This is something all arts educators should be aware of! Our small portion of the CATS tests may be getting smaller. While this could free up some of the demands of meeting core content criteria, it could also threaten the stability of arts education positions throughout the state. The following I recieved from a KMEA representative, but it applies to KYAEA also!
On Tuesday evening Sen David Williams filed Senate Bill 1 which proposes a restructuring of the CATS test. One of the restructuring components of that bill was the elimination of written assessment in the arts.
Certainly, in a day when "what is tested is what is valued" this is an alarming turn of events. However, the bill also adds (pg 1.) a 7th Kentucky Learner Goal--as being the Creative and Performing Arts--and provides for an accountability tool to be used to evaluate schools on their support of creative and performing arts programs in the school.
To see a copy of the bill go to:
http://www.lrc.ky.gov/RECORD/08RS/SB1/bill.doc
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I sent an email today and received this message. I don't know what to think now...any thoughts?
"Thank you for your correspondence regarding Senate Bill 1 and its effect on arts and humanities. I assure you that there is no intention of lessening the participation of children in arts programs in schools. In fact we state in SB 1 "Schools shall develop their students' ability to: Express their creative talents in visual arts, music, and other performing arts".
We have heard from many teachers of visual arts and music that the testing of content knowledge in the arts and humanities programs was causing situations where creative classes were replaced with cramming for success on the arts and humanities pencil and paper test. Art and music teachers have complained about being forced to teach names of composers and painters in lieu of developing students' creativity. One art teacher made the comment that what we were doing to the arts was like have Michael Jordan take a written test on basketball.
The intent of Senate Bill 1 is to increase the opportunities for creative expression of students through the arts. Research does show art and music has a positive influence on students intellectual develoment. I read the studies to mean the participation of students in visual arts, music and other performing arts.
We are willing to discuss any recommended changes to Senate Bill 1 that would encourage arts and humanities in schools and provide opportunities for students to express their creative talents. If Arts & Humanities teachers misunderstood our intent and oppose the change we will remove the change from SB 1. I appreciate your input.
Senator Dan Kelly
Majority Floor Leader"
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