The California Alliance for Arts Education works in partnership with 4th District PTA and requested that candidates running for School Board respond to the questions below....
Amber Gould
La Habra City School Board
California Alliance for the Arts Education
1. What meaningful experiences with the arts (visual arts, dance, drama and/or music) did you have growing up?
Growing-up in Washington State, the arts were a huge part of my early and high school education. I remember the first time I tried out for a part in the 1st grade Christmas Show. I was selected to be angel, and every year after that I tried out for one spot or another. Earning a part in the play built my confidence, I might not have been the best singer, dancer or actress, but I sure felt like it. Likewise, middle school choir helped me understand math. Looking back, I now understand why my parents wanted me to play and instrument and read music, it wasn't just about the "music" it was about everything else it instilled- math, reading and confidence! My family ate dinner every night at the table, we never watched T.V., but we always had the radio on. Music to me is family, it brings happiness, it consoles you through sadness and as a child, it built my confidence, and is a huge reason why I am who I am today!
2. What role do you think the arts can play in supporting key education priorities such as closing the achievement gap, reducing the dropout rate and preparing more students for college eligibility and the 21st century workforce?
In 11th grade I had Art History with Mrs. Heirchfield . This was my favorite class through my entire high school career. I couldn't draw, I didn't even think I liked "art" but I never learned more that I did in that class. Why? Art, in all forms (choir, instruments, dance and drawing) builds on the foundations of math, reading and writing. It builds fine motor skills, it builds confidence. As we fight to close the achievement gap in La Habra, reduce the dropout rates in our high schools and prepare our children for college, we must re-focus and stop cutting the art programs in our schools. Our honors students will benefit by having electives that draws on higher learning, Ivy League readiness. Our bubble students will benefit by having an additional venue where learning math and English is fun and non-threatening, our below basic students will have the opportunity to take part in programs that will instill a foundation of music that teaches math, reading and writing in a different way supplementing the classroom curriculum. Music crosses all economic barriers; students who have the opportunity to take part in music programs can find an avenue they are "good at". It can serve as an escape as well as a bridge to higher learning.
3. A standards-based arts curriculum is one of the five core subjects in NCLB and critical for developing job skills vital in the creative economy and the 21st century workforce. Yet, most often only "what is tested is taught" in our schools. How do you envision bringing balance back for a comprehensive education and ensuring that all students have access to a quality, standards-based arts education curriculum?
We need to change the educational system in America; we need to ensure that the "arts" are given just as much importance in our schools as reading, writing and math. However, in the mean-time, I envision offering a wide-range of electives from band, choir, orchestra, art, shop and dance in our middle schools and bringing back music programs in our elementary schools. Although the State fiscal crisis has weakened our budget, forcing schools to cut these programs, we are going to have to work outside the "norm" and encourage our community stake holders to find new and innovative ways to offer these programs to our kids. I have spoken to many parents over the past few months, and I want to ensure the arts are not just programs exposed to children whose families have the financial ability to send them to an outside organization; I want these programs to be available to all. I envision our community forming focus groups that are tasked with not only conceptually designing but finding funding and ensuring implementation of such programs. There are many community businesses and citizens who will help ensure the arts are not a past memory in our educational system.
4. If elected, how will you engage classroom teachers, arts teachers, parents and community arts organizations to shape your agenda for arts education or implement yours district's strategic arts plan?
We need to first create an arts education plan in La Habra. We are fortunate to have surrounding schools that have been able to secure strong art programs in their schools, and we must partner with them to help us design one for our school. We will then create a strategic focus group of parents, teachers and community stake holders to help us create a strong curriculum, secure funding and monitor implementation of such programs. We must stay realistic and know that it will take time to secure the holistic program which La Habra so badly needs, but with one foot in front of the other, we will slowing and effectively re-implement the art programs that were once so vibrant in La Habra.
|
