November 13, 2014
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.
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
February 26, 2014
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
