A lot of attention has been paid to the recent report commissioned by the arts endowment: Arts Education in America: What the Declines Mean for Arts Participation. I thought it would be a great opportunity to pose some questions for the author, Nick Rabkin. Let's just say that rather than leave interpretation to others, that it's always best to hear directly from the horse's … [Read more...] about From the Source: Q&A With the Nick Rabkin, Author of Arts Education in America: What the Declines Mean for Arts Participation
Archives for March 2011
A Voice of Reason Around Federal Funding
There is a great deal of concern in the arts and education field, focusing for the moment the devastating cuts to arts education programs at the United States Department of Education. In the recent continuing resolution, arts education programs, as well as a host of other eduction programs were zeroed out. There's still a chance however, as some of the funding could be … [Read more...] about A Voice of Reason Around Federal Funding
Leading Public Education Blogger Struggles with Arts Education
I am a big fan of Mike Petrilli and the gang at the Fordham Institute, even if I disagree with them from time to time. (I might add that they have been quite generous in providing help for the organization, Common Core, of which I am the board treasurer.) If you follow any of the leading public education blogs, one thing you will notice is that the subject of arts … [Read more...] about Leading Public Education Blogger Struggles with Arts Education
Education Secretary Duncan Urges School Leaders to Go Easy on Arts Ed Cuts
Last week Secretary of Education Arne Duncan sent a letter and three policy letters to the Governors:Key Policy Letters to The Governors, March 3, 2011What you will find most interesting comes from the document Smart Ideas to Increase Educational Productivity and Student Achievement: First, Do No HarmChanges or cuts to education budgets, especially during periods of fiscal … [Read more...] about Education Secretary Duncan Urges School Leaders to Go Easy on Arts Ed Cuts
Arts Teachers As Endangered Species
Okay, I know, this makes two posts in a row about cuts to arts education. It is, as the Mark Knopfler song goes: "It's what it is."In this case, it's an old and quite sore subject. And yes, it's a subject that makes me angry and eager for new city leadership. For all of those who tell me I should be more guarded, sorry.In what many still argue is the arts capital of the world, … [Read more...] about Arts Teachers As Endangered Species