A couple of weeks ago I was presenting at a conference with a colleague and a portion of our session included an activity where participants looked at a work of art to respond to a question of their choice. We had intentionally selected works of art created by and featuring people who represent a variety of cultures. This activity moved one of the participants to tears as it was unusual for the teacher to see works of art representative of her and her students. This was a powerful reminder of the importance of selecting curriculum, materials, and resources that reflect the communities in which we work and live. If you have not yet closely examined the resources being shared with your students, I’d encourage you to start this important work. The resources found on the CA Arts Education Framework hub can be a great place to get you started.

The funding provided by the passage of Proposition 28 must supplement existing arts education at your school, rather than be used to supplant what is already available for students. This is an opportunity to examine who is being served by existing arts education experiences and to find out what courses and resources could be added to better meet the needs of all students and the community. I want to encourage you to embrace this historic opportunity to increase access to arts education for all students across San Diego County.

Each school principal or preschool program director will need to create a plan for spending the money each year and write a report outlining how the funds were spent, starting with the 2023-24 school year. Whether your district has an existing strategic arts education plan, has a plan that needs revision, or is looking to write a plan, please reach out to me for support. Please check back here regularly to learn more about this important funding for arts education.

If you are looking for additional resources and support, I encourage you to continue reading this newsletter, regularly visit the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) VAPA website, and reach out to me with your questions by email or phone.

VAPA Coordinator, SDCOE

858-295-8881

Explore the latest VAPA professional learning opportunities and find out how you can learn more.

Designed for arts educators, multiple subject teachers, school and district administrators, and teaching artists to build their initial understanding of the California Arts standards and explore strategies for implementation.

The Kennedy Center offers professional learning opportunities in teaching the arts, integrating the arts with other subject areas, and supporting arts learning for students with disabilities. Workshops and webinars align with appropriate standards, including the Common Core State Standards, the Virginia Standards of Learning, and the National Core Arts Standards. All events will be held virtually except when indicated. If you have any questions, please direct them to Edrick Rhodes, director of Curriculum and Administration. Learn more.

Saturday, Feb. 25 and Saturday, March 4 (9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.)

In person at UC San Diego Park & Market, San Diego

CoTA has developed their 2023 STEAM Institute to meet some of the current challenges that educators and students face in NGSS. The workshops are designed for grade levels K-5, but all grade level teachers are welcome to attend. The institute is free (with a refundable deposit) and we provide complimentary materials, handouts, resources, lunch, and beverages.

Register and read more.

Contact Amanda Banks, CoTA STEAM lead artist, with any questions.

Resources are available for you to learn about the purpose and development of the California Arts Education Framework, experience highlights from each of the chapters, and gain an understanding of how the framework assists us in supporting all learners. Whatever our role in the arts education community, this powerful document can guide us in designing and implementing a relevant, student-centered, standards-based arts education for all students. You can find videos, infographics, handouts, and slide decks by visiting the CalArtsEd Framework website. The Arts Education Framework document can be found on the California Department of Education website.

Youth Art Month (YAM) is an annual nationwide K-12 art competition and celebration put on by the National Art Education Association. Our San Diego group (CAEASD) hosted YAMSD 2023 Jan. 31, which featured over 100 works of art in the annual countywide juried art exhibition. The 1st, 2nd, 3rd place award winners move onto the Southern California YAM show in Riverside.

The San Diego Museum of Art offers free docent-guided student tours in the museum galleries and virtually via Zoom. Tours are designed to create meaningful connections through observing and engaging with art. Choose from one of more than 15 themes or request a special tour relevant to your curriculum. Financial assistance for bus transportation for school visits to the museum for K-12 docent-guided tours is available to Title I schools meeting requirements. Learn more.

Classics 4 Kids presents professional orchestra concerts as field-trip events at the historic Balboa Theatre in Downtown San Diego. These 50-minute interactive STEAM concerts are designed for teachers and children in grades PreK–6. Each participating class receives a complementary optional docent visit, accompanied by a free detailed lesson plan. Tickets are $7 per person, and teachers are free.

Register at Classics 4 Kids online.

The San Diego chapter of the American Orff-Schulwerk Association (SDAOSA) is a professional organization of educators dedicated to the creative teaching approach developed by Carl Orff and Gunild Keetman. SDAOSA promotes quality music and movement education for all children. Each year, SDAOSA provides several professional development opportunities to local teachers, student teacher candidates, and future educators. Workshops are located at EB Scripps Elementary School and all are welcome. If you have questions about the organization please visit the website or email sdaosapres@gmail.com for more information.

The 2022-23 CAEA San Diego County K-8 Student Art Exhibit is being sponsored by the California Art Education Association of San Diego and supported by SDCOE. It will be on view from April 1 to 29 in the community room of the Carmel Valley branch of the San Diego Public Library.

This exhibit will highlight the visual art education in San Diego schools, and showcase art teachers' skills and the impact their work has on their students and the community. Publicly displaying students' artworks will engage parents, art education advocates, and community members in the conversation about the impact of visual art. It will give students an opportunity to take pride in their work and appreciate the art of others displayed.

Due to space limitations at the library at this time, only 2D artworks will be accepted.

The exhibition will end with a closing reception on Saturday, April 29 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Carmel Valley Library community room located at 3919 Townsgate Drive, San Diego, CA 92130. At the end of the reception, the artists are asked to take their work home with them.

Eligibility: Any K-8 Visual Art Educator in San Diego County

Entries: Up to 4 works per art educator, 2D works only

Dates:   

For more information, view this invitation letter.

The call for entries, along with more information, can be found on artcall and is open from Jan. 16 to Feb. 16. Jury will take place from Feb. 18-26.

Announcing February’s Hope & Justice prompt: “More Than One.” How we identify ourselves (our race, culture, gender, sexual orientation, and more) matters. How does your identity help you feel strong, empowered, inspired, or connected to others? Create art in any form that shares how you’re living beyond limiting labels, how you find strength when you feel alone, and your hope for increased representation in the future. Open to California youth ages 12-25. Visit the Directing Change contest webpage to get started.

#HopeandJustice #DirectingChange #TakeAction4MH #artcontest #filmcontest

To learn more, please visit this website and view the Monthly Prompt Calendar, which includes upcoming Hope & Justice prompts through the end of the school year.

Please share this opportunity. The Directing Change team is also available to facilitate a lesson with any youth or classrooms that may be interested.