California Allicance for Arts Education Candidate Questionaire

By Lisa L. Pellicano

4th District PTA in partnership with Arts Orange County

1. What meaningful experiences with the arts did you have growing up?

Moving back and forth across the country during my elementary school years and in high school, I had the opportunity to experience different curriculum between states. I have fond memories of learning to square dance, make pottery, sing in a choir and attend shows, and listen to different types of music. I was fortunate to attend a musical, opera and ballet. Music and art help people to develop an awareness of different cultures and can assist us in relating to others through a story or picture. An emphasis on art education was reflected not only in the teaching institutions but with my parents. I believe that society as a whole felt that art in education was fundamental. Students knew that those educators who taught dance, choir and art were teachers that encouraged students to express their thoughts and feelings. They acknowledged that individually can be expressed in those manners and can be nurtured into a beautiful product that many can enjoy.

2. What role do you think the arts can play in support key education priorities such as closing the achievement gap, reducing the dropout rate and preparing more student s for college eligibility and the 21st century workforce?

Art in education is extremely important on several levels. Art is a universal educator in which students learn about other cultures helping them to emerge from a culturally diverse society which feeds into the global community. The understanding and tolerance of diverse cultures is a requirement to compete in the 21st century global economy. Responsible community members comprise our local, state and national government. Art and the expression of art can build confidence in children; as there is no wrong answer when analyzing a piece of art, allowing students to reflect their own views and experiences when making the interpretation. Art promotes critical thinking, analysis and creativity which all students need for academic success in all core subjects. A student's view of high academic achievement directly relates to self esteem and reflects confidence. In correlation with drop out rates; art is something that students can relate to and make their own because it is interesting to them. Allowing students to create and experience joy in a subject can help with self motivation and insight to career choices resulting in a more productive employee in the workforce. Art can also be a balancing factor for student's that have disabilities.

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. Yet, most often only "what is tested is taught" in our schools. How do you envision bringing a balance back for a comprehensive education and ensuring that all students have access to a quality, standards-based education curriculum?

Art education is a subject that is often considered underestimated and an inconsequential part of a child's education as evidenced by the current lack of funding and support by many State legislators. Schools simply do not have the resources to fund art education as instructional minutes while school districts are pushing for reading, writing, or other fundamentals measured in academic achievement or "teaching to the test". As members of society and as voting taxpayers, we need to press the issue of making the Arts a core subject by demanding our legislators to represent our views. As a school district we need to promote amongst our teachers the value and importance of art in education. We need to provide opportunities for professional development to assist them in the integration of art with the rest of our core subjects. Continued financial support through PTA/PTSO and local community art performances to provide affordable exposure to our students is critical. Unless the arts are fully funded many underprivileged student populations will not have the introduction to a potentially large portion of professional careers which will see a decline in entry without the importance placed on these subjects. Creative thinking must be nurtured; art and music are excellent subjects to express one's individuality.

4. If elected, how will you engage classroom teachers, art teachers, parents and community arts organizations to shape your agenda for arts education or implement your district's strategic arts plan?

As a school board member, imparting the importance of art education in the classroom to administrators is the first step to helping the district's teachers to implement the direction of the curriculum. Administrators need to recognize the benefits of art education in the classroom and the way it connects to all the other academic areas. School board members need to build partnerships with local organizations and businesses to provide opportunities for schools to continue to expose children to the various arts community. Collaborating with local secondary districts to expose students to band, drama, choir and other activities help involve and interest students in pursuing their education with classes that are interesting. Supporting the PTA at a local, state and national level and providing parents with the access and places to find information to help make informed decisions on local candidates that directly affect their child's education is essential.