Archive for the ‘Research’ Category

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Those Amazing Presenters!

October 15, 2015

Different format provides info for all

The Biennial Statewide conference provided a unique format with 5X5 presentations – our version of Pecha Kucha. Each of the workshop session leaders presented for 5 minutes using 5-8 slides. These took place during the morning of the Measure of Success conference which gave participants a chance to hear and see and appetizer of 9 different topics.

On top of providing the workshops each of the presenters put together a plethora of resources and they are available to all of you! When you go there you will be totally blown away at the amazing resources they collected which are now living at http://www.maineartsassessment.com/#!measure-of-success-conference/chki. DON’T miss them.

During the afternoon of the conference presenters jumped into the 9 topics by providing hour and 15 minute sessions on the following:

  • Studio Habits of Mind: Using the “Hidden Curriculum” to Encourage Student Autonomy with Visual Arts Teachers Theresa Cerceo from Dr. Levesque Elementary, Wisdom Middle/High School and Janie Snider from Hancock Grammar School

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  • Making Maine and ME with Visual Arts Teacher Jennie Driscoll from Brunswick High School

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  • Evaluating Individual Proficiency within the Large Ensemble with Music Teacher Jen Etter from York Middle School
  • Dancing with the Creative Process: How to incorporate standards-based dance and movement activities in classroom learning and assessment with Dancer, Educator, and Teaching Artist John Morris

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  • In the Midst of Madness with Music Teacher Jen Nash from Sabasticook Valley Middle School, Dance Teacher MaryEllen Schaper from Bonny Eagle Middle School, and Associate Professor, Educational Leadership from USM Jeff Beaudry, Ph.D.

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  • Empathy, Kindness and Wonder, Arts Integration at Work with the Director and Founder of Sweet Tree Arts Lindsay Pinchbeck
  • Brains on Fire: How Research on the Brain Can Inform Arts Education with the Executive Director of the New England Institute for Teacher Education Catherine Ring
  • From Cool to Tool: Technology Integration with Student Learning in Mind with Music Teacher  Kate Smith from Central School in South Berwick, and Mt. Blue High School in Farmington Teacher Dan Ryder

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  • Proficiency Based Learning: An Advocacy Story Music Teacher Rob Westerberg from York High School 
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A GREAT big thank you to each of the presenters for the 9 sessions. YOU were truly amazing!

Please note: On August 3, 2015, MAAI, the Maine Arts Assessment Initiative, announced its new name, MALI, the Maine Arts Leadership Initiative. MALI is a program of the Maine Arts Commission. You can read about it at https://meartsed.wordpress.com/2015/08/09/maai-goes-to-mali/. Please email Argy Nestor if you have any questions at argy.nestor@maine.gov.

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Car is Packed

October 8, 2015

Headed for the biennial conference

carAfter months of preparation that involved dozens of people we are really READY for the Biennial Statewide Arts Education Conference The Measure of Success. Today, with a car chock full of all that is needed, I head to Point Lookout Conference Center in Northport to set up for the conference being held tomorrow, Friday, October 9.

The 9 workshop leaders have prepared their 5X5s (5 minutes, 5 images), a long list of resources that will go live tomorrow morning, and their hour and 15 minute workshops. No small feat, of which I know will be incredible offerings for those in attendance! Arts integration, standards-based, creativity, student-centered, assessment, brain research, advocacy, teacher effectiveness, technology, and so much more will be covered, discussed, and unpacked. By the end of the day participants will have at least a handful of ideas that they will walk away with that can be put into practice come next Tuesday morning in their individual classrooms, schools, and districts.

The day will be filled with celebrations, recognitions, and multiple learning and networking opportunities! YOU’ve spoken to the Maine Arts Leadership Initiative (MALI) and we’ve done our best to listen and create another professional learning opportunity that I hope will be challenging and enjoyable!

Without the many people who have contributed to the planning, tomorrow would not be possible. A GREAT BIG THANK YOU to all of you who have stepped up!

What??? You haven’t pre-registered? Well, you are in luck – arrive at Point Lookout tomorrow morning, Friday, October 9, by 8:30 and you can register at the door. Please be sure and bring a check, PO, or credit card! And, if you are available today you are welcome to come early and help unpack the car! YAHOOOOOO for Arts Education!

If you have questions please email me at argy.nestor@maine.gov.

Please note: On August 3, 2015, MAAI, the Maine Arts Assessment Initiative, announced its new name, MALI, the Maine Arts Leadership Initiative. MALI is a program of the Maine Arts Commission. You can read about it at https://meartsed.wordpress.com/2015/08/09/maai-goes-to-mali/. Please email Argy Nestor if you have any questions at argy.nestor@maine.gov.

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Last Chance to Register

October 6, 2015

The Measure of Success conference

Screen Shot 2015-10-05 at 9.27.24 PMThere is still time and space to register for the Biennial Arts Education Conference: The Measure of Success being held this Friday, October 9 at the Point Lookout Conference Center in Northport. It is bound to provide great opportunities for learning, networking, and celebrations. If you have not registered, you have one more day at http://mainearts.maine.gov/Pages/Education/Biennial-Statewide-Register. The cost today is $100. If you want to wait until Friday, walk-in registration is available at the door for $125.00. Make checks payable to Great Gatherings or pay with cash!

Maine Arts Education: The Measure of Success conference participants will:

  • Participate in a dynamic format of 5 x 5 presentations (9 topics, 5 minutes, 5 images).
  • Attend arts education workshops that are facilitated by colleagues.
  • Explore assessment methods and strategies designed to expand teaching and learning the proficiency-based education environment.
  • Build connections among the arts disciplines: dance, media arts, music, theatre and visual art.
  • Provide networking opportunities.
  • Learn more about creativity, literacy, authentic assessment, technology, and much more!

We are putting the finishing touches on the cake, running around completing the last minute details, and look forward to seeing you on Friday!

If you have any questions please email me at argy.nestor@maine.gov.

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Foundation Report on Music Education

September 19, 2015

Parents and Teachers in Harmony

A nationwide study of 1,000 teachers and 800 parents finds strong support for music education at all grade levels. “Striking a Chord: The Public’s Hopes and Beliefs for K-12 Music Education in the United States 2015”.

The survey conducted in January-February 2015:

  • Seventy-seven percent of teachers and 64 percent of parents agree that music and arts education are “extremely important” or “very important.”
  • Eighty-seven percent of teachers and 81 percent of parents believe children should have a chance to learn to play musical instruments as early as elementary school.
  • Sixty-three percent of teachers and 57 percent of parents believe music education should be a required subject in middle school.

Read the article and download the report at https://www.nammfoundation.org/articles/striking-chord-hopes-and-beliefs-k-12-music-education.

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Dear Administrator,

September 17, 2015

Support professional development

photoI know that the professional learning opportunity on October 9 is going to be so valuable that I’ve written a “Dear Administrator” letter that you can use to support your request to attend.  The Biennial Statewide Arts Ed conference, The Measure of Success, is being held at Point Lookout Conference Center in Northport. The letter goes like this… (see below) and can be accessed by clicking here http://mainearts.maine.gov/CMSContent/arts_in_education/Biennial_Statewide/MALI_Letter_of_Support.pdf. (you can download it from there easily). Please note: I realize that the formatting might be a total mess below but I promise that when you download it from the link above that it will be fine!

All the details and conference registration are located at http://mainearts.maine.gov/Pages/Education/Biennial-Statewide. Please feel free to email me if you have any questions at argy.nestor@maine.gov.

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EARLY-BIRD REGISTRATION COST OF $90. Tomorrow the cost goes to $100 and the day of the conference, the walk-in cost is $110. I hope that you can join us!

June 2015
Dear Administrator:
The Maine Arts Leadership Initiative (MALI – formerly known as the Maine Arts Assessment Initiative) is pleased to announce the 2015 Biennial Statewide Arts Education conference “Maine Arts Education: The Measure of Success” will be held on Friday, October 9, Point Lookout Conference Center, Northport. On behalf of your visual and performing arts education teaching staff, I encourage you to support their participation in the conference. We are fortunate in Maine to have a vibrant community of arts professionals who will attend the conference with the common goal of advancing arts education for the benefit of all students in schools across Maine.
MALI (MAAI) was established in 2011 by the Maine Department of Education and is presently a
program of the Maine Arts Commission. The conference program is grounded in the mission:
MALI is committed to the development of Teacher leaders to ensure deep understanding and
meaningful implementation of high quality teaching, learning and assessment in the Arts.”
Conference opportunities include engaging workshops on Assessment, Teacher Effectiveness, Arts
Integration, Proficiency-Based Education, Movement/Dance and the Creative Process, Brain
Development, Studio Habits of Mind, Benchmarking in Music, and Assessment in Visual Arts. These
workshops will showcase the latest in research and practice, provide interactive learning through
hands-on experiences, and challenge teachers thinking. The content of the conference can be applied
immediately to teaching and learning in your school–helping to advance your goals.
The MALI shares your vision for ensuring that Maine students receive the best possible education and
that your teachers possess a deep knowledge and understanding of teaching and learning. The
professional learning opportunities made available through the MALI are unparalleled in the field of
visual and performing arts education in Maine. MALI offers a comprehensive opportunity for educators who are engaged with the arts in learning to experience exemplary practices, methodologies, and research.
I appreciate your commitment to visual and performing arts education and in supporting your arts
educators with release time and in whatever way you can, so they may attend. In closing please accept
my gratitude for your leadership that ensures a quality, comprehensive education for all students across Maine.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions by email argy.nestor@maine.gov or by phone
207-287-2713.
Yours in Arts Education,
Ms. Argy Nestor
Director of Arts Education
Maine Arts Commission
The conference is brought to you by the Maine Arts Learning Initiative (MALI), a program of the Maine Arts Commission.
Please note: On August 3, 2015, MAAI, the Maine Arts Assessment Initiative, announced its new name, MALI, the Maine Arts Leadership Initiative. MALI is a program of the Maine Arts Commission. You can read about it at https://meartsed.wordpress.com/2015/08/09/maai-goes-to-mali/. Please email Argy Nestor if you have any questions at argy.nestor@maine.gov.
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Biennial Statewide Conference Schedule

September 16, 2015

Wondering about the conference schedule?

MALI_V3_Color_100ppiBelow is the schedule for the Biennial Statewide Arts Education Conference: The Measure of Success being held at Point Lookout Conference Center, Northport. Registration and other details are located at https://mainearts.maine.gov/Pages/Education/Biennial-Statewide. Early-bird registration is $90 and lasts until Thursday, September 17. ($100 after that and day of conference $110) Don’t miss this great learning opportunity with colleagues from across the state! The conference is brought to you by the Maine Arts Learning Initiative (MALI), a program of the Maine Arts Commission.

Friday, October 9, 2015

7:45 – 8:45 Registration and Check-in Erickson Hall Coffee and Tea

All morning sessions will be held in Erickson Hall

9:00 – 9:40 Arts Education: The Measure of Success, Opening
Welcome: Argy Nestor, Director of Arts Education, Maine Arts Commission
Performance: Camden Hills Regional High School Vocal and Jazz Ensembles under the direction of Kim Murphy and Nancy Rowe
Celebrating Excellence

9:40 – 10:00 Statewide Arts Education Census

10:00–10:30Keynote SurpriseSurprise

10:30 – 10:45 Break Coffee and Tea

10:45 – 11:45 5 x 5 Nine Topics @ 5 Minutes

11:45 – 12:45 Lunch Pavillion

12:45 – 2:00 Breakout 1 athenaU Education Center

Studio Habits of Mind – Androscoggin
Making Maine and ME – Lincoln
Evaluating Individual Proficiency – Waldo Dancing with the Creative Process – Washington In the Midst of Madness – Hancock

Arts Integration at Work – Knox
Brains on Fire – Sagadahoc
From Cool to Tool – Aroostook Proficiency Based Learning – Penobscot

2:00 – 2:15 Break

2:15 – 3:30 Breakout 2 athenaU Education Center

Studio Habits of Mind – Androscoggin
Making Maine and ME – Lincoln
Evaluating Individual Proficiency – Waldo Dancing with the Creative Process – Washington In the Midst of Madness – Hancock

Arts Integration at Work – Knox
Brains on Fire – Sagadahoc
From Cool to Tool – Aroostook Proficiency Based Learning – Penobscot

3:30 – 4:30 Wrap-up – Arts Education: The Measure of Success Aroostook Room Musical Theater Performance: Selections from The Addams Family by Camden Hills Regional High School Performers, under the direction of Kim Murphy, Rick Ash and joani mitchell
Door Prizes

Closing

Point Lookout Conference Center

67 Atlantic Highway, Northport, ME 04849

Please note: On August 3, 2015, MAAI, the Maine Arts Assessment Initiative, announced its new name, MALI, the Maine Arts Leadership Initiative. MALI is a program of the Maine Arts Commission. You can read about it at https://meartsed.wordpress.com/2015/08/09/maai-goes-to-mali/. Please email Argy Nestor if you have any questions at argy.nestor@maine.gov.

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Measure of Success Conference

September 15, 2015

Workshop Videos – October 9

The biennial Statewide Arts Education conference, The Measure of Success, is being held at the Point Lookout Conference Center in Northport on Friday, October 9. The early-bird registration of $90 runs until Thursday, September 17. After that the cost goes to $100 and at the door is $110.

This years conference is unique for many reasons. The Maine Arts Leadership Initiative (MALI, formerly MAAI) has gone all out this year to provide you with outstanding workshops in two formats along with a day filled with celebrating arts educators and recognizing the excellent work that takes place every school day and beyond! You can read about the workshop format in a post from last week at https://meartsed.wordpress.com/2015/09/10/a-word-about-the-conference-presentations/.

In addition, each of the workshop leaders have provided a short video that provides an overview of the workshop content. THE VIDEOS ARE ALL BELOW! If you take a look at the videos and read the workshop descriptions at http://mainearts.maine.gov/Pages/Education/Biennial-Statewide-Workshop-Descriptions# you will get a clear picture of what the conference and these amazing educators have to offer!

TO GO DIRECTLY TO REGISTRATION:  https://www.regonline.com/Register/Checkin.aspx?EventID=1726177 and please email me at argy.nestor@maine.gov if you have any questions. I hope to see you on October 9!

  • Studio Habits of Mind: Using the “Hidden Curriculum” to Encourage Student Autonomy with Visual Arts Teachers Theresa Cerceo from Dr. Levesque Elementary, Wisdom Middle/High School and Janie Snider from Hancock Grammar School
  • Making Maine and ME with Visual Arts Teacher Jennie Driscoll from Brunswick High School
  • Evaluating Individual Proficiency within the Large Ensemble with Music Teacher Jen Etter from York Middle School
  • Dancing with the Creative Process: How to incorporate standards-based dance and movement activities in classroom learning and assessment with Dancer, Educator, and Teaching Artist John Morris
  • In the Midst of Madness with Music Teacher Jen Nash from Sabasticook Valley Middle School, Dance Teacher MaryEllen Schaper from Bonny Eagle Middle School, and Associate Professor, Educational Leadership from USM Jeff Beaudry, Ph.D.

https://youtu.be/g6iRIsCB-YQ

  • Empathy, Kindness and Wonder, Arts Integration at Work with the Director and Founder of Sweet Tree Arts Lindsay Pinchbeck
  • Brains on Fire: How Research on the Brain Can Inform Arts Education with the Executive Director of the New England Institute for Teacher Education Catherine Ring
  • From Cool to Tool: Technology Integration with Student Learning in Mind with Music Teacher  Kate Smith from Central School in South Berwick, Mountain Valley High School in Rumford Teacher Jeff Bailey, and Mt. Blue High School in Farmington Teacher Dan Ryder

https://youtu.be/-TTsWrlkTOo

  • Proficiency Based Learning: An Advocacy Story Music Teacher Rob Westerberg from York High School

Please note: On August 3, 2015, MAAI, the Maine Arts Assessment Initiative, announced its new name, MALI, the Maine Arts Leadership Initiative. MALI is a program of the Maine Arts Commission. You can read about it at https://meartsed.wordpress.com/2015/08/09/maai-goes-to-mali/. Please email Argy Nestor if you have any questions at argy.nestor@maine.gov.

 

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A Word About the Conference Presentations

September 10, 2015

Biennial statewide conference – October 9 – Early-bird registration deadline is today, September 10!

GO DIRECTLY TO REGISTRATION https://www.regonline.com/Register/Checkin.aspx?EventID=1726177

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE WORKSHOPS http://mainearts.maine.gov/Pages/Education/Biennial-Statewide-Register

The photo below is from a zoom meeting where some of the workshop presenters for the October 9 statewide biennial arts education conference The Measure of Success were engaged in learning more about how to put together the best format for the morning sessions. We are calling the sessions 5 X 5.

What does that mean?

Nine workshops are being offered during the PM sessions. Each conference participant selects from two of them (they are repeated) to attend when they register. During the AM session each workshop presenter will have 5 minutes and 5-8 images to provide a glimpse of their afternoon session that is scheduled for 1 hour and 15 minutes.

What if you see/hear something in the AM that you must attend?

You can change your mind and attend a different session in the PM than you registered for before the conference.

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If they look serious it is because they were working to bring you the BEST learning opportunities possible!

THE TOPICS

  • Studio Habits of Mind: Using the “Hidden Curriculum” to Encourage Student Autonomy with Visual Arts Teachers Theresa Cerceo from Dr. Levesque Elementary, Wisdom Middle/High School and Janie Snider from Hancock Grammar School
  • Making Maine and ME with Visual Arts Teacher Jennie Driscoll from Brunswick High School
  • Evaluating Individual Proficiency within the Large Ensemble with Music Teacher Jen Etter from York Middle School
  • Dancing with the Creative Process: How to incorporate standards-based dance and movement activities in classroom learning and assessment with Dancer, Educator, and Teaching Artist John Morris
  • In the Midst of Madness with Music Teacher Jen Nash from Sabasticook Valley Middle School, Dance Teacher MaryEllen Schaper from Bonny Eagle Middle School, and Associate Professor, Educational Leadership from USM Jeff Beaudry, Ph.D.
  • Empathy, Kindness and Wonder, Arts Integration at Work with the Director and Founder of Sweet Tree Arts Lindsay Pinchbeck
  • Brains on Fire: How Research on the Brain Can Inform Arts Education with the Executive Director of the New England Institute for Teacher Education Catherine Ring
  • From Cool to Tool: Technology Integration with Student Learning in Mind with Music Teacher  Kate Smith from Central School in South Berwick, Mountain Valley High School in Rumford Teacher Jeff Bailey, and Mt. Blue High School in Farmington Teacher Dan Ryder
  • Proficiency Based Learning: An Advocacy Story Music Teacher Rob Westerberg from York High School 

    Want to learn more about the sessions? 
    If you wish to reach a description of each workshop, see photos of the presenters, WATCH A ONE MINUTE VIDEO on each session, please go to http://mainearts.maine.gov/Pages/Education/Biennial-Statewide-Workshop-Descriptions#.

    What else are these workshop presenters providing?

    An amazing collection of resources that will go live on the day of the conference, October 9. You will be blown away by what they’ve put together for conference attendees. You won’t want to miss it just for the resources alone!

    Deadline for the Early-bird registration of $90 is today, September 9!

    The conference is sponsored by the Maine Arts Leadership Initiative (MALI), a program of the Maine Arts Commission. To learn more please go to http://mainearts.maine.gov/Pages/Education/MAAI#

    Please note: On August 3, 2015, MAAI, the Maine Arts Assessment Initiative, announced its new name, MALI, the Maine Arts Leadership Initiative. You can read about it at https://meartsed.wordpress.com/2015/08/09/maai-goes-to-mali/. Please email Argy Nestor if you have any questions at argy.nestor@maine.gov.

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Science Discoveries about Music

September 6, 2015

This year science discovered

From Music.Mic an article titled 7 Amazing Things Science Has Discovered About Music This Year So Far written by Tom Barnes and published on August 14, 2015 on Music.Mic. Read the entire article at http://mic.com/articles/123862/7-amazing-things-science-has-discovered-about-music-this-year-so-far.

  1. Learning music has a positive effect on teenagers’ brains
  2. We can all be taught how to achieve perfect pitch…
  3. … but neurological factors can stand in the way of true mastery.
  4. Music can help improve patients’ recovery after surgery…
  5. … as well as improve the surgeon’s performance.
  6. Our musical tastes can predict how we think.
  7. The way we respond to music is largely universal.

This is a great article that includes different research and provides you with the latest information that researchers are learning. Think about how this might impact your teaching and student learning and how you communicate about how essential a quality arts education is for all learners.

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Creativity and the Brain

September 5, 2015

Excellent reading

Screen Shot 2015-09-01 at 1.14.17 PMI suggest you find a quiet spot when your brain is very alert and read this report that was put together after a two-day meeting called “How Creativity Works in the Brain”. The meeting was sponsored by the NEA and the Santa Fe Institute and the purpose was to:

  • evaluate the legacy of creativity of research; and
  • explore new knowledge at the intersections of cognitive psychology, neurobiology, learning, complex systems, and the arts.

The conversation included folks from a wide variety of disciplines including psychology, neurobiology, education, and the arts. From the meeting came ideas and themes that reflect experiences and knowledge that will impact the future. The need for more integrated thinking and working is necessary if we are to tap into the brain power of all groups.

The report is located at http://arts.gov/sites/default/files/how-creativity-works-in-the-brain-report.pdf.