SOFA

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.

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.

ON DECEMBER 8TH, KEVIN WILLMS (MUSIC EDUCATOR FROM WILLIAM ABERHART HIGH SCHOOL IN CALGARY) WAS INVITED TO MEET WITH WITH JOAN ENGEL AND SHELLEY WELLS FROM ALBERTA EDUCATION IN EDMONTON. THE FOLLOWING IS A SUMMARY IN POINT FORM OF SOME OF THE ITEMS DISCUSSED, ACCORDING TO KEVIN:

 Locally developed courses are under review. The cost of the CEU funding for these has been increasing by about 3 million dollars per year. I suggested that this reflects the need for these courses and that, in fact many of these should become provincial curriculum and offered as co-curricular to the core fine arts program. Joan was receptive to this.

 I expressed concern about the statement related to curriculum being accessible to both generalists and specialists in the current proposed framework. I was informed that this is true in all curriculum areas. It is true that staffing, teaching assignments and the use or non-use of specialists falls completely within the jurisdiction of each school division. I stressed that I hoped this did not mean that the new curriculum, when it is written, will not be written with this as the guiding principle resulting in a watered down content. I was told that this was not the intent BUT that the reality in many areas of the province, particularly rural, is that there are not specialists available and there needs to be a curriculum that can be delivered as the alternative to not offering fine arts to all in the province is not acceptable.

 In discussing the junior high “arts exploration” stream as well as the single credit approach for high school it was stated that the intent is to draw in students who are not otherwise engaged in fine arts. The intent is not to undermine band programs etc., but to involve students in the arts who are not part of these groups. My concern remains that the language used opens the door for changes that could be implemented by administrators who are less supportive of the arts or where there are budgetary and logistical challenges. I was reminded that fine arts courses at these levels are not currently mandatory. I would agree that there should be a place for courses for those students who have not been attracted to the current offerings. This must be done very carefully and some of the responsibility for delivering an “arts awareness” program must lie within other subjects, particularly the humanities. This is difficult to reflect in the arts education framework.

 There is agreement that a single credit system has generated the most responses and concerns. We discussed the spiral nature of teaching and learning in the fine arts. I also suggested that 25 hour offerings of any topic “box in” the effective teacher and limit their ability deliver an integrated curriculum or even to teach to the level of the class where the outcomes should be the focus, not the specific hourly commitment to a particular topic. A part of a solution, I suggested that perhaps a core curriculum that had prescribed minimums in different areas (eg theory, history, technique) with the option increasing these components in accordance with school needs and with a series of elective components would better allow teachers to do what they do best. Joan was receptive to this idea. I did stress that in no way shape or form would a single credit offering of anything be an acceptable replacement for anything currently offered as a 5 or 3 credit LDC (eg single credit jazz component to replace a 5 credit jazz LDC).

 We discussed the fact that an “alternate framework” has been started by educators – currently residing with the Alberta Band Association – and will circulate amongst fine arts education organizations and educators for feedback before being presented to Alberta Education. Joan was very receptive to this and has said she looks forward to receiving it. I indicated that the basis involves a core curriculum of sequential skill, knowledge and literacy acquisition in each of the four disciplines (while acknowledging that I don’t know what that might look like in drama or dance in the early grades). These would be surrounded by co-curricular enhancements/courses that look similar to many of our current locally developed courses (jazz etc.) and that the LDC should continue to have an important role in areas where there is a need for culturally diverse offerings. Joan indicated that we are on the same wavelength in our thinking.

 it was acknowledged that our current curriculum contains many excellent components and content and that certain elements of it need to be brought forward into the new curriculum, with updated language etc.

 It was acknowledged that communication from Alberta Education could have been better in a couple of areas: a) there could have been better communication in announcing that the new framework had been posted. B) there is a disconnect between what was intended and what is perceived in the current document

 Perhaps most significant was an assurance that the process does not end for us at the end of January. In fact, once the deadline for response to the currently posted framework has passed, a new framework will be developed. It will also be posted for public feedback and there will be opportunities to discuss it further. I have been assured that we will meet again.

 Joan asked me directly if I felt reassured at the end of our meeting. My direct answer was yes BUT that I would really feel reassured when I see it in writing in the next draft of the framework. Whatever is written down remains the reality. I do appreciate the time that was taken and do feel listened to.

Talk about passion!

Six High School Students in the band and drama programs from Lord Beaverbrook and Central Memorial High Schools have decided to take their “Call to Action” to the streets. Between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM on Saturday, they will be ‘busking’ on Stephen’s Avenue Mall in Calgary.

Apparently, each of them are legal buskers (with licenses) and they will be playing musical instruments to raise awareness for our ‘Save Our Fine Arts’ campaign. In addition, they will be handing out information and asking the public to consider registering on our SOFA website.

They have supplied their cellular phone so anyone interested in finding out where they are on Stephen’s Avenue Mall can text them. If you want to reach them, please send a text to 403 461 9349 and type “WHERE IS SOFA?” They will reply with their location.

Great job Ella, Travis, Jessica, Camille, Trey, and Holly!

Don’t miss this opportunity to participate in a discussion on fine arts education at Foothills Composite High School in Okotoks on Monday, November 23rd at 7:00 p.m.

For directions, CLICK HERE

Tonight, approximately 250 parents, students, educators, politicians, and other concerned citizens attended our SOFA meeting at Lutheran Church of our Saviour on Fairmount Drive S.E. in Calgary from 7:30 p.m. to approxiamtely 9:00 p.m.

Our meeting was originally to be held in the main theatre at Lord Beaverbrook High School.  However, several days before our meeting, school board officials became concerned about liability issues and pulled the plug on our meeting at the school.

Quite a few students spoke up and shared their concerns.  They also spoke with passion and committment about the importance of fine arts education and how it has emotionally impacted them.

Harry Chase, the MLA for Calgary – Varsity attended the meeting, actively participated, and offered his support.  Thanks for your help Harry!  We appreciate you promoting our website on yours – http://www.calgaryvarsity.com/

If you are interested in reading the minutes from our meeting, CLICK HERE

Download (PPT, 247.5KB)

Thank you to everyone who attended!

Thanks to our 25 SOFA Organizing Committee members who the week before our meeting: (1) came up with a name, (2) developed a website, (3) created a “Call to Action” strategy, and (4) developed three working committees – “Call to Action” Committee, Administrative Committee, and Network Development Committee.

If anyone is interested in helping out with future meetings, rallies, network development, etc., please send an email to saveourfinearts@gmail.  We would love to hear from you!