SOFA

In response to growing pressure from parents, students, and teachers, Alberta Learning recently provided a list of FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) on their website, which can be viewed by CLICKING HERE.  One of the FAQ’s states the following: 

“QUESTION: Is the fine arts curriculum being revised because of funding cutbacks?

ANSWER: No. Alberta Education began the revision process three years ago. Current programs of study are more than 20 years old. There is a need for updated curriculum, especially in the areas of dance and multi-disciplinary art forms. “

We find this very interesting, especially since Susan McLeod (Manager of Arts Education Curriculum) at Alberta Learning stated in an email note to one of our SOFA committee members the following:

“…The revision process for curriculum is not immune to current economic reality. Indeed, all departments in Alberta Education have been affected by economic realities. Arts Education is no exception.”

So which is it? Arts Education funding cutbacks? Or curriculum improvement?

What do you think? 

Click on the “Leave a Comment” section below and tell us your opinion.

The Okotoks Western Wheel Newspaper recently ran an article entitled, “Arts supporters discuss impact of changes.” 

The article states, “…now is the time to send the message of how important dance, drama, music and art are to the Ministry of Education.”

To read more of the article, CLICK HERE

“We need to have input all the way along,” urged SOFA co-chair Lyle Bennett. “We need to deluge Alberta Education.” 

Check out a recent article in the High River Times Newspaper for the full report.  You can find a copy of the article by clicking HERE.

Alberta Education recently added a fact sheet as well as some frequently asked questions and answers.  This does answer some of our questions, but not all.

To review Alberta Education’s new information, please CLICK HERE

Teachers, students worry new framework will water down courses.  This is according to the Edmonton Journal who ran an article in November 28th edition entitled, “Arts curriculum revamp hits sour note for some.”

The full article can be found by clicking HERE

On the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra’s BLOG, they state, “…On Monday the Calgary Herald reported on “a growing movement of parents and teens concerned about proposed changes to how music, art, drama and dance is taught in Alberta schools.”

To see the full blog entry, CLICK HERE

Are you willing to write letters/emails to MLA’s, School Trustees, and other Government Officials expressing your concern over the proposed changes?

Call to Action Information Package and Sample Letter

Our ”Call to Action” Information Package contains the following:

• Overview of the issues
• Fact sheet on proposed changes
• Sample letter for you to use
• Letter/email writing tips

To view a copy of this Informaton Package, please click here.  To view a copy of a sample letter you can use to write to government officials, please CLICK HERE

Education Advocacy Contacts Listing

Our Education Advocacy Contacts Listing below contains a listing of the email addresses, Canada Post addresses, and phone numbers of all key government officials, including Premier Stelmach, Dave Hancock, MLA’s, and Susan McLeod.

To view a copy of this listing, click on the following:  Education Advocacy Contacts

SOFA Handout

To view a short 2 page summary of the issues, CLICK HERE

First of all, congratulations on undertaking this initiative -it is very important that large numbers of people who know the discipline of music make their views known.

Like you, I am very concerned about these changes to the curriculum. They are part of a much wider cultural shift.

This short piece was written by a student at Lord Beaverbrook High School.

Enjoy

English would have no books because writers wouldnt have been able to express thier thoughts onto paper. Social studies would have no history because people wouldnt have expressed what they thought was right and wrong. Science would be really hard without the tools that past scientists have invented …expressing thier persuit for the answers. Professional sports team would not be able to express thier pride to the fans nor the fans express thier love for the team. The United Nations would not exist because the expression of peace would not exist.Yes, Expression includes, Hate, Fear, Agression, Sorrow, but its what makes us human.Without expression is without the world as we know it.

- Chris Gaston 

Thank you for reviewing the draft K-12 Arts Education Curriculum Framework (June 2009) and contacting me and ministry officials regarding your concerns.

The draft K-12 Arts Education Curriculum Framework proposes a unified vision for arts education in Alberta across the four arts disciplines – drama, dance, visual arts, and music – from elementary through senior high school. It outlines opportunities for learning in, about and through the arts. This means retaining the traditions and rigour of each discipline, while exploring opportunities to infuse the arts across subject areas. I have heard concerns that the draft framework proposes doing away with current courses that provide focused instruction in a specific arts discipline. This is not at all the case. In any future arts program of study, students will still have the option of enrolling in courses like full-year or half-year band or drama at the Grades 7 to 9 and 10‑20‑30 levels. The current draft proposal calls for maintaining the Grades 7 to 9 and 10‑20‑30 arts course streams for students seeking mastery in a particular field of the fine arts, but also expanding the curriculum to enable students interested in receiving instruction in greater breadth (and perhaps less depth) in a variety of arts courses to do so as well.

This is the initial stage in our regular curriculum development process and, as such, is the first time the proposed draft framework has been available for stakeholder response and feedback. It was posted on September 18, 2009 to coincide with Arts Days in Alberta, and this is your opportunity to participate in shaping the revised framework that will provide guidance to the development of more specific programs of study. In the next phase of development, individual programs of study for elementary, junior high and senior high programs will give specific learning outcomes in greater detail.

I have heard from you and others that more time is needed to respond to the draft framework; therefore, the timeline for response has been extended to January 31, 2010. The framework and the online discussion questions are available in English at www.education.alberta.ca/teachers/program/finearts/program-updates.aspx and in French at www.education.alberta.ca/francais/teachers/progres/core/beaux-arts/proget/revision.aspx .
In addition to extending the timeline, an online fact sheet has been created, and two questions have been added to the online discussion questions to encourage Albertans to add suggestions and comments.

Education has already received several hundred responses to the online questions, in addition to receiving numerous e-mails, letters and face-to-face responses. I assure you that all feedback will be carefully considered during future revisions to the draft framework and the subsequent development of programs of study. Education is also exploring additional ways of encouraging discussion about the framework for arts education in Alberta. These may include posting frequently asked questions and initiating a discussion board.

While I certainly appreciate that you have taken the time to communicate with me on a matter that you are obviously passionate about, I would suggest that the best way to have your voice heard and have a meaningful impact on designing the best possible arts curriculum is by participating in the curriculum development consultation process and by working closely with the officials listed below, as they are the front-line policy and curriculum experts leading the redesign.

For further information, please contact Susan McLeod, Curriculum Manager, Arts Education, by e-mail at susan.mcleod@gov.ab.ca or by phone at 780-422-3217. You can also contact Katherine Deren, Curriculum Manager, K-12 Arts Education, by e-mail at katherine.deren@gov.ab.ca or by phone at 780-422-1988 (toll-free by first dialing 310-0000).

Thank you again for your interest in arts education and for taking the time to share your comments and concerns.

Yours truly,

Dave Hancock, Q.C.
Minister of Education