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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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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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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.…
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Cuts to Music Programs in Detroit Public Schools
Too Often the Music Dies in City Schools, is a recent article in the Detroit Free Press. While it’s a story we all know too well, cuts to arts education programs, it’s worth the read. In particular it looks at the issue through the lens of jazz players who have come out of Detroit Public…
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Arne Duncan and his Audience with Arts Education
If you haven’t heard by now, Arne Duncan, US Secretary of Education is having a conference call with just about everyone in the United States interested in arts education. Of course you have to register. It’s like a giant arts ed party line. For those old enough to know what a party line was… If…
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From Arne Duncan: “Bringing to your Attention the Importance of Arts as a Core Subject”
Dated August 2009, here’s a open letter to “School and Education Community Leaders.” Arts Education Letter_Secretary Duncan.pdf On August 18th, at 1pm EDT, Secretary Duncan will participate in a conference call hosted by the NAMM Foundation and the Support Music Coalition. Click here to register for the call: http://webcast.streamlogics.com/audience/index.asp?eventid=78250848
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Rachel Maddow on Arts and Arts Education
I am sure by now that you’ve come across this, as it has already been posted to all sorts of blogs and appeared in the news. But hey, this is August, the dog days of summer, so maybe you’ve missed it. It is perhaps one of the most original takes on the arts in America,…