U.S.
Education Secretary Highlights the Importance of the Arts
More
than 1,500 parents, educators and arts advocates participated in a conference
call and webcast on August 18 with U.S. Secretary of
Education Arne Duncan. The call was hosted by the National
Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation and the SupportMusic
Coalition.
"In too many places I'm hearing about the loss of arts," Duncan
told the group, "And that's what we're trying to push against." Duncan recently
issued a letter emphasizing "the importance of the arts as a core academic
subject and part of a complete education for all students." To read the letter,
click here.
"A consistent theme I hear from parents and students and
educators is a real worry that students aren't having a chance to have a
well-rounded education," Duncan said. He emphasized the need for
schools to highlight local successes, and the critical role that parents play
as local advocates for arts: "Parents have to push for this and demand
it. Where there's a passivity or lack of demand, that makes it harder."
Through a grant from the Hewlett Foundation, California State PTA
has been working the past year to develop a long-range plan to strengthen
parent advocacy for arts as part of a complete education.
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Hispanic
Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month
begins on September 15, the anniversary of independence for five Latin American
countries - Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In
addition, Mexico declared its independence on September 16, and Chile on
September 18.
In 1988, this weeklong event
grew to a monthlong celebration of Hispanic culture and tradition. Click here to find lesson plans and activity ideas from the National Education Association.
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Reflections 2010
The 2010 Reflections theme
is: "Beauty is ..."
For more information, including fliers and entry forms, click here. |
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Grants Available
Grants are available for teachers who incorporate music to teach mathematics in grades Pre-K through 2. The National Council of
Teachers of Mathematics is offering these Using Music to Teach Mathematics grants, with a maximum award of $3,000. Application deadline: Nov. 13,
2009. To learn more about this and other current grant offerings, click here. |
The Insider's Guide to Arts Education Planning
The Insider's Guide to Arts Education Planning, from the California Alliance for Arts Education, is a
hands-on, how-to planning process for schools, districts and counties, which
enables them to assess, envision, and implement quality visual and performing
arts programs for their students. To learn more, click here.
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