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How Arts Training Improves Attention and Cognition–From the Dana Foundation
Have I ever mentioned that I love the Dana Foundation. Full disclosure: the organization I work for receives funding from Dana. With that out of the way, I just want to say I think they’re one terrific funder and partner, doing exemplary work that is both unique, helpful, and dynamic. Dana’s current issue of Cerebrum…
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Is It Time to Throw in the Towel on Education Reform? A Speech by Checker Finn
This is a terrific bird’s eye view of the kaleidoscope of education reform. Whether you agree with his conclusion or not, it’s more than worth the read. Click here to read Checker Finn’s September 9th speech to Rice University’s Educational Entrepreneurship Program. Hirsch wants a new K-8 curriculum, for instance. The NEA (National Education Association)…
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Chicago Public Radio Looks at Music and the Brain
Last Friday, the Chicago Public Radio program Eight Forty-Eight took a look at music and the brain in a segment titled Researchers Probe How Music Rewires the Brain. Click here to read the transcript or listen to the segment online. So, listening to brainwaves is kind of weird and fun, but why care so much about…
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Should Arts Education Hitch its Wagon to 21st Century Skills?
In most respects this couldn’t be more timely, as the upcoming forum of the Arts Education Partnership is focused heavily on 21st Century skills, and features none other than Ken Kay, President of the Partnership for 21st Century Skills. Mr. Kay is also the CEO and Founder of the E-Luminate Group, which is an “education…
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Do the Arts Count in Education? How Policy can Bludgeon Practice
Here’s my very first repost, the blog having originally appeared late last week: While I have misgivings about posting this blog during the traditionally quiet week before Labor Day, I just couldn’t resist. I may repost it next week, just to make sure it isn’t missed. This blog post is central to those who wonder…
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Bungled By Design: A Reseacher on Research
This is one very fine read. Plus, it won’t take you too long. If you have any interest in reading a piece that dissects a recent positive piece of research on a high profile program training principals in New York City, this what you want to click through to. More than anything, this gives you…
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Of Ted Kennedy, Rocco Landesman, and NCLB
When I think of Ted Kennedy, I think of a line of Democrats that reach way back to FDR. The wealthy elites who are brought up to serve the public and for my money, demonstrate a commitment to a progressive agenda that is centered in social justice. Were they perfect, of course not. From FDR…
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Insult to Injury: State Reading Tests Can be Passed by Guessing
This little topic is a tough one. Think about it: according to number of different reports, the NY State ELA tests, which drives just so very much of the educational industrial complex, can be passed by guessing. When arts education is being pushed off the table, out of the school day, etc., look to how…
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Reflections on Arts Education and the USDOE
It’s interesting to see the fairly predictable responses to Arne Duncan’s letter and web conference, where he articulated support for arts education on behalf of the USDOE and the White House. There is and should be a fair amount of gratitude across the field when a US Secretary of Education affirms the importance of the…
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Six Key Quotes from Arne Duncan’s Web Conference on Arts Education
I know, I know, the full transcript and audio is coming. In the meantime, here are a few quotes. But before that, here’s my headline: US Education Secretary Affirms the Importance of Parents in Ensuring Arts Education Here are the highlights: 1.”The elementary and secondary education act defines arts education as a core subject.” 2.…