me arts ed

CONGRATULATIONS to Bridgette Koch!

Machias Memorial High School junior Bridgette Koch is an amazing musician who says: “If you put music in front of me, my fingers tingle.” Bridgette has been selected as one of 40 students to attend Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburg this summer for college level courses.

Bridgette’s application included an essay and a recording of her playing the tenor sax. Even though Bridgette was selected there was a small glitch. The program awards a scholarship to the juniors who are chosen. Bridgette is only a sophomore so she needs to come up with $6,200.

Bridgette’s community is coming together and sponsoring a fund raiser. On Sunday, June 7, 2009, 11:30 AM at the Centre Street Congregational Church in Machias there will be a Pound auction. Donors bring items that weigh roughly a pound each, wrapped up to hide their identities. Participants then bid, sight unseen, on what they believe is in each package. Sounds like fun!

Bridgette says she really loves jazz but her school band is so tiny – just 13 musicians – that she gets to play performance pieces only at jazz festivals. Meanwhile, she works one-on-one with her high school music teacher, Bonnie Atkinson, to hone her skills. She also participates in chorus with Nadine Baker. Bridgette’s guidance counselor, Cara Crillo, suggested she apply. Her principal, Mr. Tim Reynolds said that they are very proud of Bridgette!

All are invited to participate in the auction or mail donations to the church to support Koch’s tuition. Centre Street Congregational Church, Centre Street, Machias, ME 04654. Please join me in wishing Bridgette the best of luck!

Information for this post was taken from Bangor Daily News, May 26, 2009, article written by Sharon Kiley Mack.

$1,000 given by MAC on first come, first serve request!

Will Whitham Maine's 2009 State Poetry Out Loud champion Kegly Photo

The Maine Arts Commission wants to further enrich the student/poet interaction in Maine’s school. Building upon the recently successful Poetry Out Loud competition the Maine Arts Commission is offering schools up to $1,000 to bring a poet into their classrooms before July 1, 2009.

The money should fund a poet to come into your class and give a workshop or short residency, or you might bring in a poet to do a creative writing workshop.

Here’s is what to do: 1) decide the type of workshop you need 2) contact the artist to determine availability, cost and scheduling arrangements 3) Click here to find list of artists 4) Contact Paul Faria to set up the details. paul.faria@maine.gov or call him 287-2790.

Very limited opportunity, first come, first served. Don’t delay!

What is happening in Maine with standards based education?

I know you’re never supposed to open with an apology when you speak or share information but this blog post is going to be a bit longer than usual because it is meant to help clarify and give you a picture of where we are with standards based education in Maine. Please take the time to read through and yes, I apologize for the length.

A LITTLE HISTORY
For years we’ve heard about “standards based education”. We created the Maine Learning Results (MLR-standards document) in 1997 (fondly known as the purple book) and in 2007 the Department, by order of the legislature, revised the standards. The visual and performing arts (dance, music, theatre, visual arts) are part of the Maine Learning Results: Parameters for Essential Instruction. You won’t find this document printed (no more purple book) because you can access it online at http://www.maine.gov/education/lres/pei/index.html

WHERE WE ARE TODAY
During the past two months the Department’s PK-20 team (those individuals responsible for instruction and assessment) have been engrossed in learning about a system called RISC, Reinventing Schools Coalition http://www.reinventingschools.org/, that delivers the promise of a standards based system.

DEFINING STANDARDS BASED
Before I tell you more about RISC I want to help define “standards based”. Many school administrative units are using a standards based report card system. This documents student progress based on their accomplishments of the standards. If this is the only change a district has made this is actually a “standards referenced system”, not standards based. So what is the difference? (You’re probably thinking, OK Nestor, get to the point!) In a standards based system students do not move onto to the next level of learning until they have completed the level of learning they are at. In other words accomplished the standard, really learning before moving on to the next concept.

MOVING AHEAD
When we created the original MLR document and revised them in 2007 (yes, I was there for both of those experiences as an art teacher) we agreed that ONLY what we truly want kids to know and be able to do be included in the document. I haven’t spoken to any dance, music, theater or visual arts teacher who doesn’t agree that the revised MLR’s are a better working well developed document. All arts teachers had the opportunity (and are expected to) have a local curriculum that is aligned with the MLR’s. (Yes, we are no longer using the purple book, recreate it into something else).

I know some arts educators have not aligned curriculum with the 2007 MLR’s or perhaps think that the MLR’s will go away. If you are one of those people, it is time to hop on the bus and move forward. This is about the kids and insuring that all students leave our K-12 systems prepared with an arts education.

RISC CONFERENCE IN MAINE
Two weeks ago the Department invited school administrative units to bring teams to a conference to learn more about the RISC model. The conference presented an overview of the RISC model and was facilitated by Wendy Batino and Rick Schreiber, and a team of students and educators. About 275 attended the three-day conference. In order for RISC to completely work, all the stakeholders in a school district need to be part of the learning and transforming. This includes students, parents, school board and other community members, teachers and administration.

In the model the student is at the center of education. From a very young age the student understands the goals are and are working towards accomplishment of the goals. The goals are the standards and students move through each level as they exhibit their learning of the standard.

SCORING GUIDES
Scoring guides (rubrics) are used as part of the system. In November of 2008, Dr. Robert Marzano from Marzano Associates in Colorado, traveled to Maine for the curriculum leaders conference and gave the keynote. He suggested that scoring guides be created on the state level and be made available to local school districts to measure the accomplishments of the standards. We are beginning the work this week.

Where do scoring guides fit into the RISC model or standards based systems? The scoring guides will contain the Performance Indicators. Teachers can use them to measure if students are accomplishing each of the standards that are aligned within your curriculum.

Some of you might be thinking…. Isn’t this a state curriculum? No, it is not. A state curriculum would dictate what and how you teach. That is up to you. Remember, if your local curriculum is aligned with the MRL’s then you have the local control of what and how you teach. The scoring guides will help you measure what you’ve taught and what kids have learned. The scoring guides are plugging in the performance indicators.

NEXT STEPS
So, what are the next steps? Those who attended the statewide conference may apply to be a pilot site for the RISC model. And, on May 27, 2009 a team of 15 arts educators will begin creating the scoring guides with Marzano Associates. This work will continue for 2 days in the summer and is slated to finish on October 7, 2009.
If you want to learn more about the RISC model I suggest you obtain a copy of “Delivering on the Promise”, available at http://www.solution-tree.com/ I will continue to provide you with information as the scoring guides are developed by arts educators. The Department will be seeking feedback on the scoring guides in late fall or early winter.

As we move forward with this work PLEASE keep abreast of what is happening since the arts will be part of this important work. We need to insure that this work in arts education is an integral part of each school administrative units work. If you have questions or comments please post them here on the blog or feel free to email me separately!

The progression of the season!

The hummingbirds have returned to my neighborhood as you can see (if you look closely) in this photo I took about 10 feet from the feeder. I love watching them light on the edge of the feeder to take a rest and some nourishment. Someone has designed this feeder so it really gives them a chance to be still.

I so enjoy the purples and whites of the lilacs and the blooms of the apple trees.

While on a walk this weekend we saw a Broadwing Hawk that was being chased by a Robin. You can image what the hawk had been up to.

Upcoming high school student exhibit March 2010

This is an early announcement of a juried show called A Matter of Conscious at Harlow Gallery in Hallowell, scheduled for March 2010 for high school students. All art work needs to be three-dimensional with the theme Social Commentary. The art may be wall hung, pedestal or floor displayed. Work must fit through an average doorway.

Count on Me Obama Bank by Cheryl Harper

Cheryl Harper, a curator and social commentary artist from Pennsylvania, will be the juror.

The art show covers the standards of the Maine Learning Results: B1 Media Skills, B3 Making Media, B4 Exhibition and C1 Application of Creative Process. The exhibition is open to all high school students in the state of Maine and is being organized by Cheryl Herr-Rains, Gardiner High School art teacher. This is a follow-up to her Maine Arts Teachers Fellowship award she received last year.

Applications will be submitted via the internet with no application fee. Cash prizes will be awarded. More information will be announced in the future. If you have questions please contact Cheryl at cherrrains@sad11.k12.me.us.

A warm day at USM and lots of positive energy!

Chorus under the direction of Ysaye M. Barnwell

The All State Conference and Festival on the USM Gorham campus was filled with positive energy in spite of the very warm temperatures! I had goosebumps while watching and listening the high school students practice. There were a total of 433 students involved. 244 were in the chorus, 83 in the orchestra, 103 in the band from a total of 88 school administrative units.

We know these students did not arrive there without the help and guidance of their music teacher. The coordination and time commitment of the Maine Music Educators Association on this yearly event is HUGE! A great big THANK YOU to Ted Nokes and Nancy Cash-Cobb who gave hours and hours of their time paying attention to so many details. And to the managers who are phenomenal being available for the students and conductors. And to all the board members who helped with the numerous tasks. YOU are awesome!

Lunchtime at All State

Late in the day I had several teachers attend my session called: “It’s About the Arts: G/T, HS Grad., Syllabus, Technology, and More”. Many good questions came up around gifted and talented programs, statewide scoring guides, and the syllabus work. Just a reminder that there are many good resources on the arts ed webpages at the Department that you can find by clicking here.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to return for the rest of the conference or the performances. I understand the student performances held on Saturday at Windham High School were excellent! I am sure the students, teachers and parents were very proud! Click here to see pictures of All State.

Hopes for America

Two articles written by Jocelyn Noveck and Marlina Davis respectively, recently appeared on the AP and included information on President and Mrs. Obama’s beliefs about the arts and education.

The First Lady was in New York City not to long ago to tour federal agencies. While there she stopped into the Metropolitan Museum of Art to help re0pen its new American wing. Mrs. Obama said that she and the president “hope to give America’s children better access to the arts”.

When being introduced the First Lady was reminded that she and the President went to a museum on their first date. She went on to say “The arts are not just a nice thing to have or to do if there is free time or if one can afford it. Rather, paintings and poetry, music and fashion, design and dialogue, they all define who we are as a people and provide an account of our history for the next generation.”

The same evening, the first lady went to the American Ballet Theatre’s spring gala at the Metropolitan Opera House along with Caroline Kennedy and addressed the audience with “learning through the arts reinforces critical academic skills in reading, language arts and math and provides students with the skills to creatively solve problems.”

President Obama has proposed a policy to increase federal support for the arts that include additional funds for the National Endowment of the Arts and efforts to expand partnerships between schools and arts organizations. The First Couple believes “arts education is essential for building innovative thinkers who will be our nation’s leaders for tomorrow.”

If the First Lady came to your school what would you want to say to her about arts education? Please add your comment here!

Senior Shelby Black works with elementary art class for her senior project

Shelby with first graders

Student artwork from Mrs. Copp’s first grade Paris Elementary class was featured as the final state of OHCHS student Shelby Black’s senior project. Shelby’s project was based on the importance of arts education to prepare students for the Conceptual Age economy and workforce.

Black’s project entitled “Inspiration Celebration: Preparing Children for the Conceptual Age” for cused on teh importance of arts education in the core curriculum. Black’s project was overseen by the Western Maine Art Group as part of a year-long internship with the nonprofit arts organization in Norway.

Black said: “I have learned how important art is, especially in education. I believe that art isn’t just something to enjoy. It is something fundamentally important to humanity and we should do everything that we can to ensure that all students experience arts education in preparation for the Conceptual Age.

In her research Shelby learned that the world is shifting from an information-based economy to a Conceptual Age where right-brain skills such as creativity, innovation, and design contribute more heavily to the global market place. These right-brain skills are developed through arts education which is the foundation of Black’s project illuminating the critical need of arts education in the core curriculum.

Black will continue her studies next year by majoring in International Studies and Theatre at Elmira College in New York. For more information on Shelby’s project and the Western Maine Art Group please click here. If you have students who are using the arts in their senior projects please share the information here.

KIDS Consortium offers training

You’ve either had your students involved in service learning or you’ve heard about it. The Obama administration has promoted reaching out and becoming involved in your community, giving of yourself to help make the world a better place.

The KIDS Consortium is offering a summer service learning institute for educators. Arts educators for years have had students involved in service learning, we just never called it that. Here is an opportunity to take the community involvement you do to another level. There are funds available for service learning projects. This learning opportunity will include the opportunity for you to learn more about some of the funds that are available for service learning.

Heres the details:

• August 11-14, 2009, Hilton Garden Inn Riverwatch, Auburn
• Practical, hands-on course designed to help K-12 educators create standards based units with authentic application for students
• Earn 2 or 3 graduate credits (optional) through Salem State College/Northeast Consortium. Reasonable rates!
• The unit you create will be ready for school in September
• Scholarships available
• Registration fee: $500 which includes 4 days of instruction, KIDS as Planners Guidebook, resources and strategies for designing, implementing, and assessing quality service-learning projects, breakfast and lunch

You can learn more by clicking here. Questions? Please contact Terri Marin @ 784-0956 or tmarin@kidsconsortium.org

Share here your experiences with service learning projects by clicking on Comments.

Last chance to participate: Census Closes May 31, 2009

“Doing the Census helped to broaden my view of what my program could include. I am a new teacher and the survey really made me think what I wanted to offer students and how to get the money for it.” Penny Ricker, K-8 Visual Arts Teacher, Blue Hill Consolidated School

For the past year, we have been collecting information from Maine arts educators so we begin to understand and document the state of our field – what we have and what we need. Every bit of hard data helps us make the case for strengthening public and legislative support and funding to strengthen arts education programs. To those of you who have taken the time to fill out your survey, thanks! For those of you who haven’t , it’s not too late. You have until midnight, SUNDAY, MAY 31ST! Now is the time to participate and ensure that your voice is heard and your school is represented!

The survey takes about 45 minutes and can be accessed on the website of the Maine Alliance for Arts Education at http://www.maineartseducation.org or by clicking here. Scroll down on the right-hand column on the home page for instructions, the survey, and treats for all who complete the survey. Or, if you’d reather fill out a hard copy, please email your request to Jen Ryan at Jen_Ryan@pz.harvard.edu.

Thanks for participating in this important work for Maine arts education!

Post submitted by Carol Trimble, Executive Director, Maine Alliance for Arts Education