Opening a New Door: The Arts and Federal Education Policy
Advocates for a well-rounded education have long been concerned that No Child Left Behind (NCLB) guidelines have increased focus on standardized tests for math and English at the exclusion of learning in all core subjects, like the arts. Take heart! We are cautiously optimistic about the direction the Obama administration is taking to include arts learning in A Blueprint for Reform, recently released to guide the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), currently referred to as NCLB. According to Education Secretary Arne Duncan, the Blueprint allows states to use subjects other than reading and mathematics as part of their measurements for meeting federal goals. The new plan will continue to test children, but also provide a comprehensive curriculum that includes arts, history, science, social studies, and other important subjects to insure students are on the path to college and career readiness. Discussion is kicking off now and Congress is asking for your opinion so hurry, this deadline is March 26th. But, remember there are opportunities every day to keep arts in schools!

New Guide Helps Advocates Expand Arts Learning
The California State PTA has partnered with the California County Superintendents Arts Initiative to create a guidebook for partners, teachers, school board members and administrators to grow arts education in public schools. Follow specific action steps outlined in this guide.

Get inspired!

Voices of Innovation
Jennifer Mello lobbies on behalf of groups like Arts for Colorado, and other important organizations. She has the inside scoop on what works -- and what doesn't -- when it comes to reaching legislators. Read her advice to ensure your campaigns are as effective as possible.

In case you missed it...

State of Change: New Leadership in Arts and Education
It's not too late to register for Arts Education Partnership's national forum coming to Washington, D.C. this April. This year's focus is on new leadership at the federal level and the next generation of leaders.
Read the program information and register today.

Winning School Board Support for Arts Learning
Want to get your school board behind your effort? Our latest toolkit, Winning School Board Support for Arts Learning has ideas, examples, tools and resources for effective engagement of your school leaders.

Labels: arts education