I am getting the sense that the arts education advocates in the State of California are going are really getting their act together. And by that I mean, it is beginning to look like they are forging consensus, sharpening their tools, and taking a hard look at the sort of long-term fight necessary to hold the line and advance education in these tough times, in the toughest in states: California.
Don’t get me wrong, I know well the work that was done to get the state-wide categorical funding for arts education a few years ago, which was eventually unrestricted. But this survey and a few other things I am hearing lead me to believe that they, the California arts and arts education advocates, are getting smarter, tougher, and better organized, perhaps more so than any other state-wide effort. And, damn, with that California state budget, they need to be.
I understand that they recently had a retreat where Eric Zachary, Director Community Organizing and Engagement/NYC, Annenberg Institute for School Reform, was invited to speak. Eric, a great friend and colleague, is one of the national leaders in grass roots and community organizing around improving public education.
Okay, now on to the headline: The California Arts Education Alliance just released this swell survey of candidates for State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Click here to view the survey.
I love the format, which is not an easy thing to come up with when you have a field of twelve candidates. And you have to love viewing the candidates who offer no response. What is more, it’s interesting to look at the differences in those who do respond: some offer a much more thoughtful response; while others offer a flat, pat, soundbite. Of course, you have to take the surveys for what they are, which is something that doesn’t afford great depth. Nevertheless, there is a lot of reading in those tea leaves.
CAE did a survey last fall of candidates for mayor and public advocate. I can’t wait to be adapt or even steal this format for our next surveys.
I think these tactics are critical to informing and engaging candidates. Moreover, it gives you something to hold the candidates to when they take office.
Nice work California Alliance for Arts Education and your partners across the state