June 28, 2007

California Arts Education Strategic Task Force Report: Findings and Recommendations 2007

This spring, the California State PTA particpated in the California Arts Education Strategic Task Force designed to move the public school reform agenda toward a full and comprehensive education that includes systematic instruction in the four disciplines of the arts—dance, music, theatre, and visual arts.

The Task Force was convened by the California County Superintendents Educational Services Association (CCSESA) as a part of the CCSESA Arts Initiative, funded by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.

Co-Chairs of the Task Force are Jack O'Connell, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, and David Long, Secretary of Education.

The recommendations below focus on much-needed policies and initiatives to support implementation of the arts in the core curriculum so that every student is engaged in a rich visual and performing arts education.

Summary of Recommendations:

1. Leadership Capacity. Build district and school leadership capacity by creating a statewide professional development program for district leaders, school site leaders, and school board members to implement coherent, standards-based curriculum and instruction in the arts.

2. Teacher Professional Development. Augment funding for professional development to expand teacher content knowledge to advance teaching and learning in the arts.

3. Integrated Planning for the Arts. Direct school districts to include arts education into the school-level Single Plan for Student Achievement and the school district Local Educational Agency Plan.

4. Curricular Support for the Arts. Support the California Department of Education, the California State Board of Education, and the California Curriculum Development and Supplemental Materials Commission, as well as other groups, in facilitating the development of arts education curricula and supplementary instructional resources to help districts include the arts in the core curriculum at each elementary grade level.

5. Public Information and Visibility. Increase public awareness of the status of arts education in California's public schools by making it easier for parents, families, and other community members to know about arts education programs that are offered to students at every school at each grade level.

6. Assessment of Student Learning. Encourage district assessment of student learning in the arts.

Download a copy of the report:
California Arts Education Strategic Task Force Report 2007

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