The School Administrator

March 2008 Number 3, Vol. 65The Arts at K-12's Center StageFinding ways to increase student access to creative learning

Features

Why the Arts Deserve Center Stage
by Richard J. Deasy
The director of the Arts Education Partnership believes K-12 education can help to restore America’s role as a pacesetter in nurturing innovative ideas by offering opportunities for creative learning by students.
Similar Reading: Project Zero's Lois Hetland on arts' basics and Art education resources
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Bucking Trends: Expanding the Arts
by Kathi R. Levin
Some enterprising school districts are finding ways around No Child Left Behind legislation to increase student access to instruction in dance, music, theatre and the visual arts.
Similar Reading: Susan Rainey on the arts in Riverside schools and AASA partners with VH1
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Creating a Brighter Workforce With the Arts
by Robert L. Lynch
Good news for students educated in the arts: Jobs await you in the nonprofit sector, says the president of Americans for the Arts. The skills taught by the arts will contribute to a knowledge-based economy.
Similar Reading: Narric Rome: Collecting arts data under No Child Left Behind and Making movies and artists in Montana
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The Arts in Contemporary Education
by John M. Eger
The author of The Creative Community: Linking Art, Culture, Commerce and Community says public policy leaders must convince an unmoved public of the peril of a narrowed academic focus in K-12 education.
Similar Reading: Why the arts change the learning experience
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Creating a Whole New World
by Paul D. Houston
What children are taught to value comes largely from popular culture and what schools emphasize is shaped by the economic culture of our country. The result, says AASA’s executive director, is a generation of children who know the price of everything and the value of nothing.
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Profile

Winning Battles Against Whales and a Housing Shortage by Paul Riede

Jim Lewis has faced unusual challenges in his 37-year career, including this: How do you attract good teachers when they can’t afford to live in your community?

Departments

Board-Savvy Superintendent

Responding to Board Member Requests for Information by Donald R. McAdams

Superintendents should respond in good faith to responsible requests by school board members for information. But what is considered a responsible request, and how should you deal with the insatiable appetite of some members?

Guest Columns

I Didn't Always Think Well of the Student Press by Michael Murray

The author, a superintendent in Michigan, wasn’t a champion of student journalism until he asked himself this question in the midst of the newspaper’s pursuit of a controversial story: Is the truth subordinate to political expediency and interest groups?

Holding Higher Education Accountable for New Teachers by Julia Steiny

Because many new teachers come to their first post under-prepared for classroom reality, why not require the colleges and universities to certify the teachers they produce? Leave licensing with the state but give training programs the responsibility for ensuring teacher quality.

It Was Just an 'Accident' by David Sherman

A veteran school leader says he’s fed up with the annoying expression, “Oops. My bad.” It’s time we ask those who’ve made a mistake to make a real apology.

People

People

Tracking promotions, retirements and recent honors among superintendents nationwide.

Tech Leadership

Wiki While You Work by Miguel Guhlin

How this new tool can be used for communication and collaboration by a central-office team in formulating a written plan organically. The author oversees instructional technology in San Antonio, Texas.

Focus

Squelching Rumors Through Parent Chats by Paul L. Vranish

Monthly get-togethers involving parents and district administrators strengthen the bonds in Tornillo, Texas, while ensuring accurate information trumps the gossip. The author is Tornillo’s superintendent.

President's Corner

Bringing the Arts Front and Center by Sarah D. Jerome

The association’s strides to promote the arts as an integral part of the learning and growing process. Plus, the latest hero profile.

Executive Perspective

Unpacking Our Luggage by Paul D. Houston

“I don’t hate my country, I love it,” says AASA’s executive director. “And it is because I love it that I worry for it.”

Systems Thinking

A Systemic Evolution Toward Better Outcomes by Tom Trigg

When success is defined as each child attaining excellence, not just proficiency, which entity will have the greater chance of success: A school system or a system of schools? The superintendent of the Blue Valley Schools in Kansas offers one answer.

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