Missouri Alliance for Arts Education

                       FY 2018 Advocacy Agenda    (click here)     

We urge the State Board of Education to—

Continue to Support Arts Requirements in Missouri Public Schools

MAAE urges that the Missouri State Board of Education support comprehensive sequential fine arts instruction (dance, drama, music and visual art) Pre K – 12, taught by certified fine arts specialists in the appropriate disciplines. The MAAE recommends:

· a minimum of 60 minutes EACH of instruction per week for music and visual art in all elementary schools

· a minimum of 3,000 minutes of fine arts instruction in middle schools for all students

· a one-credit fine arts graduation requirement in all high schools

· that school districts be held accountable for fulfilling these requirements

AFFIRM THE ROLE OF THE ARTS IN THE MISSOURI LEARNING STANDARDS

MAAE recommends that the role of the arts in the education of Missouri students be strengthened by the adoption or adaptation of the National Arts Standards that were developed by professional arts education organizations across the nation. We strongly urge the Fine Arts Learning Standards Review work groups to use these standards as reference and possible models in their proceedings.

MAAE believes the ESSA legislation provides multiple opportunities for Missouri to make full and effective use of Arts Education to achieve Title goals and calls on DESE and the Board to pursue those opportunities.

ENCOURAGE ARTS EDUCATION PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

MAAE recommends that DESE fully support Fine Arts professional development programs in the regional Professional Development Centers. In addition, MAAE recommends that all DESE sponsored conferences incorporate Arts Education in a significant and meaningful way. The Alliance stands ready to identify or provide content and programming.

ADOPT ARTS INTEGRATION AS A RECOMMENDED MEANS OF INSTRUCTION

MAAE recommends that arts integration, as defined by the Kennedy Center, be promoted as an important component in the teaching of all subjects at all levels. In order to achieve this MAAE recommends:

· all education certification candidates be required to complete training in the arts and arts integration

· significant resources be devoted to arts integration professional development for current educators

· all administrators receive training on how to implement arts integration in their schools

· data be gathered on the effectiveness of arts integration in schools

PROMOTE BEST PRACTICES IN ARTS EDUCATOR TRAINING

MAAE recommends that the following best practices be incorporated for arts educator training:

· placements in both elementary and secondary schools for K-12 certificate student teachers

· use of authentic measurements for teacher candidates rather than standardized objective tests

PROMOTE THE MENTORING AND INDUCTION STANDARDS

MAAE urges DESE and the State Board of Education to clearly communicate to local school districts their responsibilities to provide effective mentoring and induction for educators by implementing the standards that were approved for publication in June, 2016.

We urge the Missouri General Assembly to—

Fully Fund The Missouri Arts Council

MAAE recommends the Missouri Legislature fully funds the Missouri Arts Council through the existing statute regarding the Non-Resident Professional Athletes and Entertainers Tax (A&E Tax). Based on current revenue the 60% requirement would result in over $18 million dedicated to Missouri Arts Council.

Fully Fund The School Foundation Formula

MAAE recommends that the Missouri Legislature continue to fully fund the Missouri Public Schools Foundation Formula.

Restore funding for The Missouri Fine Arts Academy and Scholars Academy So They Will Always Be Accessible for Students of All Means

MAAE recommends restoring state funding for the Missouri Fine Arts Academy and Missouri Scholars Academy so that no eligible student is denied this experience for financial reasons.

Create More STEAM Programs By Mandating Schools Incorporate Arts Programs In STEM Efforts

MAAE recommends that any legislation supporting the current STEM Initiative (Science, Technology Engineering & Mathematics) be expanded to include the Arts (STEAM) in order to support the innovation and creativity necessary to make this program a success.