Back to School- National Arts in Education Week
Now that all our students are back in school, it is time that we put the arts front and center. This week, September 9-15, is National Arts in Education Week, which is our opportunity as nation to advocate and celebrate the vital role the arts play in our schools.
Arts participation has been proven time and again to increase success for ALL students at EVERY level, not only in our local classrooms, but on college campuses and the job market as well. Research has shown beyond a shadow of a doubt that the arts are even more impactful for students who are disadvantaged economically and culturally and that those students who need it most have the least access to arts educators, arts resources, and integrated arts curriculum. This is not a special interest issue, this is an issue of civil rights and equal opportunity under the law for all Americans, as well as a simple calculation of economic development and civic investment. So where do we start?
HIT THE BOOKS (WELL… THE INTERNET) Learn about Comprehensive Arts Education. Explore the tools and resources available to you. Understand why the arts are an integral part of a well-rounded education.
GO TO THE PRINCIPAL’S OFFICE If you are a student, parent or teacher, the person that has the most direct control of the arts environment in your school is your principal. Have a conversation about what is working, what can work better, and what work you are going to do to help.
MAKE NEW FRIENDS and SOCIALIZE Have conversations about Arts Education in your life and you will find alliances as well as friends. Also, be sure to find organizations and networks, such as Arts NC, that support your work. You can start by getting social this week: #BecauseOfArtsEd, #ArtsEdWeek
THE THREE R’s (RAISNG THE ISSUE, RELATIONSHIPS, and RESPECT) Sign petitions, write letters and emails, make phone calls, take meetings, and be a voice for the arts in education. You need relationships to affect real change, and you can only do that with respect, courtesy, and a mind that is open at least as much as your own mouth.
YOUR ASSIGNMENTS ARE DUE THIS FRIDAY:
– JOIN this petition to US Secretary of Education, Elizabeth P. “Betsy” DeVos, calling for her support of arts-friendly provisions in federal law and leadership in their implementation
– POST on Facebook, Twitter or any platform and share your #BecauseOfArtsEd story during #ArtsEdWeek. You can inspire and be inspired.
– ENGAGE with an elected official, principal, educator, or ANYONE about Comprehensive Arts Education in your community. We have to do something to make a difference.
EASY EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENTS:
– PROCLAMATION Ask your leaders to create Resolutions and Proclamations
– PUBLICATION Write an Op-Ed for your local newspaper
– CELEBRATION Schedule events and performances in your community
– INVITATION Ask your local official to see the arts at work in our schools
– EDUCATION & NAVIGATION Learn the landscape and your role in greater detail
ALL EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENT CAN ALSO BE COMPLETED FOR
NATIONAL ARTS IN EDUCATION WEEK 2019
September 8 – 14, 2019