From Diane Franken: More on the 21st. Century Report

A Surprisingly Sensible 21st-Century Report is an article by Washington Post columnist Jay Mathews. Previously, Mathews wrote that the Report was "mostly a pipe dream, promoted by well-meaning people who embrace the idea of modernity but fail to consider how these allegedly new and important lessons can be taught by the usual victims of such schemes, classroom teachers."

The Partnership for 21st. Century Skills writes: "Never, as you would agree, has the Partnership advocated for the integration of 21st century skills at the expense of core subjects, like reading, math, science, social studies, etc.

In fact, the Partnership's work has been focused on how 21st century skills fit seamlessly into core subjects because it is both easy and vital to infuse core subjects with 21st century skills. As noted in research and materials, the teaching of core subjects is enhanced when students are expected to think critically and creatively, innovate, display oral communication skills and work and collaborate in diverse team settings. Quite simply, this is important work because teachers in their specific disciplines need to know how 21st century skills manifest themselves inside their discipline."

This article is an update of his opinion--now that he has calmed down. You may want to send him an email and his address appears at the end of the article!

Crossroads Conference 2008--Dec. 3 & 4--in Des Moines

Professionals in art, music, theatre, film, food and beverage, tourism and media from across the Upper Midwest to network with each other, gain professional development through seminars and celebrate the growth and achievement of the entertainment industry.
The Court Ave. District of Des Moines. Free Professional Develpment Seminars, Film and Theatre Showcase, Networking. $10 Music, Art and Beverage Showcase/$50 VIP Pass to the Thursday Night's Showcase/ $250 VIP Booth Pass goof for 6 people.
MORE INFO.

Need help getting to the show?

The Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center at the University of Northern Iowa has announced a busing scholarship for schools attending a day-time performance.

If your school hasn't attended a Kaleidoscope performance since December of 2006, you are eligible to apply for a Buck for Buses Scholarship.

* $100 Scholarships
* Spring Semester 2009
* Applications accepted December 5th , 2008
* Awarded on first come, first serve
* Application and eligibility requirements: www.gbpac.com/outreach

From Laurie Olk:"Arts in Iowa"

The Insiders, a program on WHOTV.com, hosts Michael Morain, Des Moines Register arts reporter. They are taking a break from politics and exploring "Arts in Iowa" and the metro....focusing on music, theater and museums. They'll survey what's offered here, but also ask: how do we compare with other metros our size, how about our schools, and how do the economic cutbacks threaten the arts?
See the video

Arts Education Legislative Working Group Statement

The final, complete statement of recommendations to the Obama administration, including a section on Arts Education, which has been developed by the Arts Education Legislative Working Group (of which Barbara is a member) is now on the IAAE website.

If you have any questions, contact Barbara at bbshepherd@kennedy-center.org.

Why involve at-risk students with theater?

Teacher Mary Vasey, a volunteer in the theater program at Tate High School in Iowa City wrote a guest editorial for the Cedar Rapids Gazette that asks that question. And she answers it with a wonderful description of the experience of alternative school students putting together a play. It is beautiful.
Read the article...

The Year of the Ox

The Chinese Association of Iowa is hosting the 4th. annual Chinese New Year Poster Contest. Since the 6th. century B.C., the Chinese have used twelve common animals to represent the years in a repetitive 12-year cycle based on the movement of the moon. On the Chinese lunar calendar, the beginning of the Chinese New Year falls somewhere between late January and early February of the Gregorian Calendar.
The upcoming Year of the Ox begins on January 26, 2009. Contest entrants must be Iowa residents or residents of Hebei Province, our sister state in China. The deadline for entry is November 30! So check out the specifics for entry and get going on those entries. The celebration for winners will be on the Lunar New Year, January 26 at Valley High School in Des Moines.