SMARTS November 2009 (resend to correct subject line)

California State PTA November 2009

In This Issue

Offbeat Ways To Promote the Arts

Do you ever look for new or offbeat ways to promote the arts? Here is a unique way to promote the arts and engage the public in the celebration.

Subway Piano

Did you know that the California State PTA website has a list of interactive websites for Visual Arts?

Check it out!

Join the discussion: Become a fan on the California State PTA Facebook page. Click on the logo above to visit.

Stay informed: Click here to join our mailing list.

SMARTS is California State PTA's program to encourage arts education. Please spread the word about the benefits of arts education.

Are your children getting enough arts? Americans for the Arts, a national nonprofit that works to advance the arts in this country, tells us that arts are enriched with the stuff children need to succeed. Just as children need to have good nutrition on a daily basis, they also need daily servings of the arts. Studies have shown that involvement in the arts helps children increase test scores and promotes academic achievement in all subject areas.

Here are 10 Simple Ways that you can add more arts to your children's days, courtesy of the Americans for the Arts.

Online Learning Community

The Choral Arts Society of Washington has launched an online expansion of its K-12 music education program, the FREE Choral Arts
Online Learning Community. The Community is free to any teacher or learner who wishes to join and has lesson plans, study guides, and other resources.

Coastal Art & Poetry Contest

The California Coastal Commission sponsors a Coastal Art & Poetry Contest each year for students in kindergarten through 12th grades. Entries must be postmarked by January 30, 2010. More information and entry forms can be found here.

21stCenturySkills

The Partnership for 21st Century Skills (P21) is an advocacy organization that focuses on infusing 21st century skills into education. The P21 has created a Skills Map which is designed to communicate the great potential of the arts for helping students meet the challenges of our century. You can add your comment to the Art Skills Map to help illustrate why the arts are an essential part of a balanced education. Comments must be submitted by December 11, 2009. Visit the map and add your comments.

Visit the

page.

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