Arts Education in SAUSD
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| Santa Ana High School Orchestra Performance at Artwalk October 2016 |
The arts matter. They are a critical
component of a child’s development of 21st century learning. Not only do the arts address the needs of the
whole child, they are extremely important in developing the skills students
need to enter the creative workforce and succeed in the global market. Research has demonstrated that students who
study the arts learn how to think critically and creatively, to persevere
beyond failed attempts to reach goals, and to work collaboratively with their
fellow students – important qualities for the next generation of leaders. Business and industry leaders recognize and
understand the need to hire people with the ability to have imagination,
creativity and to be innovative.
“A
broad education in the arts gives children a better understanding of their
world. We need students who are
culturally literate as well as math and science literate,” said Paul Ostergard,
Vice President of Citicorp
The National Standards of Arts Education
states, “the arts are inseparable from the very meaning of the term
‘education.’ We know from long experience that no one can claim to be truly
educated who lacks basic knowledge and skills in the arts. Society depends on
the arts to carry us to a fullness of humanity and are part of the healthy
development of children’s minds and spirits”
Many leaders throughout the United States believe
arts education is the equal rights issue of the 21st century. Arne Duncan, former U.S. Secretary of
Education, “… unfortunately, the arts opportunity gap is
widest for children in high-poverty schools. This is absolutely an equity issue
and a civil rights issue--just as is access to AP courses and other educational
opportunities.” And, more recently, John B. King, “The bottom line is clear: a
rich range of course offerings isn’t a nicety, it’s a vital part of a thorough
education and a crucial element of social justice.”
The arts
are communication and creative realization.
They are culture, history and connectors. They contribute to the overall well-being of
individuals to provide joy, inspiration, peace, intellectual stimulation and
other life-enhancing qualities and experiences. The arts are community
engagement with citizens who seek artistic experiences.
In order to
realize these critical philosophical foundations and lifelong goals, students
need to become artistically literate.
And, their education needs to begin at an early age to explore and
develop through experiential learning where they become reflective, life-long
learners who know how to receive critical feedback, engage collaboratively and
problem-solve effectively.
First lady,
Michelle Obama said that arts education is essential for building innovative
thinkers who will be our nation’s leaders for tomorrow. In order to prepare
students to meet the demands of the marketplace and creative economy, students
need more arts education beginning in elementary school so they can work at
significantly advanced levels to be college and career ready.
Santa Ana parents want more arts education
for their children in SAUSD. In response to LCAP outreach and community
feedback, Santa Ana Unified School District is launching the first public
school of the arts, SanArts. Housed at
Santa Ana High School, this conservatory model will offer students throughout
Santa Ana and Orange County the chance to earn a VAPA diploma and
certifications that allow them to be college and career ready with industry-related
competencies in the arts.
Conservatory students will be able to study
in 5 areas of intensive and multiple-discipline arts studies including dance,
theatre, cinematic arts, vocal and instrumental music, and visual and digital media
arts. This-school-within-a-school model allows students to work at conservatory
levels in advanced arts studies while securing a strong academic
foundation. They will have benefit of
the amenities, athletics and activities of a large public high school while
getting the individualized attention and support to pursue full artistic
potential. Students who work at
conservatory level in the high school will need to be developed in the
district’s elementary and intermediate arts programs. Therefore, it’s essential that all students
have equitable access to this unique opportunity. In addition, students from all over Orange
County will be invited to audition.
Partnered by professional arts
organizations and industry professionals, the conservatory will provide students
with abundant opportunities to study and view professional artists through
master classes, workshops, guest artist residencies, and field experience. They will have opportunities to work as
apprentices and interns to gain industry-level expertise, and will be fully
immersed in arts studies by their senior year, including working as interns and
apprentices in arts-related industries.
They will graduate with rich portfolios and bodies of work in
preparation for students to be thriving contributors to the creative
economy.
Students heavily involved in the arts for
at least one full year are four times more likely to have been recognized for
academic performances, are elected to class office three times as often, are
four times more likely to participate in a math and science fair, and are three
times more likely to win an award for school attendance according to research.
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| Saddleback Dance Team at Artwalk October 2016 |
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| Godinez Christmas Concert December 2016 |
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