Archive for the ‘VPA’ Category

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Ticket to Ride Funds Available

August 21, 2018

Online application

Unveiling of the Rob Shetterly portrait of Kelsey Juliana at the Samantha Smith Challenge called The Synergy of Change: Children and Adults Inspiring Each Other, participation by Leonard Middle School students. Ticket to Ride funds provided.

The Ticket to Ride program provides funding to defray the cost of travel for Maine schools wishing to visit Maine arts based venues and events as part of a well-rounded curriculum. The goals of the trip should support student learning and be aligned with the Maine Learning Results Visual and/or Performing Arts standards.

Any PK-12 school in Maine with a documented free and reduced lunch student population between 30 and 49 percent is eligible to receive support of up to $300 each school year. Any PK-12 school in Maine with a documented free and reduced lunch student population of 50 percent or greater is eligible to receive support of up to $500 each school year.

Follow up work from trip by Laura E. Richards Elementary School Kindergarteners to Public Theater in Lewiston to see Everybody Loves Pirates. Ticket to Ride funds provided.

Applications are accepted throughout the year and funding will be made available approximately one month after they are submitted. Schools may apply more than once a year as long as they are applying to attend a different event, bringing a different student population or have not expended their eligible amount.

This program is currently funded thanks to the generosity of the Betterment Fund and proceeds from The Art of Giving Gala sponsored by DownEast Magazine.

Submission Instructions

NOTE: The Ticket to Ride application is now located in the Grants Management System (GMS).

Please apply for the funds at least 3 weeks before the trip you are planning to take.

  1. Download the Ticket to Ride Application Help Sheet for helpful instructions on completing your application.
  2. To access the Ticket to Ride Application Form log into our Grants Management System. If you do not have an account click “New User?” to create one. The account is free and you can browse application requirements without applying.
  3. When you have logged in, locate the Ticket to Ride grant description.
  4. Read the guidelines, complete and submit the application. After your application has been submitted you will receive a confirmation email.
  5. Completed applications must be submitted at least 3 weeks before the scheduled trip in order for the application to be processed in time.

Parties interested in funding or partnering on the Ticket to Ride program are asked to contact Argy Nestor at argy.nestor@maine.gov or 207/287-2713.

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Arts Ed Conference and MICA

August 20, 2018

September 27, 28 – USM, Portland

The 2018 Maine State Teacher of the Year, Kaitlin Young, will provide an engaging keynote at the Arts Education Pre-Conference: At the HEART of Arts Education and provide seeds of inspiration to help you create action steps for your work at the school and/or community level. Attend as individuals or consider bringing a team from your school and/or community. The day will start and conclude with creative art and music making.

The Pre-MICA conference At the HEART of Arts Education will take place at the Abromson Center, USM, Portland on Thursday, September 27, 8:00 – 4:00. Registration is $50  and includes lunch and the opening session of the Maine International Conference on the Arts on Thursday evening in Hannaford Hall.

The Pre-MICA Arts Education conference participants will:

  •     learn skills to improve teaching and learning in the arts;
  •     collaborate among the arts disciplines: dance, media arts,  music, theater, visual arts and creative writing;
  •     network with other educators and reconnect with old friends;
  •     make connections between school and community, including arts organizations, artists, and other arts education supporters.

The conference will be a joyous occasion to learn together and celebrate who we are! We are educating the future, the next generation of artists, arts educators, and appreciators of the arts. To do that we need to:

  • Instill purpose/passion
  • Ensure High Quality Instruction
  • Provide relevant and real-world learning experiences
  • Empower our students to become the teachers of their generation.

THURSDAY AGENDA

OPENING – Welcome

Story of the South Berwick Lantern Festival

Carol Trimble Award Presentation

MORNING SESSIONS  

ART, MUSIC, and DANCE MAKING Attendees will select between Music/Dance session and Lantern making session.

If you choose the Music Making/Dance session participants will have the opportunity to learn:

  • Basic African drumming and singing

  • Simplified steps to an African dance

FOLI – The word used for rhythm by the Malinke tribe in West Africa. Foli is not only found in Malinke music, but in all parts of their daily lives.      FOLI: there is no movement without rhythm

If you choose the Visual Art – Lantern session participants will have the opportunity to learn:

  • How in some cultures light holds a symbolic meaning and is an integral part of traditions
  • Using your imagination and creativity to create a unique lantern.
  • Opportunities to learn from each other how to bring these experiences back to your  classroom and or community.

Bon Festival – In Japan this annual festival honors deceased relatives while people spend time with their living family members. At the culmination of the festival families place lanterns on the river to be carried away symbolizing the peaceful return to the afterlife.

Both sessions will culminate in a cross cultural experience and open MICA 2018 with a celebratory processional.

KEYNOTE – The 2018 Maine Teacher of the Year is Kaitlin Young who teaches music at SeDoMoCha School in Dover Foxcroft

LUNCH – Midcoast Music Academy performance

View 15 version of the Ashley Bryan film

AFTERNOON SESSION

Choose Your Own Adventure – participants will be guided through creating a plan to use when they return to their schools and communities. There will an opportunity to share so participants can learn from each other and go back to their individual schools and communities with new ideas.

CLOSING

Participants will lead MICA processional using music/dance and lanterns made earlier in the day to the opening of the Maine International Conference on the Arts reception in Hannford Hall. The opening keynote will follow.

The $50 registration includes the arts ed conference, the opening reception, keynote and performances.

MICA CONFERENCE – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 8:00 – 5:15

Opening

Maine Artists Idea Lab: Five speakers using the fast-paced and engaging pecha kucha-style format will knock your socks off with their newest innovations. Speakers include:

Lucas Richman, Music Director, Bangor Symphony Orchestra
Rene Johnson, Executive Director, Theater Ensemble of Color
Erin McGee Ferrell, Visual Artist
Kaitlin Young, 2018 Maine Teacher of the Year
Jeremy Frey, Passamaquoddy basketweaver

20 Professional Development Sessions in 5 Tracks Running Concurrently:

LEVERAGING INVESTMENT. Learn to attract and leverage greater investment through corporate sponsorships, development planning, capitalization and more.

BUILDING CAPACITY. All you need to know on strategies for sustainability and increased impact, from an intensive on strategic planning with Julie Richard to a session on The Role of the Arts in Communities in Crisis.

VISIBILITY OF THE ARTS & CULTURAL SECTOR. Discuss ways to increase awareness of creative opportunities, as well as their value to communities and local economies. Participate in a new, two-part workshop by MICA 2016 superstar Matt Lehrman, Opportunity Everywhere, Parts I & II. Or attend a dynamic session hosted by DataArts/The Cultural Data Project on ways to connect your data to stories about your mission and impact, for more effective communications with key stakeholders.

ARTS EDUCATION & LIFELONG LEARNING. Participate in sessions on fostering PK-12 arts education and lifelong learning programs, including Creative Aging and Traditional Arts.

PROMOTING CULTURAL TOURISM. Gather the information you need to enhance experiences and leverage cultural tourism. Hear from organizations on their successes creating experiences outside of traditional venues, or attend a Rural Community Arts Development session facilitated by Maryo Gard Ewell.

Pop-up performances throughout the day.

ARTS EDUCATION SESSIONS

How do teaching, learning and assessment work together in a positive, productive standards-based Visual and Performing Arts classroom?

The use of “standards” and “assessments” in visual and performing arts (VPA) education have been discussed, planned for, and developed over many years. A panel of educators will share the work they have underway. Participants are invited to join the conversation – bring your thoughts, questions, and curiosity on why standards and assessments are used in the arts.

Facilitator – Jeff Beaudry – Associate Professor, Educational Leadership, USM – Overview of Summative and Formative Assessment and Moderator

  • Jen Etter – Music, York Middle School
  • Kelly Hrenko – Visual Art, USM
  • Michele Kaschub – Music, USM
  • Holly Leighton – Visual Art, K-12, RSU 67
  • John Morris – Dance, Teaching Artist   

Brian Evans-Jones and Kris Bisson

When Teaching Artists and Arts Teachers Connect, Students Win

During the past 4 years, teaching artists and arts educators in the Maine Arts Leadership Initiative have collaborated to provide meaningful, purposeful and authentic learning opportunities for students. Educator collaborations provide opportunities for learners that can surpass what a teacher, working alone, can offer. Hear the stories from these collaborators, bring your questions, share your experiences and imagine the possibilities in more Maine schools and communities.

Facilitator: Kate Smith, Central School, South Berwick Music Educator

  • Brian Evans-Jones, Writer Teaching Artist and Kris Bisson, Marshwood Middle School Music Educator 
  • Tim Christensen, Ceramic Teaching Artist and Lori Spruce, Brewer High School Visual Art Educator
  • John Morris, Dancer Teaching Artist and Carmel Collins, Lake Region High School Dance Educator  

Empowering Your Voice for Arts Education 

We often underestimate the power of our passion and voice for arts education.  Yet, we’ve seen students, educators, artists, arts organizations and community members find their voice, build their stories and messages, back them up with research and evidence, and become leaders and advocates for arts education in powerful ways. In this session, we will explore ways to empower our voices, use helpful resources that are just clicks away, and be on our way to making an impact with our hopes and dreams for the arts in education!

Presenter: Catherine Ring, Visual Art Educator, Arts Education Consultant, Co-Founder of the Maine Arts Leadership Initiative, Maine Art Education Association 2014 Maine Arts Advocate of the Year.

If you have any questions please email Argy Nestor, director of arts education, argy.nestor@maine.gov.

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The Arts and USM

August 10, 2018

In today’s news

Rendering by Scott Simons Architects

The University of Southern Maine announced Wednesday that an anonymous donor has contributed $1 million toward its new Center for the Arts project which will be located on the Portland campus.

The Center for the Arts will feature a 1,000-seat concert hall – about half the size of Portland’s Merrill Auditorium – as well as a recital hall, black box theater performance and an art gallery.

READ MORE in the Press Herald.

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Ashley Bryan at the PMA

August 6, 2018

Amazing artist and storytelling – share with your students

Ashley Bryan’s prolific and varied creative career has spanned more than half a century, and this is the first major art museum exhibition in Maine for the award-winning, 95-year-old artist and Little Cranberry Island resident. 

A pioneer of African and African American representation in the children’s book medium, Painter and Poet highlights the breadth of Bryan’s work, from his earliest books of African folktales to his 2016 book Freedom Over Me: Eleven Slaves, Their Lives and Dreams Brought to Life by Ashley Bryan, which won a Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Honors in both Author and Illustrator categories.

Coming in October
Beautiful Blackbird: An Adaptation of the Story by Ashley Bryan presented by the Theater Ensemble of Color. This will take place at the PMA and also at USM where you will be able to bring students to the play. Watch for more information on this opportunity.

Coming in November. PMA Films presents I Know a Man…Ashley Bryan

Take a trip to Bryan’s Little Cranberry Island and into his home and studio in this article from the most recent edition of the PMA magazine, Inside the Circle. 

Ashley in his home

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MALI Summer Institute Day 3

August 3, 2018

Hard at work

Brian and Kris

The day started with Teaching Artist Leader Brian Evans Jones and Teacher Leader Kris Bisson sharing their story. For several years the Great Works Bridge in South Berwick, where Brian and Kris live, has been closed. Last year at the Maine Arts Leadership Initiative (MALI) summer institute Brian and Kris decided to collaborate and shed light on the bridge by composing a song. Brian is a poet and creative writing teacher and Kris is the music educator at Marshwood Middle School; they each brought their expertise to this year long project and the results are amazing. A true integrated unit that involves real life learning and students making a difference. Kris and Brian shared their inspirational story with the participants at the institute.

The day continued with teachers working independently and collaboratively on their Logic Model which outlines plans for the next year (and some longer). Intervowen in the day was the opportunity to watch the Ashley Bryan film “I Know a Man” and to slip into the home made story corps booth with one other person to share a story.

The end of the day included a gallery walk to take a close look at the participant’s plans and provide feedback to each one. Some expressed that a 4th day should have been included as participants left excited and feeling accomplished.

Speaking of storytellers, some educators extended the day by hearing the panel discussion on Ashley Bryant’s work and seeing his show at the Portland Museum of Art (PMA). Mr. Bryant is quite the storyteller and his children’s books are exemplary; marrying the words and images beautifully! Quotes from Ashley in the film were good reminders for all of us: “Don’t lose in us it’s the one thing we have in common.” “Be reminded of the child in you…you sometimes suppress it….” Thanks to the PMA for providing the opportunity that directly connected with our summer institute theme: Storytelling!

 

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Leadership at the MALI Summer Institute

August 1, 2018

In and out of the classroom

Jen Etter, John Morris, Catherine Ring, Kaitlin Young, and Jennie Driscoll

Today at the Maine Arts Leadership Institute (MALI) educators shared their leadership stories. Using Poll Everywhere a live word was created documenting in real time what participants want to see in a leader. What words or phrases do you think outstanding leaders in education should possess?

We explored leadership in the classroom and leadership outside the classroom. One leader said: “Keeping your eyes open to which students needs help is directly connected to student achievement. Formative assessment informs our practices. A leader also tracks what is going on outside the classroom with students AND other teachers and steps in when needed and necessary.”

“Be curious. Be open. Become comfortable with the unknown. Try new things. You don’t know where your leadership path will take you.” ~Jennie Driscoll

“If you are being an example, the empowerment comes.” ~John Morris on his leadership story.

It was a fascinating session – filled with valuable insights. The comments from others addressed the need for strong leaders in the arts. “We need to pay attention to our young teachers and help mentor them.”

Participants had the opportunity to attend 2 of these 3 sessions:

  • Self-help with Elise Rowe
  • Creativity with John Morris and Bronwyn Sale
  • Leadership with Kate Smith and Argy Nestor

Feedback from all three sessions was positive.

The afternoon was spent digging into Logic Model topics and plans. The leaders sought out feedback from critical friends. The topics that the teacher leaders and teaching artist leaders have undertaken

At the end of the day we honored MaryEllen Schaper who just retired after 42 years of teaching. YAHOOO! MaryEllen has been with MALI since the first year when it was called Maine Arts Assessment Initiative (MAAI).

At the end of the day MALI Design Team member Kate Smith said:

 

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MALI Summer Institute Day 1

July 31, 2018

Storytelling at its finest

Today marked the first day of the phase 8 Maine Arts Leadership Initiative Summer Institute and what an amazing day it was! Almost 40 educators are attending the three day professional development, exchanging ideas, collaborating, and building on their knowledge.

Participants comments

  • “Learning to lead the story to my “why” versus the “what” was a huge revelation today – and we’re only on day 1!” ~Shawna
  • “Love the social aspect of MALI and seeing old friends and making new ones.” ~Catherine Ring
  • “Exciting and inspiring safe space to share ideas with people who get it.” ~Dorie
  • “Such a beautiful and supportive group.” ~Nicole
  • “Always wonderful to have the “tribe” back together!” ~Pam
  • “Hair on fire.” ~Tom

The institute theme is “storytelling” which is integrated throughout the institute. The day started with the MALI story and ended with a story from Dorie Tripp who shared information about the drums created by the students of Dorie and art teacher Hope Lord. Making music together was amazing!

Throughout the day there were sessions on assessment, the Logic Model design, Express-a-Book (MALIs version of a book club), and making stories.

Tomorrow will be another day filled with new learning. If you have questions please be sure and email me at argy.nestor@maine.gov.

 

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Maine International Conference on the Arts

July 30, 2018

September 27 and 28

The Maine International Conference on the Arts (MICA) is taking place at USM, Portland campus on September 27 and 28, 2018. Learn about the details and registration by CLICKING HERE. Early bird discount is available until July 31. Watch the video below and see familiar arts education colleagues and their students from the last MICA that was held in Lewiston.

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Arts Alliance of Northern NH

July 11, 2018

Summer workshops

The workshops listed below are offered by the Arts Alliance of Northern NH, in partnership with VSA NH, the NH Arts Learning Network, the NH Department of Education and the NH State Council on the Arts, under a contract with the John F. Kennedy Center. We are also pleased to be collaborating with schools and cultural and educational institutions all around the state.The workshops are all based on principles of Universal Design for Learning and are suitable for classroom, arts and SPED teachers; para-educators; administrators, including curriculum coordinators; after-school and out-of-school providers; media specialists; and all those interested in inclusive education.  Parents are also welcome to register.

The workshops are designed to address the needs of all learners, including students with disabilities and other learning challenges. They are all hands-on and interactive, offering cross-curricular ideas that can immediately be put to use by participating educators. Instructors are recognized experts in their fields (see bios on pages 6-7).

Workshops are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. unless otherwise noted. When registering, please be sure to provide your summer email address and phone number so that we can contact you in case of any changes.

Professional development credits are offered. We keep workshop fees as low as we can, and partial scholarships are available as needed (in most cases we invite you to bring your own lunch and snacks). No one who is interested in a workshop will be turned away; please contact us if the fee is a hardship.

Please CLICK HERE for detailed registration information for each of the offerings listed below. For additional information, call 603-323-7302 or email programs@aannh.org.

WORKSHOPS

Arts Integration & Personalized Learning:

2 Workshops with Lisa Condino (attend one or both)
Audience: General and special education teachers, arts educators, paraprofessionals

Using the Creative Process to Engage All Learners
Tuesday, July 31, Kimball Jenkins Estate, Concord. Register here.
Wednesday, August 1, Littleton High School. Register here.

In this workshop, participants will examine how using the creative process can engage all learners in k-12 classrooms.  What is the creative process? How do we make space in our curriculum for students to use the creative process to synthesize, process and personalize their learning? We’ll discuss what students of all abilities need to support their creativity and innovative capacity. Lisa will introduce ways to make multiple modalities – visual art, movement, video and music –available to support personalized learning, creative expression and demonstration of knowledge. No previous arts experience necessary.

Making Your Classroom a Creative Studio
Thursday, August 2, Littleton High School. Register here.

All of us become more innovative in our thinking and also retain knowledge better when given the opportunity to reflect on our learning through art. Participants in this workshop will learn how to “flip” their classroom into a creative studio that is inclusive to all learners. We’ll answer questions like: What type of basic materials kit do I need for painting, sculpture, drawing, creative movement or drama? What adaptations can I make to my classroom that will turn it into a gallery space? How do I do this with little or no budget? Even if the arts are not your comfort zone, you can learn how to provide your students the opportunity to explore personal creative capacity.

3 Workshops with Rhoda Bernard

The Arts & Universal Design for Learning:
Strategies that Work Across the Curriculum

Monday, August 13, Monarch School of New England, Rochester. Register here

Audience: All educators, teaching artists, paraprofessionals, administrators & parents

Universal Design for Learning offers a powerful framework for providing meaningful access to the curriculum and to teaching/learning experiences for all students. The arts are particularly compatible with Universal Design for Learning because, by their very nature, they provide and engage multiple forms of thinking, learning, expression, and understanding. This session will provide attendees with strategies and frameworks in the arts that can facilitate the use of Universal Design and personalized learning across the curriculum.

Teaching Music to Students on the Autism Spectrum:
Strategies & Best Practices

Monday, August 20, 9:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.,  Crotched Mountain School, Greenfield
Register here.

Audience: music educators, classroom teachers, paraprofessionals, parents & administrators

Making and listening to music is known to be powerful for individuals with autism. In this workshop, participants will learn how to best reach students on the autism spectrum in music classes, classrooms and at home. The session will feature information on autism spectrum disorders and specific strategies for teaching music to students with autism in one-on-one, group, and integrated sessions. The session will also provide participants with tools and resources to address personalized learning and competency-based learning in integrated settings that include students with and without disabilities.

Teaching the Arts to Students with Special Needs: Strategies & Best Practices

Tuesday, August 21, Currier Museum of Art, Manchester. Register here.

Audience: Arts educators

Most arts educators see all of the students in a particular school and/or district. Students with special needs often excel in the arts and find those subjects to be areas of strength and great joy. In this workshop, arts educators in all disciplines will learn how to best reach students with special needs. The session will include information on the range of disabilities and disorders, as well as specific strategies for teaching the arts to students with special needs in one-on-one, group, and integrated sessions. The session will provide educators with tools and resources to address personalized learning and competency-based learning in integrated settings that include students with and without disabilities. Universal Design for Learning and Differentiated Instruction strategies and frameworks will be employed throughout the session.

WORKSHOPS LED BY OUR NEW HAMPSHIRE TEACHING TEAM

Arts Education: Learning & Sharing session

Marcia McCaffrey, NH Dept. of Ed, Arts Consultant

Thursday, August 16, New Hampshire Institute of Art, Manchester

Proceeds support NH Arts Learning Network.
Register here.

Is your curriculum relevant? Do you know how to connect what you do to current issues in education? Do you wonder how your colleagues are addressing new or re-treaded trends? Join NH Department of Education Arts Consultant Marcia McCaffrey for a full-day review of and peer discussions about overarching state initiatives, arts-specific national initiatives, and other topics driven by attendees’ wonderings. Topics will include personalized learning, competency based education, competency-based reporting systems, Universal Design for Learning, and well-rounded education in ESSA (Title IV-A). Participants are invited to bring questions and ideas to share. The goal of this day is to clarify what these buzz words mean and learn from others about approaches, success, and challenges related to topics discussed.

Reflections from Nature:
Creating art with natural materials to inspire oral and written expression

Deborah Stuart & Will Cabell
For K-6 classroom & art teachers; after-school, out-of-school and community program staff; homeschool parents; and K-12 educators in specialized settings
Tuesday, July 24, North Country Education Services, Gorham. Register here.
Wednesday, July 25,  Pease Public Library, Plymouth. Register here.

Friday, August 10, The Longview School, Deerfield. Register here.

This workshop will bring together art, writing and ecology, offering teachers creative and engaging ways to help students relate to the natural word, to observe and express their experiences through handmade nature journals, and to create unique constructions (inspired by artist Andy Goldsworthy) using natural materials.  Linked to the principles of UDL, it will include focus on students with unique learning needs as well as typical learners. This workshop is useful for classroom and art teachers of K-6, as well as older students in specialized settings. It as also a great project for out-of-school, home school and community program staff.

The Art of Writing for All Students:  
Turning words, sentences & stories into unique, student-created books  
Deborah Stuart
Wednesday, August 15, RSEC Academy, Amherst. Register here.
Thursday, August 23, Currier Museum, Manchester. Register here.
Friday, August 24, Conway Public Library, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Register here.

This workshop introduces multiple ways to motivate young writers at any academic level with appealing exercises in writing, journaling and imaginative expression. Attention will be paid to differentiating and adapting lessons to include students with learning differences and disabilities. We’ll explore the creation of unique books, using this visual art form to motivate students. A wide variety of art techniques and inexpensive, easily assembled materials will be introduced and demonstrated. All activities can be linked to the Common Core and to language arts learning goals.

Songs & Singing Games, preK-Grade 3

Deborah Stuart
Friday, August 17, Littleton High School, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Register here.

An exploration of the rich repertoire of early-childhood music, rhymes, counting-out chants, finger plays and traditional circle and playground games. Participants will learn by doing and will take back to their children lots of new ways to introduce rhythm and music into activities. The links between music and language, self-expression and literacy skills will be explored; singing games are an effective tool for social learning and offer children ways to use these traditional rhymes and games on their own, at school and at home, with their friends and families. The workshop will also introduce ways to make simple rhythm instruments that can be used in a variety of creative activities.

Workshops with Deborah Stuart noted above are available for in-service programs — contact us to arrange. These workshops are also available:

Successful Inclusion in the Art Classroom

This workshop will address the many challenges which present themselves when designing art classes which include children and young people with special learning needs or disabilities.  The emphasis will be on practical strategies and ways to problem-solve situations where there are barriers to successful participation by students. ­This workshop will be very hands-on, using art activities, tools and processes useful in both elementary and secondary school art classes.  In the many activities we do, we will always be looking at adaptive strategies that make the art experience accessible for all, including for students with developmental, neurological and behavioral involvements.

Arts Learning for Paraprofessionals

This workshop is designed for paraprofessionals and one-on-one aides working with students with special learning needs and with identified disabilities. Music and art classes are often the ones into which students are first integrated; both these areas can be effectively used to promote learning for students with different learning styles and those who do not succeed in core academic areas.  We will look at best practices for making “specials” work well for all students, at adaptive strategies and tools, at how to work with the art and music teachers to help them offer a wide array of ways that students can participate and learn so that all may feel successful and grow in skills and enjoyment.

Engaging Young Children through Music & Movement (& connecting music and books)

For teachers, program directors, special educators, families and caregivers of young children preK-grade 2.

WORKSHOP LEADERS’ BIOS

Rhoda Bernard is the managing director of the Berklee Institute for Arts Education and Special Needs. Bernard also oversees the Master of Music in music education (autism concentration) and Graduate Certificate in music education and autism programs at Berklee. She holds a Bachelor of Music with academic honors from New England Conservatory and earned her Master of Education and Doctor of Education degrees from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Bernard regularly presents research at conferences throughout the United States and abroad, and provides professional development workshops for educators in local, national, and international forums. Her work has been published in several book chapters and in numerous journals, including Music Educators Journal; Music Education Research; and Arts and Learning Research Journal. Bernard has been honored with the Berklee Urban Service Award and the Boston Conservatory Community Service and Faculty/Staff Spirit Award.

Lisa M. Condino, is a visual artist and a longtime teaching artist for VSA Vermont. She is a juried and selected graduate of Arts Connect, a program that concentrates on merging UDL with arts integration, and for the past five years has served as Artist-in-residence at the Howard Center, Baird School, a therapeutic school for highly reactive and reluctant learners. She is also a longtime mentor in the TA & Mentoring Program of VSA VT and a fellow of the national Community Engagement Lab. Providing a safe environment for creative expression, social & emotional learning, active engagement, and the inclusion of ALL students are at the root of her teaching

Will Cabell is an educator, musician, theater artist and puppeteer who has served as a trainer for the AANNH/VSA partnership since its inception. He has an MA in Integrated Arts and served as the art and music program director for The Monarch School of New England.

Sharon Malley has a Doctorate of Education in therapeutic recreation, special education and psychology, with teaching licenses in K-12 art education and special education. She has served as special education specialist for the Kennedy Center, led the special education team contributing to the development of the National Core Arts Standards and has coordinated and provided leadership for national forums and conferences dedicated to advancing knowledge of the intersection of arts and special education. She is co-editor of the Handbook of Arts Education and Special Education: Policy, Research & Practices (Taylor & Francis).

Marcia McCaffrey has served as Arts Consultant for the NH Department of Education for 19 years, working with partners and stakeholders to guide the implementation of quality arts education for the state’s education sector. Past president of the State Education Agency Directors of Arts Education (SEADAE), she represented SEADAE on the National Coalition for Core Arts Standards (NCCAS) Leadership Team, facilitating team meetings during the three years of standards development. She has served as a dance grant panelist for the National Endowment for the Arts; as a member of the National Dance Education Organization’s Advisory Board, focusing on curriculum, standards, and assessment; and has presented nationally and internationally on research in arts assessment. She holds a Master of Arts from Columbia University, and B.S. degrees in elementary education and physical education from Iowa State University.

Deborah Stuart has been involved in arts and education for over 40 years, working around the country and around the world with children, artists and teachers.  She has done extensive UDL-focused training for educators around the globe, and was a core faculty member for the VSA Arts Institute: Professional Development in Art, Education and Disability, Deborah served as an editor for  “Start with the Arts,” wrote the companion parent book and designed and edited a series of books for teachers and youth workers supporting creative writing in inclusive settings. She is the 2014 recipient of the national VSA Ginny Miller Award for Mentorship.

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Happening at the Legislature

June 26, 2018

Proficiency-Based Diploma

Last week the Maine Legislature reconvened and worked on LD 1666: “An Act To Ensure the Successful Implementation of Proficiency-based Diplomas by Extending the Timeline for Phasing in Their Implementation”.  As a result the Maine State Senate voted in favor of the House’s amendment. Next step: the Governor, for support or veto. If the amendment is signed, school districts would have a choice to offer a proficiency-based diploma or return to the credit-based diploma.

To learn more please CLICK HERE.