File puptcrit/puptcrit.0501, message 189


Date: Thu, 20 Jan 2005 11:34:57 -0500
From: Wayong-AT-aol.com
To: puptcrit-driftline.org-AT-lists.driftline.org
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] follow up to A question to the list about


Here's another spin:

If you got the opportunity to talk to the administrators & teachers, what would you say that would make a collaboration successful?  What elements would have to be in place?

We talked a lot about what's wrong with the system (understandably), so what would make it right? What could make the incorporation of the arts successful?  What argument would you have that would encourage the Board of Ed or others to reconsider the arts?  

>From what I understand, visiting artists were considered to enrich students' learning experiences, to provide another dimension. Now, more than ever, art teachers are not being employed & school districts are using visiting artists as a quick fix. With less flexibility in the curriculum, it makes it difficult to make this collaboration process successful.

When I was in high school, my art teachers said "don't become an art teacher, don't become a teacher" forseeing trouble ahead.  So, I pursued art therapy when it was still an "unknown" to the public.  Then more awareness occurred (thanks to PREVIOUS politicians, NO thanks to current politicians).  Then most service related organizations were severely slashed, anything to do with children, arts & mental health - in the trash. Then it appeared that mental health was not a way to go.  By the time I considered becoming an art educator in a traditional environment, it appeared that those positions are nonexistant.  Here in Massachusetts, art teachers are expected to know music theory & other knowledge that I am hard pressed to see the relevance to my ability to teach painting or puppetry to kids.

Key points that can be addressed in the collaboration process:
Priority issues for kids
The learning experience
Show me the money!!
Dealing with politicians & lobbyists (so what is the connection with Board of Ed, test creators & the pharmaceutAL companies anyway?)
Dealing with Board of Ed
How to stay sane & creative despite all of this.
Remember the kids?
Dealing with teachers coordially
What you expect out of teachers

Wayong
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