Opening Session Presentation NCAS

Maine Arts Educators will get first-hand info on the National Core Arts Standards

We fortunate that Lynn Tuttle from the Department of Education in Arizona is traveling to Maine for the statewide biennial arts education conference! Lynn’s session is titled Maine and the National Core Arts Standards.

The National Coalition for Core Arts Standards is a group committed to the development of the next generation of arts education standards. Maine educators have reviewed drafts of the PreK-8 standards and have provided feedback to the writing teams. Presently the draft of the high school standards are being reviewed by the public. You have until October 21 to do so. The draft is located at http://nccas.wikispaces.com/.

Lynn Tuttle, one of the national leaders coordinating the revision of the National Standards in the Arts, will present the context and history behind the revision as well as describe the process of revising the standards. The goal of the presentation and discussion is to provide the Maine arts education community with an overview of the context and purpose of the standards as well as an opportunity to have questions answered about the current NCAS draft.

Lynn will also do a follow-up workshop for those who wish to continue the discussion from the opening session called More on the National Core Arts Standards. And the description:             Want to know more about the National Core Arts Standards? Wondering how the proposed standards may influence and support high quality teaching and learning in the arts? If so, this follow-up session with the presenter Lynn Tuttle, Director of Arts Education, Arizona Department of Education, facilitated by Bronwyn Sale, Lecturer in Education at Bates College, will provide the opportunity for participants to ask questions in an interactive discussion format.

Along with the opening session there are over 30 workshops to select from to attend during the day.

You can register for the conference at https://tickets.collinscenterforthearts.org/. The $80 registration cost includes lunch. PLEASE NOTE: No purchase orders will be accepted.

You can learn about the workshops being offered at https://mainearts.maine.gov/Pages/Media-and-Performing/conference-education-workshops or Friday’s blog post.

If you have questions please email me at argy.nestor@maine.gov.

President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities

Webinar tomorrow on report: Reinvesting in Arts Education: Winning America’s Future Through Creative Schools

On Thursday, February 2, at 5 PM ET, please join us for an insider’s look at Reinvesting in Arts Education: Winning America’s Future Through Creative Schools, the recent report released by the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities (www.pcah.gov).  The research clearly shows the effect of arts education on student academic achievement and creativity.  Additionally, among its specific recommendations, the report suggests the following…

•             Build robust collaborations among different approaches to arts education
•             Develop the field of arts integration
•             Expand in school opportunities for teaching artists
•             Utilize federal and state policies to reinforce the place of arts in K – 12 education
•             Widen the focus of evidence gathering about arts education

Of particular concern to our members, of course, is the issue of teaching artists and their role in the classroom.  Rachel Goslins, Executive Director of PCAH (http://www.pcah.gov/staff), will share more about the study, and answer questions in what will be a unique learning and discussion opportunity.  We encourage all officers and members to take advantage of this chance to engage Rachel, and to plan detailed questions about the subject matter in advance.

For more information about the study, please visit: http://www.pcah.gov/sites/default/files/PCAH%20Arts%20ED%20%20Report%20Summary%20&%20Recommendations_0.pdf.

Webinar registration is free.  https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/703925017

We look forward to having you with us on February 2 at 5 PM ET.