CBC News Report – “Music Lessons Improve Kid’s Brain Development, Memory”
by SOFA Fan on Mar.07, 2010, under Updates
According to a report by CBC News, “… music lessons can help children as young as four show advanced brain development and improve their memory, even when it sounds like a budding musician is banging out little more than noise, a new Canadian study suggests …. music training could lead to improvements in literacy, verbal memory, visiospatial processing, mathematics and IQ.”
If you are interested in reading the full report, CLICK HERE.
Edmonton Journal article – “Proposals to Alter Fine Arts Education likely to lessen its value”
by SOFA Fan on Mar.03, 2010, under Media Coverage, Updates
On March 2nd, 2010, the Edmonton Journal published an article written by Darren Fung (Freelance Journalist) where he discusses the proposed changes to fine arts education in Alberta and possible impact.
In his article, he writes, “… It’s obvious that not every drama student will win an Oscar, not every music student will play at Carnegie Hall. What is obvious is that by giving students the necessary tools to learn and practice art, you help them attain skills that will allow them to be successful in life.”
If you are interested in reading the full article, CLICK HERE
Accomplished Author, Researcher, Educator, and Journalist Speaks out About the Future of Education in Alberta
by SOFA Fan on Feb.26, 2010, under Meetings, Updates
Dr. Stephen Murgatroyd is a recognized author, journalist, researcher and keynote speaker. He is the former Dean of the School of Business at Athabasca University, and first Executive Director of the Centre for Innovative Development – home of Canada’s largest Executive MBA, a program he developed and directed. He has worked extensively in the public and private sector as a management consultant across North America and around the World. Further, he is widely regarded as one of Canada’s leading experts on e-learning.
As a resident of Alberta (he lives in Edmonton), he is concerned about the quality of education currently being taught in our schools. In a recently published paper entitled, “Building the Schools that the World Needs from Alberta”, he states, “…Our social and economic well-being requires a different kind of school and learning from that which helped build such a successful Province. Essential skills (literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, digital navigation) remain essential, but so are other skills – social networking and team skills, problem solving, participatory democracy skills, Imagineering and creative skills, design…there are many such lists and different conceptions of what these lists mean. The point is simple: we need to rethink what it is our schools are doing and how they are doing it, building on our success in doing so.”
At a recent Calgary Association of Parents and Student Councils (CAPSC) meeting, Dr. Murgatroyd gave a fascinating presentation on educational reform, the future of education in Alberta, and shifts we might expect to see in our education system over the coming years. He believes the Alberta School Act should be based on a new set of guiding principles. Further, the education of Albertans should involve a stronger partnership of schools, parents, students, and the wider community. During the presentation he made at the above meeting, he stated, “…in this century, given our nearly ubiquitous access to information, ‘knowing’ will rarely be enough. The real skills that must be developed involve ‘doing’ rather than simply ‘knowing’ … we need to find a new balance between real learning, assessment and accountability.” He believes the following should happen:
- “Reduce role of Provincial curriculum to 50-60% of class time and let teachers create the balance
- Trust teachers assessment
- Sample test on standard tests
- Restore the engagement of community in their school
- Develop learning passports for each student – recognize common needs and individual differences
- Focus on academic disciplines in the context of real world problems – challenges drive content
- Invest in professional development of teachers – enable and equip them to offer 21st century teaching
- Invest in education – don’t cut it”
He also believes strongly in the importance of fine arts education to promote skill development in the areas of creativity, expression, and innovation.
Dr. Murgatroyd provided SOFA a copy of his presentation and discussion paper for posting on our site. If you are interested in viewing the PowerPoint presentation he gave at the CAPSC meeting, CLICK HERE. To read his discussion paper on the future of education in Alberta mentioned above, CLICK HERE. To learn more about Dr. Murgatroyd, you can find him on Wikipedia by CLICKING HERE. His bio can also be viewed by CLICKING HERE.
Singing for Haiti
by SofaDude on Feb.25, 2010, under Updates
Whilst downtown last week, a SOFA committee member came across a group of students singing for Haiti on Stephens Avenue. This is just one of many arts centered fundraisers that have occurred throughout Calgary in support of those affected by the Haiti earthquake.
Attached are some photo’s of the singers, along with a few inspiringquotes related to the arts found at arts central downtown.
Enjoy!
Why Choirs Matter …
by SOFA Fan on Feb.25, 2010, under Media Coverage, Updates
In 2009, CBS television in the U.S. did a feature report on the benefits of signing in a choir. According to the broadcast, if you take up singing, you will do better in school and “…you’re taking an increasingly popular path to a successful life.”
Across the United States, “…more than 1 in 5 households have at least one singing family member, making choral singing the most popular form of participation in the performing arts for both adults and children.”
Spend a few minutes and watch this powerful broadcast. It will uplift your spirits and get you even more fired up to support fine arts education (singing in particular) in schools.
The 4 minute video can be viewed by CLICKING HERE
Letter from MLA Complimenting SOFA on February 1st Meeting
by SOFA Fan on Feb.18, 2010, under Meetings, Updates
SOFA recently received a letter from the Honourable Kent Hehr, who is an MLA from Calgary Buffalo. In his letter, he compliments SOFA for the meeting we held on February 1st, 2010 in Calgary.
SOFA would like to thank Mr. Hehr for taking time out of his busy schedule to attend our meeting, and for sending us the letter!
If you are interested in reading the letter he wrote us, CLICK HERE.
Update on February 1st SOFA Meeting with Alberta Education
by SOFA Fan on Feb.18, 2010, under Meetings, Updates
UPDATED POST WITH NEW FAQ’S FROM ALBERTA EDUCATION
AND MINUTES FROM MEETING
On Monday, February 1st, Joan Engel, Christine Bouchard, and Shelley Wells from Alberta Education presented at the SOFA meeting in Calgary to clarify and discuss proposed changes to fine arts education in Alberta. Approximately one hundred and fifty were in attendance – parents, students, educators, entertainment industry officials, Harry Chase (Liberal MLA for Calgary Varsity) and Kent Hehr (Liberal MLA for Calgary Buffalo).
During the presentation a number of key issues were addressed:
- Alberta Education has received a substantial amount of feedback and they are currently tabulating and considering the comments.
- It was stated that their goal is to create a curriculum that fits within Alberta Education’s “Inspired Education” philosophy
- We were informed that the date for implementation for the new curriculum (Elementary) has been extended by two years to 2014
- They acknowledge that the 1 credit 25 hour instruction option at Senior High Level is not acceptable to a large majority of people
- It was clarified that the process to create Locally Developed Courses (LDC’s) is through each School District and then approved by Alberta Education.
Other issues discussed by those present included the following:
- Great concern was expressed over the Alberta Government’s desire to cut $80 Million plus out of the education budget and how this could impact the progress of fine arts education curriculum revision. Joan and Christine were not in a position to address this issue as it is beyond the scope of their responsibilities.
- It was brought to their attention that there may not be enough qualified teachers and teaching resources to be able to successfully launch the new curriculum once it has been developed
- Some discussion was held whether or not fine arts education courses should become compulsory.
- There was some confusion as to whether or not the LDC’s which focus on fine arts education (e.g. band ensembles, choir, and drama) will continue to exist in the future. These courses are designated by last two numbers being “15”. Ms. Engel indicated it is up to local School Boards to submit proposals for LDC’s to Alberta Education for approval. Furthermore, if another School District wishes to use one of the LDC’s they have to first of all obtain permission from the District that produced the course.
It was made quite clear at the meeting that our next step would be to encourage as many visual arts, dance and drama representatives to become involved with SOFA to strengthen our position.
Further, it was also stressed that we, as concerned citizens of Alberta, should continue to make representation to our elected officials stressing the importance of a good arts education program.
Please take time to view the PowerPoint presentation made by Bill Campbell and Lyle Bennett (SOFA Co-chairs), CLICK HERE. To review the minutes from the meeting taken by our SOFA Secretary, CLICK HERE
We’ve extended the invitation to Alberta Education to send us a copy of their presentation for posting on our site and respond in writing to the questions submitted during the meeting. However, they referred us back to their website where they’ve recently updated some of their Frequently Asked Questions. To view their updated FAQ’s, CLICK HERE
Before our meeting, CBC News Radio (Calgary) aired an interview with Lyle Bennett. In addition, both Global Television and CityTV (Breakfast Television) attended our meeting and taped a number of interviews. To view Global Television’s broadcast, CLICK HERE, and under the “Global Calgary Top Stories” tab, you will find the video entitled “Fine Arts Cuts”.
Thank you very much for your support in the past and to everyone who was able to attend our meeting. SOFA also wishes to thank Joan, Christine, and Shelley for presenting at the meeting.
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