for the creation of rigorous content and appropriate assessments. The NCCAS definition of the Advanced level student is one whose knowledge and skill has prepared him for college-level work in the discipline. In other words, the Advanced level of the standards and the curriculum and assessment it demands is equal to that of an AP course and exam. 

On  National Board Certification: this is an issue that is worth revisiting on a regular basis, as I think it's more attainable. My concern is that National Board certification is not equally valued in all states. There have been a handful of states that reduced the financial incentive for teachers to invest the time and money to obtain certification. But the validation it confers is inarguable. Some years ago, former EdTA Executive Director Michael Peitz and I pursued a dialogue on Board certification with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) leadership, but there was limited interest on their part in moving forward. That said, I do think this is an issue worth reconsideration and would like to hear what others think about it. And NBPTS does have renewed interest in the arts, partly due to the profile of the new arts standards: I'll be leading an overview of Core Arts Standards at the NBPTS's national conference--Teaching & Learning 2014--in March, and I'm sure there will be opportunity to bring this issue up with their leadership. 

-------------------------------------------
James Palmarini
Director of Educational Policy

-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 02-24-2014 11:25
From: Gai Jones
Subject: College Board and EdTA working on AP Theatre and National Board Certification


We as a small vocal group have recommended for years to the College Board for the need of an AP in Theatre approved course. What I had heard was in the works was an AP in Performance: Theatre, Dance, or Music. That way our students could perform for advancement. I think an approved test in Theatre History might even be a step forward.


I think it is time with our teachers' renewed interest to have EdTA Jim Palmarini and our leaders in curriculum to move our agenda forward with the College Board. National Board certification in Theatre instead of English would help with our state's efforts for a Theatre credential.

Where and how do I sign up?
-------------------------------------------
Gai Jones

-------------------------------------------

Hi there!
Twice a year I write an email to National Board Certification and ask when they will have a cert available for Theatre. I have yet to get a reply, and I have been doing it for about 5 years now. I emailed the head of arts education in the state of Washington, and she told me that there needs to be a strong interest (I don't know what that looks like though) from theatre educators in order to start a pilot for NBCT. I want to get my national board certification, and I don't think it is fair that it is offered in so many different areas, but is not an option for me. I am being denied access to a very important certificate. If you can't give it to everyone, then you should not be able to give it to anyone.
Are there others out there that would be interested in pushing this issue with me?

-------------------------------------------
Jaime Fineman
Theatre Educator
Washington High School
Tacoma WA
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 02-24-2014 12:15
From: James Palmarini
Subject: College Board and EdTA working on AP Theatre and National Board Certification

Regarding an Advanced Placement Exam and National Board Certification in theatre: About eight years ago, the Educational Theatre Association, in collaboration with the National Dance Organization, lobbied the College Board to do a survey of colleges and universities on their perception of the value AP in these arts areas.The fundamental question was: Would you grant credit for an AP in theatre arts?. Of the responding higher education institutions, 20% said they would; of those 20%,only 4% said they would award theatre department credit. While I think the survey was flawed (the number of surveyed schools was extremely limited and some had very modest theatre programs), the survey effectively shelved any inclination the College Board had towards creating an AP in theatre. What did result from that survey, along with broader calls from arts educators, was the creation of the College Board's Arts Advisory Board, a committee that works to support a larger role for arts education within the CB's mission. For the last several years, the College Board has had a moratorium on the creating of new APs, focusing instead on refining popular existing offerings. At the end of the day, they will not create an AP that is not profitable, and the perception is that there are simply not enough students engaged in advanced theatre classes to support profitability. I know that's not what theatre educators want to hear, as the perception is that an AP exam suggests mastery, and validation for those who teach it. 

But there are things to be optimistic about: With the creation of the College Board's Arts Advisory Board came a new level of commitment and engagement, that is best demonstrated in the CB's role as a full partner in the National Core Arts Standards (NCCAS). As a member of NCCAS leadership, the College Board has played an enormously important role in their creation of a series of seminal research studies that are foundation of the 2014 Core Arts Standards. Further, the level of collaboration between the Board and organizations like EdTA has grown ten-fold--they certainly know who we are and what we ultimately are seeking from them. I't's certainly possible that a fused performance AP that encompasses multiple arts disciplines could occur, but at this juncture it is only speculation. But I would add this: the grade band structure of the Core Arts Standards includes three high school levels: Proficient, Accomplished, and Advanced. While the standards in themselves are not a curriculum, they do form the foundation for the creation of rigorous content and appropriate assessments. The NCCAS definition of the Advanced level student is one whose knowledge and skill has prepared him for college-level work in the discipline. In other words, the Advanced level of the standards and the curriculum and assessment it demands is equal to that of an AP course and exam. 

On  National Board Certification: this is an issue that is worth revisiting on a regular basis, as I think it's more attainable. My concern is that National Board certification is not equally valued in all states. There have been a handful of states that reduced the financial incentive for teachers to invest the time and money to obtain certification. But the validation it confers is inarguable. Some years ago, former EdTA Executive Director Michael Peitz and I pursued a dialogue on Board certification with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) leadership, but there was limited interest on their part in moving forward. That said, I do think this is an issue worth reconsideration and would like to hear what others think about it. And NBPTS does have renewed interest in the arts, partly due to the profile of the new arts standards: I'll be leading an overview of Core Arts Standards at the NBPTS's national conference--Teaching & Learning 2014--in March, and I'm sure there will be opportunity to bring this issue up with their leadership. 

-------------------------------------------
James Palmarini
Director of Educational Policy

-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 02-24-2014 11:25
From: Gai Jones
Subject: College Board and EdTA working on AP Theatre and National Board Certification


We as a small vocal group have recommended for years to the College Board for the need of an AP in Theatre approved course. What I had heard was in the works was an AP in Performance: Theatre, Dance, or Music. That way our students could perform for advancement. I think an approved test in Theatre History might even be a step forward.


I think it is time with our teachers' renewed interest to have EdTA Jim Palmarini and our leaders in curriculum to move our agenda forward with the College Board. National Board certification in Theatre instead of English would help with our state's efforts for a Theatre credential.

Where and how do I sign up?
-------------------------------------------
Gai Jones

-------------------------------------------

I have gone through the National Board Certification process in the strand for English Language Arts/Young Adolescents, and gained the Theatre position after I was in the middle of the process. I am currently awaiting my results this December, with much anticipation and partial dread. I really, really hope I don't have to retake, because it is an extremely time consuming process.

It saddens me that they don't offer a valid certification for an ultimately valid discipline such as Theatre. To parrot previous comments, for some administrations, Theatre is just somewhere you put those problem kids, not realizing that to be successful in theatre you need so many different skills!

I'm going to see how I do in December before moving forward in opinions on this matter. What I would love to see, like many others here, is National Board recognizing Theatre as a valid area in which to seek certification. They have recently totally upended and rejigged the whole process, so now would be a great time to put increasing efforts into advocacy for this hoped-for outcome! Initiatives like the NCCAS Core Arts standards can only strengthen the case for validation.

Not that we all seek and demand validation, of course. :)

-------------------------------------------
Phillip Goodchild
Valrico FL
-------------------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 02-24-2014 10:31
From: Gai Jones
Subject: College Board and EdTA working on AP Theatre and National Board Certification


We as a small vocal group have recommended for years to the College Board for the need of an AP in Theatre approved course. What I had heard was in the works was an AP in Performance: Theatre, Dance, or Music. That way our students could perform for advancement. I think an approved test in Theatre History might even be a step forward.


I think it is time with our teachers' renewed interest to have EdTA Jim Palmarini and our leaders in curriculum to move our agenda forward with the College Board. National Board certification in Theatre instead of English would help with our state's efforts for a Theatre credential.

Where and how do I sign up?
-------------------------------------------
Gai Jones

-------------------------------------------

Right! I've got my National Board certification; now what? 

In a way, one thing that makes me pause and understand why NBPTS does not offer certification in Theatre is that teaching Theatre almost gives one an advantage over other teachers: the core principles of the NBPTS are the bread and butter standard practice of the average theatre teacher. 

What area can we start working on? Can we get a petition going? A letter with a bunch of signatories from our membership at EdTA? 

Maybe a blog or editorial on how vital Theatre education is, and how particularly skilled the theatre educator should be, and how nice it would be to validate that rather than hide them out the back in shame? Theatre teachers are some of the smartest, forward thinking and innovative educators I know! 

What else can we do to move forward? I'm ready; who's with me? Let's get something moving before the end of 2014!

-------------------------------------------
Phillip Goodchild
Valrico FL
-------------------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 02-24-2014 10:31
From: Gai Jones
Subject: College Board and EdTA working on AP Theatre and National Board Certification


We as a small vocal group have recommended for years to the College Board for the need of an AP in Theatre approved course. What I had heard was in the works was an AP in Performance: Theatre, Dance, or Music. That way our students could perform for advancement. I think an approved test in Theatre History might even be a step forward.


I think it is time with our teachers' renewed interest to have EdTA Jim Palmarini and our leaders in curriculum to move our agenda forward with the College Board. National Board certification in Theatre instead of English would help with our state's efforts for a Theatre credential.

Where and how do I sign up?
-------------------------------------------
Gai Jones

-------------------------------------------