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Interview with Melanie Adams, Board Member for St. Louis Public Schools
 What does a board member do?
As a board member I have three main responsibilities. Those responsibilities are establishing district policy, providing governance for the district, and hiring/firing of the superintendent. These responsibilities are executed by my serving on various district committees and working on a regular basis with district staff, the superintendent, and my fellow board members. Listen 
Why is it important to educate your school board on the benefits of learning in and through the arts?
It is important for all board members to understand the important role the arts can play in the overall academic achievement of all students. Too many times people consider the arts something extra that does not have a meaningful affect on the curriculums core subjects such as communication arts and mathematics. The more information board members have about how the arts can provide learning in the core areas, the more they are able to support arts education in the classroom. Listen
As a board member, what would you say are the components of a good presentation? What data is helpful to you in making the case for arts learning?
When making presentations to board members it is important to keep in mind the main objective of the board is to provide a quality education for all of its students. Any presentation should include data about how this is being done. If possible the data should include a diverse sample and show success over a period of time. In addition to the data, the board also wants to make sure the program is sustainable so a three – five year budget is also important. Finally, the presentation should really show how the program will benefit the children not only this year, but in their overall educational career.Listen
How long in advance do boards prepare for their meetings? How would an advocate go about getting on the docket and what tools should they bring to make their case?
All board meetings are different and may have different ways of having presentations by the public. In St. Louis, people who wish to address the board sign up 30 minutes before the meeting. Each person is giving 3 minutes to talk about their specific issue or concern. In order to really talk with board members, it is easier to talk with them individually. This will take more time depending upon the number of board members, but it will allow for a longer and more in depth conversation.
The tools necessary for a successful meeting with a board member are the same tools necessary for a successful presentation to the board. It is important to have relevant data on how the program will have a positive influence on the educational outcomes for children. Listen
Who should present to the board? Who do you feel would make a lasting impression on your board?
The best person to make the presentation to the board is someone who has seen the program in action and can speak passionately about how it creates positive academic outcomes for children. Based on this criteria I would suggest a teacher or principal that has used arts education in their core subject areas and have seen measurable improvements in their students academics.Listen
How has the board influenced the schools’ views on arts education?
The SLPS Special Administrative Board has influenced the district's views on arts education by supporting an Arts Integration program administered by the Center for Creative Arts. This program integrates art into the curriculum and helps students in the core subject areas of communication arts and mathematics. The program is also being piloted in an entire school. This school integrates the arts in all of its classes through community partnerships and teacher professional development on the arts. Listen
Why do you care about arts education? Why should the school boards across the country care about arts education?
I care about arts education because I believe that by teaching art is essentially to developing the whole student. While a student may never play with the St. Louis Symphony, act on Broadway, or dance with Alvin Ailey, they should still know the pleasure the arts can bring to one’s life. The arts are as important to a student's education as reading and writing and should be treated in the same manner. Listen
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