ARTS IN EDUCATION We know the arts are beneficial when they are included in the traditional education setting. Why? Is it happening enough? Is there support for more? First we must determine what factors are key to seeing it happen. WHERE is it happening? HOW is it happening? WHEN is it happening? WHO is making it happen? And WHAT makes it happen?

WHERE is art education happening? EVERYWHERE! Elementary and Secondary Schools Colleges and Universities Private education Our communities In our homes

HOW and WHAT makes it happen? Funding - National, state, local Grassroots - volunteers, passionate, innovative, and creative people Dance Companies and schools – lots of outreach Arts groups – connecting artists with schools Research to support the need for administrators to support arts programs Other ways?

WHO is making it happen? Researchers, Educators, Organizations, Elected officials, the Web . . . You! Elliot W. Eisner, Professor of Education and Art at Stanford University. Widely considered the leading theorist on art education and aesthetics in the United States. Dance Educators (Ann Green Gilbert, Rima Faber, Sandra Minton, for e.g.), Elementary/Secondary Teachers, Professional Dance Companies, Community arts organizations, . . . NDEO - Nat’l Dance Education Org., APHERD, and many more as well as regional and state level organizations Elected officials The WEB . . . US! You and me - Constantly ask yourself - What can I do? How can I make a difference?

What does it mean to be cognitively aware? “The arts are cognitive activities, guided by human intelligence, that make unique forms of meaning possible. The interaction of the senses enriches meaning”. “The arts are not mere diversions from the important business of education, but essential resources.” Elliot W Eisner, “The Role of the Arts in Cognition and Curriculum” (2001) What does it mean to be cognitively aware? Awareness in turn employs the functions of the senses. Cognitive knowledge has to be attained with the senses engaged. To know something is to know it in many forms.

What kinds of programs do we see in the schools? P.E. programs that include dance in their curriculum Guest artist programs or residencies Assemblies A special assignment related to another topic of study. Field trips

What can you do? Get a summer camp job teaching dance Volunteer in the schools, begin to make a name for yourself. Ask teachers that you know if you can come into their classroom. Learn to prepare a promotional packet for yourself. Ask questions: regarding standards, arts programs, who coordinates these programs? Learn about how programs are funded and supported.

Current Work of NDEO National Dance Education Organization Current initiatives . . . NCLB (No Child Left Behind) was implemented 10 years ago. Also known as ESEA (Elementary & Secondary Education Act. Reform is underway – how can we improve? Take what is working and reform what isn’t? How is Arts Education a piece of the reform process? Are all the arts considered equal? Visual, Music, Theatre and Dance Letter to Congress – include Arts Education in the evaluative work AND . . . Consider the balance of all the arts. Ndeo. Current National Initiatives, 2012. Web. March, 2012