smart-schools.com » Arts Programs

Grass Roots Group to fight LAUSD Arts Budget Cuts

Smarty — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 05:03:21 +0000

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/culturemonster/2010/01/arts-advocates-mobilize-to-fight-proposed-lausd-budget-cuts.html

January 7, 2010 | 10:00 am LA TIMES

A proposal to slash arts teachers from elementary schools in the L.A. Unified School District has stoked community anger and fomented a grass-roots movement to fight the cuts.

Facing a budgetary shortfall of nearly $470 million in the upcoming 2010-11 school year, LAUSD is considering reductions across the board that include cutting 50% of the district’s arts specialists who teach a specific cultural subject, like music or dance, in elementary schools.

The move would result in an estimated savings of $14.9 million for the 2010-11 year.

The proposal recommends eliminating the remaining arts specialists in the following school year, resulting in savings of another $14.9 million.

The figures come from a December budget proposal from the district titled “Fiscal Stabilization Plans” that has been circulating on the Internet. The LAUSD board is said to be seriously considering the proposal, though it will probably review others like it before making a decision in late May or June.

Currently, the LAUSD provides a music teacher to elementary schools for at least one day per week for the entire year, according to the document. It also provides instruction in dance, theater or the visual arts on a regular basis.

There are an estimated 350 of these specialized arts instructors teaching in LAUSD elementary schools, said Arts for L.A., a local advocacy group.

Arts for L.A. is leading a grass-roots effort to halt the proposed cuts. The group is organizing a letter-writing campaign in which they hope to send 700 letters to LAUSD board members. It is also seeking the support of major L.A. museums and performing arts institutions to adopt a resolution to send to the board.

“We understand the enormity of the budgetary situation but the arts is important to a complete education. In order for our students to compete in the workforce, they need arts education,” said Danielle Brazell, executive director of the group.

“Any time you have a core program and take it apart, the chances are slim that it will come back.”

The LAUSD has been gradually whittling away its arts education programs. In late 2008, the board suspended the Arts Community Partnership Network, which brought professional arts groups into the schools to collaborate on instruction.

An online petition organized by LAUSD elementary arts teachers was launched in November to protest the most recent round of proposed cuts. The petition has so far accumulated more than 1,500 signatures.

– David Ng

Credit: Paul J. Richards / AFP/Getty Images

Take Advantage of Inexpensive Tech Training with ITO Workshops at LACOE

Smarty — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 01:26:27 +0000

Los Angeles County Office of Education offers some very cost effective workshops to help teachers and administrators ride the technology wave. With everything from specific software and hardware products like Inspiration or iTell to Technology Integration Academy, there is a wealth of resources. This can be a great way to keep aligned with the bigger picture and keep your skills advancing. The consultants at LACOE are fun and it’s refreshing to get out and meet some progressive like-minded teachers and administrators.

http://ito.lacoe.edu/workshops/workshops_display.pl

There are also Web 2.0 classes as well as performing arts applications. There is a lot of depth in the ITO Workshop offerings and I hear they are pretty fun.

Cost effective world class tech training here in Los Angeles area

Instruction Technology Outreach – CTAP – LACOE Los Angeles

Professional L.A. Media company can help Promote your School

Smarty — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 23:57:56 +0000

I found a unique video production firm in Los Angeles that caters to education clients with an excellent mix of heart & professionalism at a very reasonable cost.

LA’s Ballantine Media Arts has years of experience capturing school productions, events and editing promotional vignettes. Founder Steve Ballantine offers an education-focused, professional media capture experience for school administrators.

“The overall purpose of Ballantine Media Arts is to contribute to the greater good.” says owner Steve Ballantine.

While that doesn’t mean that Steve’s company is free, they are inexpensive because they focus on the education market, have low overhead and love what they do. Especially considering the professional quality sound, multiple cameras, editing and production elements that the company brings to educators, including having finished DVDs available for the school to sell or promote as they see fit.

INTERNET
In this changing environment for Charter Schools, Magnet Schools and School Choice reforms, it may pay to have a professional video presence on the internet; including YouTube or other easy-to-find sites showing the unique character of your school or department. A little bit of search engine presence can help potential student families find the uniqueness you offer, not to mention motivated investors or foundations.

ARTS PROGRAMS
It is difficult to capture live productions, especially when those moments of magic happen. For arts schools, it seems critical to promote the combined talents of the students, faculty in a media-savvy way. Having a dedicated professional on the job can help.

Ballantine Media Arts is available at
http://www.bmediaarts.com/