Alabama Art Education Association

Greetings AAEA Members,

As summer approaches and we all go for the final push to finish out the 2009-2010 school year, I hope everything is well with you and your school. As you may already know, the economy is affecting many schools across the state. A school leaders and administrators are faced with budget cuts; we need to make sure to remind everyone of the importance of art for every child. Together, we have the collective ability to advocate for the stability of art education by continuing to emphasize the importance of structured and sequential K-12 art curricula taught by highly qualified art teachers for every child in Alabama.

Core Standards in English and Math have just been released. Science and Social Studies have begun work on Common Core Standards. Discussions have begun at the nation level to convene a task force to develop Common Core Standards for the arts. All major arts organizations will be invited to participate, including the National Arts Education Association. It is imperative the arts are included in this movement, and we need to support this effort at the national level.

You can play a role in keeping the arts in education in Alabama by sending photos and clips of learning that is taking place at your school, as well as sharing any art related events that you are a part of in your area to the newsletter. I believe that communication is a powerful tool in keeping the arts alive. So, brag on your students and communicate the wonderful things that are happening in your school. Talk about partnerships you may have with other subject areas and teachers in your school and in your community. Talk about Best Practices and lessons that cover the Alabama State Course of Study which are challenging, effective, and engaging to your students. Talk about success stories your students have achieved as a result of having art in their lives.

Part of what helps us bring art to our students is our professional development opportunities, connections with colleagues from across the state, networking, and advocacy. We have an excellent Fall Conference coming up November 5-6, 2010. Connie Deal and Bee Lee Tullos are coordinating some great presenters and professional development opportunities that will connect you with tools you need to keep your classroom and school art program top notch so that you can continue to advocate your program.

You have the ability to advocate for the arts in Alabama and it involves action on your part. If you know of any art teachers who are not members of AAEA, tell them to join and advocate for the arts in education. Many voices are a whole lot louder than a few voices. As members we can speak with a louder voice to the tune of art for every child.

Sincerely,

Susan C. Davis

Art Teacher