Read the Signals, Interpret the Opportunities:

by Sarah Tambucci, Ph.D.
Director, AEC
Reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act Or... What ever happened to No Child Left Behind? 

There is no doubt about it, education is a presidential priority. At a time when most government spending is ‘frozen’, President Obama proposes significant increases in discretionary spending for education in his fiscal year 2011 budget. A president supporting an education agenda is certainly not a new idea. But maybe this time we can become better at reading between the lines and use a little creativity and imagination.

A $4 billion increase in K-12 education, including the previous amount of $1.35 billion to make Race to the Top a permanent program means it is indeed time to put our money where our mouth is. While contradictory opinions of the goals of the Race do exist, there are embedded opportunities for arts education at the local level in those districts who receive funding. Isn’t this a good time to work with and support districts that could profit from the expertise and deep content knowledge as they focus on teacher effectiveness? What could make an arts teacher more effective than having deep content knowledge that comes from collaborating with our mighty arts and culture community?

And what about the massive increase in student aid requested of $156 billion in 2011, up from $98 billion in 2008? Are we really to believe that this administration is signaling substantive support for learning beyond high school and have identified resources as a block to equity? What will our role as educators be in supporting, mentoring and encouraging young people to explore their talents and seek opportunities to prepare for careers in the innovative age?

There are other opportunities as well. Along with a focus on early learning, (What are the developmentally appropriate practices in learning in the arts?) promoting well rounded education, (What is our local and regional response to the narrow curriculum?), and K-12 reform including professional opportunities that improve teacher effectiveness (What are the options for promoting best practices in arts education?)

This agenda received support from both parties following the recent State of the Union message. Secretary Duncan emphasized the President’s call for reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Act is yet another signal. What does the popular trend to rename No Child Left Behind signal to you?

What do you think?