The Model Arts Program Network (MAP Network)

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MODEL ARTS PROGRAM NETWORK

Implemented through the California Department of Education Arts Work: Visual and Performing Arts Education Grant Program and in partnership with the

Project Coordinator: Patty Taylor, taylor@taylorforart.com
Communication and Conference Coordinator: Beth Mott, beth@artsed411.org

September, 2001

The Model Arts Program Network (MAP Network) began in 1999 with 14 school districts committed to developing and implementing a process to evaluate the visual and performing arts programs in their schools. They wanted to define what comprehensive school arts programs look like in various communities, and at various stages of implementation. The readiness of the sites to embark on a self-study at that time, and the growth of the project to 30 school districts in 2001-02, is evidence of the excitement and promise that currently surrounds arts education for all students in California public schools. The 150 other CDE grantees, California Arts Council grantees, and the school districts working with The California Arts Project invite every school district in the state to join the network. Following are steps you can take to help your school district embark upon the self-study process and join the MAP Network.

THE MAP TOOLKIT

The first step is to obtain a copy of The Arts Education Program Toolkit, A Visual and Performing Arts Program Assessment Process (CDE Press 2001). Copies are available for $13.25 each, plus sales tax, shipping, and handling charges. Current information on prices, credit card purchases, and shipping and handling charges may be obtained by calling the Sales Office at (800) 995-4099.

The toolkit contains forms developed and piloted by the MAP Network members. The forms are used in the school district self-assessment process to evaluate current arts programs, and determine the programs’ strengths, needs, and next steps.

TOOLKIT FORMS

The toolkit was designed to be standards-based and data-driven. The first forms in the toolkit are intended to serve as a resource for school districts in assessing the extent of students’ access to an arts program. These forms are followed by a set of work sheets, questionnaires, checklists, and charts that define the quality of a district’s arts education program. At the conclusion of the self-study process, educators develop a report, set priorities, create an action plan and identify resources and personnel.

THE TOOLKIT PROCESS

The toolkit process places an emphasis on forming a team to review all aspects of the ways in which arts education programs are delivered in a school district. The process also provides an extremely important benefit: it creates awareness of arts education programs and serves as an advocate for them within the entire community of a local school district. Collectively the information gathered on the forms paints a full and exacting picture of the current program that leads to knowledge and insights which, in turn, expand the capacity for improvement.

GETTING STARTED AND JOINING THE NETWORK

Anyone can propose the idea of a school district embarking on a study of the arts education program. The toolkit provides a list of three first steps: answering questions to prepare for the self-study, finding friends who will support the work, and building a district arts team. Sending in the “Invitation to Join” on page 53 of the toolkit is also a first step. By joining the MAP Network, a school district arts team will receive support from other member schools and districts through mentoring in the self-study process, and having access to current information from a variety of sources about developments in arts education.

Join the growing number of school districts that value a “top-notch” arts education program for all students.

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