I was inspired by Barry's Arts Blog and Updates list of the 25 most powerful people in nonprofit arts. So, as we close out one of the quietest weeks of the year, here's my list for the 10 most powerful people in K-12 arts education:Joel Klein, Chancellor, New York City Department of EducationRamon Cortines, Senior Deputy Superintendent, Los Angeles Unified School DistrictArne … [Read more...] about The 10 Most Powerful People in K-12 Arts Education
Parents Beware: Preschool May Cause Harm
So, what is a parent to do? On one hand, you've got the New York City Department of Education unveiling standardized tests for kindergarten through second grade students, some of which are as long as 90 minutes. (And if you think you shouldn't worry as you don't live in New York City or your child attends private school, think again. The New York City Department of Education … [Read more...] about Parents Beware: Preschool May Cause Harm
“To Teach Children What it Means to be an American”
It happens every year: summer comes to a close, signaled by The Jerry Lewis Telethon and a return to school. The public school battles will surely continue, and between testing, charter schools, vouchers, small schools, and so many other issues, it's sometimes easy to lose track of the fundamental reason why there are public schools. So, for this last week of August, let's … [Read more...] about “To Teach Children What it Means to be an American”
People/Organizations You Should Know
Every month or so, I am going to highlight an organization and/or person doing terrific work in arts education. It may be in K-12, or adult education, youth development, or even branch out beyond arts education per se, to another area of education.If you don't already know Mosaic Youth Theater of Detroit, I am happy to introduce both Mosaic and Rick Sperling, its Founder and … [Read more...] about People/Organizations You Should Know
The Educational Industrial Complex
Dwight D. Eisenhower, 34th President of the United States and supreme allied commander, introduced the term "Military Industrial Complex," in his 1961 farewell speech before leaving office. He had wanted to call it the "Military Industrial Congressional Complex," but decided it was too confrontational. Ike worried that "this conjunction of an immense military establishment and … [Read more...] about The Educational Industrial Complex