The Conceptual Age & Art Education

Earlier this week I attended a school planning meeting at the University of Florida’s research school, PK Yonge. The director, Fran Vandiver, has one goal in planning the building of a new school and program: “it is time for “new new schools” and to stop building “old new schools” ....unless of course, we are satisfied with the current results.”

Their goal is to merge the new school‘s architecture with learning in the Conceptual Age. I was thrilled to hear the ideas of Daniel Pink and Sir Ken Robinson discussed in relation to a K-12 school! Why is this important to Art Education? Art plays an important role in learning during the Conceptual Age. It is theorized that an MFA IS the new MBA. Art is the vehicle for all other learning to make sense!

Take a look at Robinson's TED video entitled, "Do Schools Kill Creativity?" Can you relate to his ideas? How does your classroom foster creativity?

Practical Arts Meets Graduation Requirements

If you don't subscribe to the FDOE's Paperless Communication, you really should. Visit: http://www.fldoe.org/ and subscribe today. You can filter the types of communication you wish to be notified of and limit it to art related information.

Click here to read the Department's latest release regarding acceptable practical art credits to meet art graduation requirements. Is you mouth wide open? If not, it should be. "Food Sciences" is an acceptable course to meet an Art requirement? "Early Childhood Education"? "Jewelry Making and Repair"? Where was the art educator when this list was being compiled? Do they not see how traditional arts courses can have a practical value, too?

Doesn't this list contain courses which devalue the importance of art education?! It is very important for art educators to be activist and to see the value of having representation in Tallahassee and other state legislators' offices. The authors of this list need to be educated and we are the best ones to provide the information. It won't happen while remaining in your classrooms preparing for the next art show. It requires even more.

What are your thoughts?

Blog Focus

The role of the art educator is changing dramatically. As educational budgets are being cut all over the State of Florida and the US, art positions are being compromised. We’ve got a huge challenge before us and now is the time to act.

I’m an art educator first and foremost. I have taught elementary art at a magnet school in Ocala, Florida, as well as taught middle school art for Florida Virtual School. My current role is as a district liaison for FLVS (Florida Virtual School). My job takes me all over the state and nation. I’ve spoken with students, parents, administrators, and legislators. I’m at district level meetings to national conferences focusing on various educational topics. I have asked myself, “Where’s the Art?” more times that I can count. I’ve seen many opportunities for art education’s voice to be heard. That is the focus of this blog.

In this blog, I’ll share all of the opportunities that I come across and look forward to hearing your thoughts, criticisms, and other opportunities to help our cause.