Read all the research, news, and policy in our arts education RECAP for February 2018.
Research
Measuring the Value of Theater
Three new studies try to measure the value of theater by creating a lifelong narrative for its impact. Researchers are examining the effects of audiences on the arts, and the effects of the arts on audiences. American Theater
Arts Education in Davis Elementary Schools
The first of a two-part story about the arts curriculum and funding in the Davis Joint Unified School District. Through the Davis School Arts Fund, teachers can receive additional funding for art projects they want to hold in their classrooms. However, it is meant to support “a project but not ongoing art.” The Aggie
Events
Feb. 26: The Insider’s Guide to Arts Education Planning.
March 10: Arts Education Partnership 2018 State Policy Symposium.
March 12-13: Arts Advocacy Day.
April 7: Arts Now Bay Area Summit.
May 4: We’re throwing a pARTy!
Calls-to-Action
Feb. 15 Deadline: Art Works Grants
April 15 Deadline: Put your CA tax return to use by giving to the Keep Arts in Schools Fund.
Advocacy
Education Should be a Constitutional Right
“Even today, a federal constitutional right to education remains necessary to ensure all children get a fair shot in life.” Good Education
We Need Protests. And Paintings.
The diaspora renaissance is making its way through the books we read, the television we watch, and the food we eat. It will also go a long way in creating a better opportunity for equality.
New York Times
Policy
Bad news
The West Virginia House Education Committee passed a bill that would dismantle the state Department of Education and the Arts, sending agencies and functions within it to other areas or spinning them off as independent agencies. Charleston Gazette-Mail
Good news
New Mexico has adopted the National Core Arts Standards which covers dance, music, theater, visual arts and media. This ensures that public school students in grades K-12 have an opportunity to study at least one of the five disciplines. Santa Fe New Mexican
Great news
Gov. Jerry Brown proposes sizable spending to address the shortage of special education teachers, connect career pathways programs with community colleges and give more resources to the state’s new school accountability system. This includes $3 billion to finish funding the Local Control Funding Formula, his landmark education financing law, two years ahead of schedule. Ed Source
