Dr. Jennifer Adams - Director of Education
January-February 2012 Message
Blue Sky Discussion on the Arts
In our school district, we continually ask ourselves one key question, “How can we improve teaching and learning?” This fall, the district’s Advisory Committee on the Arts began a conversation about arts programming in our schools. Co-Chairs Michael Wilson and Judy Kirsh sought support from staff and trustees to expand the discussion to our entire community. They’ve aptly named this a “blue sky discussion on the Arts”.
“Art does not solve problems, but makes us aware of their existence," sculptor Magdalena Abakanowicz said. Arts education, on the other hand, does solve problems. Involvement in the arts has been associated with gains in math, reading, cognitive ability, critical thinking, and verbal skills and can improve motivation, concentration, teamwork and confidence. Research has shown that it's closely linked those things we want for our children, and expect from our schools: academic achievement, social and emotional development, citizenship, and equity. These are all skills sets that are transferred to every aspect of adult life and work.
When I moved here seven years ago, I was very impressed with the wide range of arts programming offered in the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board. Board procedure ensures that every elementary student receives a specified amount of instructional time in the arts - 100 minutes per week in kindergarten and 150 minutes per week in grades 1 to 8. We’re one of the few school districts that provide instrumental music in grades 7 and 8. Our secondary schools have a wide array of arts courses. Some secondary schools have focus programs in the arts; Canterbury High School is home to the district’s Creative Arts program.
So why have we launched this survey on our district’s website to ask for ideas on how we can improve? Because we want to open the conversation to students, staff, parents/guardians, and community members at large, and to hear your ideas on arts education. The input and ideas collected through the survey, as well as through consultation with trustees and senior staff will inform the development of the next year’s Board Improvement Plan for Student Achievement and the District Goals document. I encourage you to participate and share your thoughts on how we can work together to continue to enhance student learning and improve student achievement.
I am interested in hearing your thoughts on this or on any other topic related to teaching and learning in the OCDSB. You can send your comments to director@ocdsb.ca. I will read each submission personally.
Sincerely,
Jennifer