Teaching Learning Leading K-12

Episode 38: Protecting the Performing Arts

Over the last 10 years, the performing arts have often been pushed to the side in the name of needing more math and science or simply cut to balance budgets.

It is unfortunate.

Whether its band, chorus, orchestra, theater, dance or a myriad of others; the performing arts have their place in our schools.

Students desire to study and perform in the arts often in addition to studying math and science or other academic content areas.

The Georgia Institute of Technology has one of the largest marching bands in all of the colleges and universities…and there are no music majors at GATech. Hmmm ... even future engineers like the arts...

In order to protect the arts in schools it takes commitment and a willingness to make cuts in other areas, instead of in these classes. It takes becoming good at creative scheduling and looking closely at what the students want over the classes they could do without. 

What could you do to help protect the arts in your schools?

Length: 33:37

Episode 12: Darby Jones & Arts Now: Improving Education Through the Arts

Darby Jones is the CEO of Arts Now.

Darby comes from the classroom; He taught in an Atlanta middle school for 10 years and he was the fine arts department chair. During his teaching days he started working with The High Museum of Art in Atlanta which lead to him working with the Atlanta College of Art and then the Savannah College of Art and Design as an adjunct professor in visual arts instruction.

ArtsNow is about integrating the arts into schools.  Darby calls it, “A true collaborative.”

The program has local, state, and national support. It's not seeking to replace arts in schools but instead is focused on the integration of the arts in all content areas.

Darby comments that too often “kids learn in silos” and this program breaks those down. It develops connections. It is about increasing engagement. It helps make learning meaningful.

I had the pleasure of seeing the program in action with the teachers and kids in an elementary school in Dublin City Schools, GA. The kids were truly excited to be participating together and using the instructional strategies. They were discovering and excited to be involved in the activities throughout all content areas.

Find Darby and Arts Now on the web at www.artsnowlearning.org or on facebook at Arts Now Learning where you can find contact links for Darby.

Length 29:34 minutes