Arts in Education
Click here for research on the importance and impact of arts education.
The Arts Education Consortium of Minnesota
The Arts Education Consortium of Minnesota was formed in 2004 to work for the continued availability of the arts for Minnesota’s children. Members of the Consortium include the Art Educators of Minnesota, American Alliance for Theatre and Education, Minnesota Citizens for the Arts, COMPAS, Dance Educators Coalition, Minnesota Music Educators Association, Communication and Theatre Educators of Minnesota, and VSA Arts of Minnesota. We estimate that there are over 5,000 arts educators in the arts in the state of Minnesota.
Mission Statement of the Arts Education Consortium of Minnesota: To promote and advocate for comprehensive and sequential arts education that achieves active engagement in and through the arts for all Minnesota students.
AECM Members (from left to right):
Kathy Gerdts-Senger (Art Educators of Minnesota), Dan Tjornehoj (Lobbyist, Arts Education Consortium), Sheila Smith (Executive Director, Minnesota Citizens for the Arts), Craig Dunn (Executive Director, VSA Arts), Mary Schafle (Executive Director, Minnesota Music Educators Association), Robert Ouren (Edina Music Teacher).
Not pictured: Colleen Callahan, Tom Gale, Jill Lofald, Kevan Nitzberg, Doug Orzolek
AECM Position Statements
As of 11/15/2006
Accountability to the Standards:
An issue for the Minnesota Legislature
Hold schools and school districts accountable for the Minnesota Academic Standards in the Arts. These standards are part of ensuring a complete, well-rounded education for Minnesota students. The arts are one of Minnesota’s core academic standards and schools must be held accountable for implementing, assessing, documenting and reporting on student achievement of the arts standards.
Evaluation and Measurement of Students and Teachers:
An issue for the Department of Education Rulemaking Process
Develop evaluation procedures of teachers and measurements of student achievement that are aligned with subject area standards and processes. Evaluation of teacher performance and student work is key to ensuring quality education systems. As alternative compensation plans are developed, which include evaluation of teacher performance and student achievement, they must be determined through multiple measures of evaluation and assessment.
Separate Licensure for Arts Educators:
An issue for the Board of Teaching
Support separate licensure requirements for arts educators. Arts educators are uniquely trained in the specific art field in which they teach whether it be in music, dance, theatre or visual art. If schools are allowed to depart from the current specialized training and content skill requirements of educators by allowing them to expand their teaching into other academic disciplines without the proper education, training, experience and licensing that is required for a specific discipline, it will inevitably have a negative effect on the quality of education delivered to students. The Minnesota Board of Teaching must report underscored these same concerns while stating that there are already avenues in place for implementing innovative and interdisciplinary approaches.
Arts Education Funding:
An issue for the Minnesota Legislature
Increased funding for education and arts education is important for Minnesota students. The legislature’s increase in education funding in 2005 was an important step towards restoring essential funding for schools. Additional funding of arts education programs is also needed in order to meet the federal and state requirements, and to ensure that every child has an opportunity to learn in and through the arts.
Get Engaged!
The AECM is not a formal organization. Rather, it is a loose affilitation of educators, artists and organizations passionate about the importance of arts education to Minnesota’s children. If you have ideas, concerns, or need more information, you may contact any one of the members of the AECM Steering Committee.
Colleen Callahan dec@pconline.com
Craig Dunn craig@vsaartsmn.org
Tom Gale tgale@mn.rr.com
Kathy Gerdts-Senger kathleen.gerdts-senger@isd742.org
Jill Lofald jill.lofald@duluth.k12.mn.us
Kevan Nitzberg knitzber@ties2.net
Doug Orzolek dcorzolek@stthomas.edu
Bob Ouren bob_ouren@rdale.k12.mn.us
Mary Schaefle Schaefle@mmea.org
Sheila Smith Sheila@mncitizensforthearts.org
Dan Tjornehoj dtjorneh@pressenter.com
You may also contact a member of the Perpich Center for Arts Education staff for research and resources related to arts education programs and policies:
Mike Hiatt michael.hiatt@pcae.k12.mn.us
Virginia McFerran virginia.mcferran@pcae.k12.mn.us
Pam Paulson pam.paulson@pcae.k12.mn.us
Donate to AECM!
You may make a donation to the work of the AECM by sending a check to Minnesota Music Educators Association, which serves as the fiscal agent for the AECM. Be sure to designate your donation for arts education advocacy. Send your check to: Minnesota Music Educators Association, 6860 Shingle Creek Pkwy #103, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430.
Useful Links
American Alliance for Theatre and Education www.aate.com
American Music Conference www.amc-music.org
Americans for the Arts www.artsusas.org
Art Educators of Minnesota www.aem-mn.org
Arts Education Partnership www.aep-arts.org
COMPAS www.compas.org
Music Education Coalition www.supportmusic.com
Minnesota Music Educators Association www.mmea.org
National Art Education Association www.naea-reston.org
National Association for Music Education www.menc.org
National Dance Education Organization www.ndeo.org
Perpich Center for Arts Education www.pcae.k12.mn.us
VSA Arts of Minnesota www.vsaartsmn.org