THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, June 19, 1996 TAG: 9606180123
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 05 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY MARK YOUNG, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 59 lines
Organizers of the second annual Arts-In-Education Institute want to add an R for arts to the other three R's.
Today and Thursday the Center for the Arts and Young Audiences of Virginia are co-sponsoring ``Putting It Together: Integrating the Arts Into the Curriculum,'' a program aimed at expanding the presence of the arts in the schools.
Participants in the program can learn ``how to teach math through music, or history through a dance program'' said Luci Talbot, a Young Audiences spokesperson. They can also find out about grants available for such projects and how to build sponsorships that can help make them happen.
The keynote speaker for the conference will be Jon Pearson, a nationally known speaker, cartoonist and performer. The theme of his address, at 9 a.m. today, will be recognizing creative thinking processes and utilize them to inspire children to use their own individual creativity.
Ken May, deputy director of the South Carolina Arts Commission, will share some insights into the arts in a basic curriculum project that he helped develop there. The program has been credited with helping to significantly raise standardized test scores for at-risk students. Using the arts in everyday education to reach society's most disadvantaged is an important focus of the conference.
Other presenters include artists, educators and experts in coordinating business and community partnerships. ``Last year it was focused specifically on the artists, improving development of their programs, but this year we have more sessions for others - teachers, parents and administrators - addressing more issues in arts education,'' said Talbot. The program was expanded this year to benefit all those interested in improving the quality and the reach of the arts in the educational environment. The second day of the conference will include a panel drawn from presenters and special guests discussing creative alternatives for youth.
The art center's current ``It's Only Rock and Roll'' exhibit will be incorporated into discussions and workshops. While exploring the gallery, attendees will use the exhibits to suggest ways they might connect music to the curriculum. Guest Mary C. Barton, principal of Cedar Lee Middle School in Fauquier County, has infused music into her students' education by playing classical music in the school's halls and library.
More than 100 people have registered so far, said Talbot. The participants are drawn from across the state, including a large contingent from Northern Virginia, with officials from the Kennedy Center coming to study ideas for infusing the arts into education.
Teachers attending with their administrator's approval are eligible for five recertification points per day of the conference. The cost is $60, including lunch. Those interested in registering or obtaining further information may call 466-7555 or fax Kristen Piersol or Luci Talbot at 455-9859. ILLUSTRATION: The keynote speaker for the conference will be Jon
Pearson, a nationally known speaker, cartoonist and performer. The
theme of his address, at 9 a.m. today, will be recognizing creative
thinking processes and utilizing them to inspire children to use
their own individual creativity. by CNB