Archive for February, 2012

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In Today’s News

February 21, 2012

Waterville student’s portrait selected for screen saver

In today’s, February 21, 2012 edition of the Morning Sentinel, writer Erin Rhoda captured the story of Waterville High School artist Margaret Robe. Margaret’s self-portrait was selected as one of the 20 screen savers that will go on the 72,000 MLTI laptops for 2012-13.

I didn’t realize when I saw the photo of the image that the artwork is 7 feet by 4 feet in size. Pretty amazing! For the past five years Margaret has had chronic pain disorder reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome. She created the self-portrait to communicate and help make others become aware of the disorder.

You can read the entire article by clicking here and read about and view the other student images that were selected for the MLTI laptops by clicking here.

Posted in Communication, Visual Arts, YAHOO | Tagged , , | Leave a Comment »

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National Endowment for the Arts Webcast

February 21, 2012

Arts Education Standards & Assessment Focus of National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Roundtable and Webcast

On Valentine’s Day the NEA held an all-day webcast that was very interesting and engaging. The panels scheduled throughout the day shared relevant information to arts education. Many of the points made and the information shared about standards and assessment, Maine is either involved with doing or it is on our radar to explore or to put in place.

A recording of the entire day is scheduled to be available starting today, February 21, 2012 at this link http://www.arts.gov/research/convenings.html. At this link you can download the report (listed as National studey of arts educadtional assessment tools and strategies) NEA had released prior to the webcast: Improving the Assessment of Student Learning in the Arts – State of the Field and Recommendations. Also available is the agenda for the day, and information about the individuals who participated on the panels.

The following is information that provides an overview of what occurred during the day.

As the field of educational assessment advances, and as alternatives to standardized tests emerge, the tools used to evaluate student learning, such as portfolio reviews, are beginning to gain greater currency. Given this development, it is even more important to examine arts educational standards and assessment tools to ensure that arts learning can become a vital force for enhancing 21st -century skills. This is the first time that the NEA has taken a comprehensive look at this issue via the roundtable, webcast, and new research report, Improving the Assessment of Student Learning in the Arts: State of the Field and Recommendations.

NEA Chairman Rocco Landesman and the U.S. Department of Education Assistant Deputy Secretary for Innovation and Improvement James H. Shelton III opened the roundtable. Following the welcome, a series of panels and presentations examined the latest trends, current practices, and future directions for arts learning standards and assessment methods.

Commissioned by the NEA from the evaluation firm WestEd, this national research report describes the current state of arts learning assessment tools and techniques. It provides a description of the current state of arts assessment from the perspective of two groups of stakeholders: district and school staff as one group, and policy-makers, arts organizations, and researchers as a second group. That report includes a literature review and an examination of stakeholders’ experiences with assessment, common practices, and needs of the field as identified by stakeholders.

Below are some of the quotes that I found that resonate with the work we are doing in the Maine Arts Assessment Initiative:

  • Stuart Elliott (Director, Board on Testing and Assessment (BOTA) of the National Research Council): “Standards don’t make a difference, implementation does“.
  • Sammy Hoi (Otis College of Art and Design): “Three keys: 1) Understand change 2) Shift from goods to services and 3) Readiness to solve problems
  • Dennie Palmer Wolf (Wolf/Brown Associates) : “When we talk about the arts we need to look at the long haul as well. Cultural change takes a fairly long time.”
  • Phil Shephard (Project Manager, National Core Arts Standards): “The National Core Arts Standards will include a web-based environment with teacher practice examples, student portfolios, and the ability to make changes to the document so it won’t become stagnant.”
  • Nancy Rubino (College Board): “The research we did for the National Coalition for Core Arts Standards including the review of arts standards from 15 countries – research structures, learning outcomes, guiding principals, and where possible assessment strategies. Noteworthy was learning outcomes that featured students connections to other avenues. China art and emotion and art and culture and art and science.  Also, attitudes and values, connect the arts to real learning contexts”.
  • Unknown: “Arts ed is prepared to lead the way when it comes to educational reform.”

I hope you will download the WestEd report to learn how it can inform your communication and decision-making at the local level around teaching, learning and assessment in the arts.

I don’t recall who said this but I do love it: CCO – Chief Creative Officer – Arts Teachers!

Posted in assessment, Food for thought, Standards, VPA | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

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2012-13 Laptop Screensaver

February 20, 2012

“Paper Cut Design” by Margot Andreasen, Portland High School, Grade 9

Artwork announced

Twenty student artists will have an audience of more than 72,000 students and teachers for their artwork starting this fall. The 20 students from across Maine have won the honor to have their artwork included in the Maine Learning Technology Initiative laptop screensaver for the 2012-13 school year.

“Ocean’s Edge” by Samantha Dole, Lake Region High School, Grade 12

“Elysium” by Kathy Truong, Memorial Middle School, Grade 8

More than 380 Maine students submitted images to be considered for the 2012-13 screensaver. Students and teachers voted on their favorites, and two of the 20 featured works were the top vote getters. An independent panel of three judges selected the other 18 pieces.

Many of the images are photographs, though several students used pencil, paint, clay and other media to create their images.

“The arts are an essential part of the student experience in Maine. The arts offer students the opportunities they need to explore their passions, discover their talents and apply their creativity,” said Education Commissioner Stephen Bowen. “I’m thrilled that we can celebrate student artwork, and wed it with technology, in this way.”

The Maine Learning Technology Initiative, or MLTI, equips all Maine seventh- and eighth-grade students, more than half of the state’s high school students, and all middle- and high-school teachers and administrators with Apple laptops. The devices all come with a standard set of educational software and the screensaver of student artwork.

The Maine Learning Technology Initiative also provides educators with frequent professional development to help them maximize the benefits of technology in the classroom.

The screensaver contest is an annual affair that has attracted entries from more than 1,000 students during its four-year history. The winning students will receive free registration to attend the 2012 MLTI Student Conference this spring at the University of Maine in Orono.

The winners are listed below. Their artwork is available for viewing at: http://www.maine.gov/mlti/about/photos.shtml.

  • “Put Out the Fire” by Margaret Robe, Waterville Senior High School, Grade 12
  • “Deep Space” by TomHenry Reagan, Middle School of the Kennebunks, Grade 8
  • “Haze” by Alexa Bonsey, Mount Desert Island High School, Grade 11
  • “Array of Colors” by Emma Soucek, Mount Desert Island High School, Grade 10
  • “Twilight River” by Olivia Correa, Dexter Regional High School, Grade 10
  • “Circle Sunset” by John Norwood, Trenton Elementary School, Grade 7
  • “Triceratops” by Brian Edward Williamson, Rangelely Lakes Regional School, Grade 4
  • “Mix” by Flannery McAdam, Portland High School, Grade 9
  • “Galloping Along the Shore” by Megan Anderson, Portland High School, Grade 11
  • “Scratchboard Train Scene” by Jona Odulio, Portland High School, Grade 10
  • “Paper Cut Design” by Margot Andreasen, Portland High School, Grade 9
  • “Different Perspective” by Amanda Fogerty, Houlton High School, Grade 12
  • “Leaves” by Ketty Stinson, Brunswick Junior High School, Grade 7
  • “Emotion?” by Zanna Spinney, Kennebunk High School, Grade 9
  • “Creative Keys” by Kai McGee, Westbrook Middle School, Grade 8
  • “Ocean’s Edge” by Samantha Dole, Lake Region High School, Grade 12
  • “Morning Mist” by Natasha Touchette, Lake Region High School, Grade 12
  • “Cada Uno Es Hermoso” by Julia Mace, Tremont Elementary School, Grade 8
  • “Elysium” by Kathy Truong, Memorial Middle School, Grade 8
  • “Moose” by Marie Jarowicz, Kennebunk High School, Grade 10

All Maine Department of Education news releases can be found online at:
http://mainedoenews.net/category/news-views/press-releases/.

“Different Perspective” by Amanda Fogerty, Houlton High School, Grade 12

To view all the images please click here or click on 2012-13 MLTI Screen Saver Images under “Info”, on the bottom right side of the front page of the meartsed blog.

Posted in Creativity, Curriculum and Instruction, Visual Arts, YAHOO | Tagged , , | Leave a Comment »

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Theater at Monmouth

February 19, 2012

April and May calendar filled with student opps

“I have seen many of this theater’s school productions and they are always entertaining as well as containing some sort of message. It’s a great way to get the theater arts into schools”, states music educator Cynthia McGuire.

This year, the elementary school production is “The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship” adapted by Bill Van Horn based on the Russian folktale by Andrew Lang. In the story, the fool sets of on an adventure to change his life.  Along the way he learns the power of believing in yourself, the value of friendship, and the importance of following your dreams.

Also touring is a 50-minute adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.”  This play is recommended for students in grades 6-9. Schools may choose to bring the productions to their hometown or take a field trip to historic Cumston Hall in beautiful Monmouth, Maine.

Information on the dates, plays, and workshops is available at this link:

http://www.theateratmonmouth.org/page-to-stage_brochure2012.pdf

If you are interested in learning more or if you have questions, please email producing director, Dawn McAndrews’ at dawn@theateratmonmouth.org.

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Music Workshop with Steve Garton

February 18, 2012

Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) free workshop

Steve presenting in Union

I had the opportunity to attend Steve Garton’s music education workshop in Union not to long ago with 21 music teachers from around the state. Steve has a lot to offer arts educators, as many of you learned in his presentation Rock ‘n Roll Assessment at the October 2011 statewide arts education conference Arts Teachers Lead the Way… Back to the Future: Arts Assessment For Learning. Maine is fortunate to have Steve working at the Maine Department of Education as the Coordinator of Educational Technology. His roles and responsibilities MLTI are numerous so I am thrilled that he is offering a free workshop for music teachers who are interested in integrating more technology in their teaching practice. The workshop has occurred in 4 locations in Maine and one more is scheduled at this time. The information is below. The workshop is designed primarily for middle and high school music teachers, but all are welcome.

Date/Location:
March 21st – Penobscot Valley High School

Agenda:
8:00 – 9:00: Keynote – Steve Garton: The Art of Technology in Music
9:00 – 11:30: Hands-on workshop: Pushing the Limits of Garage Band
11:30 – 11:45: Jim Wells – A Remote Musical Tribute Using Garage Band (A very cool global interactive musical project)
11:45 – 12:45: Lunch (on your own)
12:45 – 1:15: A Different Look at Musical Assessment Using Technology
1:15 – 2:00: Music Notation on the Computer (A comparison and appropriate use of MuseScore, Garageband, Sibelius, and Finale for different scoring needs.)
2:00 – 2:45: Music Educator Round Table: Teaching with Technology (discussion and sharing of current practices, ideas, challenges, needs for PD, etc.)
2:45 – 3:00: Wrap-up and Evaluation

Please bring your MLTI device, head phones. Participants will receive a certificate for 6 contact hours.
Each session is limited to 25 participants.

A link to online registration can be found at http://www.maine.gov/mlti/events

Mike Burd, Technology Instructor/Integrator RSU 9, played for a demo with Steve at Mt. Ararat

Bio: Steve Garton is the Coordinator of Educational Technology for the Maine Department of Education. He provides oversight and logistical support for Maine’s education technology programs with a primary focus on the Maine Learning Technology Initiative providing 1-to-1 computing for the students in Maine.

Music teachers Beverly Pacheco and Angela Johnson, RSU13

He received his bachelor’s degrees in Piano Performance from Eastern Illinois University and Math from Slippery Rock University. His Masters is in Educational Technology from Youngstown State University.

Steve was able to navigate the dual life of a serious musician paying his way through school as a keyboard player in local bands. He was fortunate to be involved in the evolution of music technology as the keyboard players were always pushing the envelope of integration and acceptance. From the humble 16 channels of MIDI that were difficult to synch up, Steve’s studio now runs 512 MIDI channels controlling ten physical keyboards and countless virtual instruments as well as 96 channels of digital audio.

Steve believes that all musicians need to have an understanding of where the technology is today. He also believes that music is in the heart, the soul, and the practice studio. Technology does not make music, it allows us more options and easier ways to create, capture, and share what we do. It would be difficult today to have a career in music that did not involve technology in some way.

Steve has been involved in music in about as wide a range as you can get. From playing the Brahms first piano concerto with an orchestra to having no address for two years as he traveled the country playing top forty tunes five hours a night, six nights a week. He sold pianos and organs in Florida and can play “Somewhere My Love” and juggle at the same time. He was an assistant band director for five years and even assumed the head role for a playoff season that went to the state championship. He even received a few technical fouls with the pep band. He was musical director for 13 plays at Sharon High School and did a lot of arranging for the Warren Philharmonic Orchestra. He likes to sit around the house and play the acoustic guitar while watching amazing musical videos on YouTube.

Come spend a day and share with a like-minded group of people as we talk about the state and proper use of technology in music today.

Posted in assessment, Curriculum and Instruction, Music, Professional Development, Research, Standards Based Education | Tagged , , | Leave a Comment »

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National Art Honor Society

February 17, 2012

Belfast High School

The National Art Honor Society Chapter at Belfast Area High School held its first annual Family Fun Night on February 1st and from all reports it was a huge success! Art teacher, Heidi O’Donnell’s students rose to the occasion by planning and carrying out a fun event.

The three side-by-side art rooms and adjacent gallery space were set up for a variety of activities for all ages. People could try their hands at throwing a bowl on the wheel, building a coil project, photograms in the darkroom, polymer beads (with guest artist, Barb Berry-Palm), animation (with guest artist Jay Hoagland), finger painting, a food art contest with pieces created by the students from the Introduction to Art class, and an enjoyable cookie decorating station.

Thirty one honor society students, 4 art teachers, 60+ students, and 30+ parents participated. Participants left with happy faces! For more photos of the event pleaase click here.

Posted in Community, Leadership, Visual Arts | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment »

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Van Gogh’s Starry Night

February 16, 2012

Technology infused into a favorite painting

Artist Petros Vrellis utilized technology to create Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night painting into a “light and sound show”. The swirling circular lines and shapes begin to dance across the screen. It has always been a favorite painting of mine, perhaps because in grade 3 my sons both created their rendition in art class and I have them framed in my home. If you’d like to watch please click here.

Posted in Creativity, Media Arts, VPA | Tagged , , | Leave a Comment »

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What’s New at Maine Alliance for Arts Education?

February 15, 2012

MAAE undertakes Strategic Positioning process

As Maine Alliance for Arts Education heads into its next decade and prepares to hire a new executive director, the Board sees this as a perfect time to engage in strategic positioning. In 2011, MAAE was selected to participate in the Maine Nonprofit Viability Program held at University of Maine in June. Under Carol Trimble’s leadership, MAAE’s board members completed an organizational self-assessment survey and a two-day workshop. With support through a grant from the Betterment Fund, MAAE has now entered into an expanded version of the self-assessment and Nonprofit Viability process to determine where the organization should be headed in coming years and to build capacity to move forward and sustain its programs and services.

Drew Watt of Common Good Ventures will lead the Board in developing and carrying out a Strategic Positioning Process that will include facilitated sessions and input from MAAE board members, as well as from key stakeholders, constituents, and advisors, including representatives from the Maine Department of Education, the Maine Arts Commission, arts educators, legislators, parents, students, and artists. From the information collected in these sessions, Watt will lead the Board in creating a strategic plan that guides MAAE’s work and funding in the coming three years and informs the hiring of the new executive director.

In November 2011, Carol Trimble, Executive Director of the Maine Alliance for Arts Education for the past 10 years, announced that she would leave that position at the end of December.

If you have questions or comments about the future of MAAE’s role in arts education in Maine please feel free to contact Interim Director, Gail Scott at gail.scott@maine.rr.com.

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Update: Arts Assessment Courses Available

February 14, 2012

Jackie McTigue, Glenburn and Sue Beaulier, Ashland look at student exemplars

Bangor and Augusta

In January, a group of visual art educators met with faculty instructor, Catherine Ring, to begin a course in Refining Arts Assessment in the Visual Art Classroom in Bangor.  This was a great opportunity to bring together art educators who really do not have a lot of time to collaborate with each other. Looking at student art work, sharing how to assess student work according to standards, and participating in some very lively discussions were the name of the game. Many wonderful resources and ideas were shared. Participants are looking forward to more rich dialogue, and exciting discoveries of things they can do to improve student learning in Visual Art classrooms around Maine!

Katy Helman, Deer Isle-Stoningon and other art teachers in an animated discussion of student work

Does this partially meet, meet, or exceed proficiency?  How do we know our students are learning concepts and skills?  Are we teaching through standards-based instruction?  How do we measure creativity?  How does an art teacher balance the need to teach art skills and techniques and still encourage student ownership and creativity?   These are just some of the questions teachers tackled in the recent class in Bangor.  If you missed that opportunity, another course at Falmouth High School is happening on March 9, 10 and May 4 and 5.  There are still some openings in that class, though they are filling up fast!  Be sure to save a spot by registering for the course: Refining Arts Education in the Visual Art Classroom K-12 at Falmouth High School.

To register for upcoming courses, contact Catherine Ring (207) 367-5807 or visit the New England Institute for Teacher Education at www.newenglandinstitute.org.

Jake Sturtevant presents on Standards-Based Instruction in the Music Room

On February 10, faculty instructor, Jake Sturtevant, greeted music educators from Deer Isle, Millinocket, Waterville, and Nobleboro in the first session of the course, Refining Assessment in the Music Classroom, at the Arboretum in Augusta. Jake presented on standards-based teaching in the music room, shared many resources (including ways to use technology) and fielded questions from how to give grades in a standards-based classroom to when to use formative and summative assessments. Jake is a Teacher Leader with the Maine Arts Assessment Initiative and has led seminars on music assessment at conferences and regional workshops around Maine.

Sue Barre, Waterville, Eileen York, Deer Isle, and Kris Vigue, Millinocket

These teacher-friendly courses are held in two weekend sessions and are offered for three graduate credits through the New England Institute’s partnership with Endicott College. If you are interested in bringing an arts assessment course to your area, please contact Catherine Ring, Executive Director, New England Institute for Teacher Education, PO Box 460, Stonington, Maine 04681 (207) 367-5807 or visit the website www.newenglandinstitute.org.

Thank you to Catherine Ring, member of the Maine Arts Assessment Initiative Leadership team, for contributing this blog post.

Posted in assessment, Curriculum and Instruction, Leadership, Music, Professional Development, Standards Based Education, Visual Arts | Tagged , , | Leave a Comment »

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The Core Priorities of Maine

February 13, 2012

“Education Evolving: Maine’s Plan for Putting Learners First”

The Commissioner of Education, Steven Bowen, recently released the Department of Education strategic plan. The plan is organized into the following core priorities and subcategories. Goals, objectives and action steps accompany each in the body of the strategic plan.

The information below is also posted on this page: http://www.maine.gov/education/plan/priorities.html

Effective, Learner-Centered Instruction

  1. Rigorous standards and aligned curricula
  2. Learner-centered instructional practices
  3. Assessment systems that provide timely, accurate data on achievement and growth
  4. Information systems that track learner growth over time

Great Teachers and Leaders

  1. Common standards for teacher and leader effectiveness
  2. Initial preparation and professional development programs that are rigorous, relevant, and data driven
  3. Next-generation evaluation systems for teachers and leaders
  4. Communities of practice designed to foster continuous improvement

Multiple Pathways for Learner Achievement

  1. Advancement based on demonstration of mastery
  2. Student voice and choice in the demonstration of learning
  3. Expanded learning options
  4. “Anytime, anywhere” learning

Comprehensive School and Community Supports

  1. Effective and efficient services for learners with special needs
  2. Coordinated health and wellness programs
  3. A commitment to community and family engagement
  4. Career and workforce partnerships

Coordinated and Effective State Support

  1. Seamless integration of educational programs from early childhood into adulthood
  2. Adequate and equitable state resources for Maine’s schools
  3. Comprehensive integration of technology
  4. A robust and transparent accountability and improvement system

You can read more details about the plan at http://www.maine.gov/education/education_evolving/about.html

Posted in Communication, Curriculum and Instruction, Leadership, Standards Based Education, Uncategorized, VPA | Leave a Comment »

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