Music Helps Struggling Students Achieve

Teaching jazz in a New Orleans middle school is not the only thing that Sam Venable does. He invests in students' lives. Getting the attention of restless kids isn't easy, but he instills the motivation to achieve in his students, which translates down the road to high school graduates and future success. The school administration even puts students in Venable's classes when they're troubled and heading down the wrong path because they know he's got a track record for 360-turnarounds. How does he do this? He looks for hidden talent in students and fosters that talent with plenty of verbal commendation. He builds them up with encouragement and positive attention. Read more about Venable at NPR Education or listen to the story.

Common Core and Arts Education—Connections and Possibilities!

While much of the initial focus with CCSS has been on ELA and Math during this first stage, there are great reasons to get excited about the possibilities that Common Core offers for arts educators. With an emphasis on critical engagement with source materials and a push toward communicating and conveying ideas, Common Core can connect in important ways with arts pedaogogy.

Interested in knowing more? Take a look at these videos and supporting materials--including a great PowerPoint deck with useful concepts and questions--from a symposium co-hosted by LAUSD Arts Education and the Museum of Contemporary Art. The symposium videos feature educators, school leaders, and arts organization members discussing the intersections and overlaps between Common Core and arts education. Click HERE to check it out!