greetings from DPI The Power of Arts Education
Julie Palkowski, Fine Arts and Creativity Education Consultant Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Let me introduce you to a set of four stories. These stories involve students, staff, administrators and school commu- nities sharing their journey to build their own and their students’ artistic ca-
pacity and citizenry skills through the arts. The stories highlight the nature of the arts to spark creativity, enthusiasm and con- fidence in all people. Within the stories, take note of the incredible passion, focus and drive the people have to be a part of a greater purpose.
To kick off the video set, first visit the trailer video which highlights our Wiscon- sin State Superintendent Tony Evers. Dr. Evers and I visited three schools in 2016, focusing on the arts classrooms. Beloit Memorial High School was one of the sites visited and is showcased within the videos. A special thank you to the School District of Beloit students, staff, administration and school community for their hospital- ity in the visits and in offering their arts education stories to the Wisconsin Depart- ment of Public Instruction.
The Power of Arts Education - Video In our training as arts educators, we have experienced first-hand the benefits of an arts education. As Dr. Evers shares,
our work in the arts is “more than just preparing someone to be a musician, or a sculptor, or a dancer. That’s important, but it’s equally important to make sure kids have that self confidence that work- ing in the arts brings to them.” Students in the accompanying videos offer a glimpse into the skills they have gained through the arts. Listen to Roxanne who has been involved with theatre and shared that the arts offer “a place where you learn to be part of a team.” Angelie, future art teacher, remarked, “It is so important to have that outlet (the arts) to be able to express yourself in different ways. Not only is it entertaining and fun, but it (art) teaches you different thinking.” Bradley is involved in music and theatre and hopes to follow a path as a music educator. He shared in his musical education journey, “The staff had a huge impact on me, in- fluencing me to join the theatre, to sing in the choir, to further my education within the arts department.” These young people have found guidance from arts educators like Chris Behrens, Beloit Memorial High School music educator, who shared that he has seen “students gravitate towards them (the arts) for different reasons. Some of them are here because they love music, some of them like the social aspect.” The stories that emerge from the videos offer us a glimpse into the power of an arts education. Check each out through this link: Video Profiles
Go to the online version of WSM to easily access hyperlinked content within this article.
I hope these stories continue to fuel your energy. The messages that surface sup- port quality arts education opportunities within a comprehensive education. Dr. Evers shares “I think the arts are a really important part of our schooling and that is reflective in the new federal law that was passed and signed by former President Obama. It really talked about a compre- hensive education being the best thing for our kids.” The new law, Every Student Succeeds Act (2015), identifies the arts as part of a “Well-Rounded Education.”
In our next steps, consider sharing your arts education story. The stories high- lighted in this article are just a sample of the incredible arts education opportunities happening in our state. Please share your event information, instructional ideas and celebrations for arts education within these links: Kudos – Celebration news; From the Field – Instruction; or Creative Classrooms.
Another resource to check is the WI DPI Fine Arts and Creativity Education newsletter. To receive newsletters and to be placed on the listserv contact Julie Palkowski with your interest. If you wish to network with other arts educators across the state, consider joining a WI DPI Fine Arts Google Communities.
Some closing thoughts to share from Wis- consin State Superintendent Tony Evers, “Enjoy the arts. Make sure you advocate for the arts. It’s a really important thing for our kids.”
Thank you for all you do to support arts education in Wisconsin.
16 April 2017
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