Sandusky Regional Gifted & Arts Academy Initiative

1. Sandusky Regional Gifted & Arts Academy Initiative Integrating the Arts to Develop Meaningful Learning for the 21st Century.

2. Sandusky Regional Gifted & Arts AcademyInitiative The Sandusky Regional Gifted & Art Academy will be an Arts-Based school for students 3rd – 7th that implements both Thematic and Project Based Learning (PBL), while working in conjunction with the Gifted Services to accommodate students in all subject areas. Visual Arts, Music, Drama, Dance, and Foreign Language offer students unique opportunities to assimilate and apply what they have learned in ways that are meaningful while sustaining a strong core curriculum. The goal of the Regional Arts Academy is to prepare our students to become productive members of our community, successful in college and careers, and devoted to life long learning.

3. Why the Arts?President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities (PCAH) research concluded: • The Arts provide a powerful tool in school-wide reform. • Art-based schools prepare students to compete in a global economy. • Art influences cognitive development, including phonological awareness, improved attention skills, and improvement in other cognitive domains. • Art Integration techniques that use multiple senses to repeat information may actually change the structure of the neurons.

4. This May Be the Most Powerful Evidence For Arts-Based Education from the PCAH’s Long Term Studies! Benefits for Low Income Children: • 4x’s Higher academic achievement • 3x’s Higher attendance • Be elected for a class office • Participate in Math and Science Fairs. Tracking the same students well into their mid-twenties revealed: • These advantages only increased over time • Did well in college • Built careers • Proved to be life ready Isn’t this our ultimate goal?

5. National Harris Poll 93%agree the arts are vital to providing a well-rounded education for children 86%agree an arts education encourages and assists in the improvement of a child’s attitudes toward school. 83%believe that arts education helps teach children to communicate effectively with adults and peers. 79%agree incorporating the arts into education is the first step in adding back what’s missing in public education today. 79 % believe that it’s important enough for them to get personally involved in increasing the amount and quality of arts education. SCS Parent Responses 97%agree the arts are vital to providing a well-rounded education for children 96%agree an arts education encourages and assists in the improvement of a child’s attitudes toward school. 90%believe that arts education helps teach children to communicate effectively with adults and peers. 85%agree incorporating the arts into education is the first step in adding back what’s missing in public education today. 94% believe that it’s important enough for them to get personally involved in increasing the amount and quality of arts education. Attitudes Toward the Arts in EducationComparing the National Harris Poll to SCS Parent Responses

6. Sandusky Takes the LeadWhile data shows that U.S. students have dropped in creativity, Sandusky will be addressing the new Common Core standards through the Arts. SCS will be the leader in developing: • Critical thinking • Problem solving • Communication • Collaboration • Innovation • Community Service

7. Expanding Enrollment • Open Enrollment • 2014-15: Grades 3-7, 240 students • 2015-16: Grades 3-8, 288 students • 2016-17: Expand the Specials in all elementary schools adding Dance and Drama.

8. Sandusky Regional Gifted & Arts Academy Initiative Plan • The first year would add an additional 6 classes, 2 of each grade level, 3rd -7th, with no more than 24 students per class. • Only students Identified as gifted in one or more areas, including the arts, will be accepted for enrollment. • A high interest in the arts will also be considered if enrollment is below 48 in a given grade level.

9. Sandusky Regional Gifted & Arts Academy Initiative PlanInfusing the Arts • Visual Art, General Music, Drama, Computer, and Physical Education are required Specials, that will include Project Based Learning themes. • Sufficient planning will be allowed to accommodate Thematic and Project Based Learning. • Students will also be offered 3 additional electives in Drama, Dance, Musical Instruments, Singing/Choir, Advanced Art, and Foreign Language. • Electives will be designed and offered as one semester courses, specializing in student interests.

10. Planning & Professional Development • Common Collaborative Planning Time Before or After school. • Create Professional Partnerships for Project Based Learning and Thematic Teaching Professional Development: • Crayola, Champion Creatively Alive Children • BIE. Org • Center for Arts Inspired Learning

11. Staffing 2014-15 • Principal/Director/Coordinator for Gifted and Title Services (Tara Toft) • Creative Coordinator: Assure Alignment of State Art Standards and Curriculum; Help Design SLO’s for the Arts; Assist with PBL; Grant Writing; Liaison for Community Artists and Businesses, Build the Arts in all Elementary buildings. • 5 Certified Highly Qualified Teachers, grades 3-7, Gifted Supplemental • 5 Certified Highly Qualified Teachers with Gifted Endorsement, grades 3-7 • Visual Arts, Certified Highly Qualified Teacher, Gifted Supplemental • Music, Certified Highly Qualified Teacher, Gifted Supplemental • Physical Education/ Dance, Certified Highly Qualified Teacher Gifted Supplemental • Drama Teacher, Certified Highly Qualified Teacher, Gifted Supplemental • Foreign Language, Certified Highly Qualified Teacher, Gifted Supplemental • Support Staff (Secretary, Custodial, Cafeteria, Nurse, Counselor) • Title 1, Special Education Services (Based on student needs)

12. Creative Coordinator- $90,000 Drama Teacher- $60,000 Foreign Language Teacher- $60,000 Renovate 8 classrooms at Jackson- $16,000 Consumable Art Supplies – $3,000 Art Equipment- $3,000 Musical and Video Instruments-$20,000 Dance and Theater- $3,000 Total: $255,000 Estimated Start-Up Costs2014-15 School Year

13. A Typical Week for Kara5th Grader: Indentified Superior Cognitive. Socially Immature. Loves Drawing.

14. Typical Week for Oliver7th Grader: Indentified Gifted in Music. Struggles in Science.

15. Typical Week for Aubrey6th Grader: Identified Gifted in Reading only. Hates Math. Loves performing in Caryl Crane Theater.

16. Advancing Student Learning Curriculum and Teaching Strategies Aligned with the Revised version of Bloom’s Taxonomy

17. Focus on Higher Order Thinking Skills

19. Project Based Learning • Poses a question to students • Focuses on learning objectives • Aligns with students’ skills and interests • Creates opportunities for parent and community involvement • Allows Peer instruction

20. Project Based Learning

21. School Environment • Incorporate the 7 habits outlined in “The Leader in Me” as a discipline model of expected behaviors. • Focus on natural consequences, both good and bad, to foster intrinsic character development.

22. 7 Habits of Happy KidsBy Stephen R. Covey • Habit 1 — Be Proactive, You're in Charge:I am a responsible person. I take initiative. I choose my actions, attitudes, and moods. I do not blame others for my wrong actions. I do the right thing without being asked, even when no one is looking. • Habit 2 — Begin with the End in Mind Have a Plan:I plan ahead and set goals. I do things that have meaning and make a difference. I am an important part of my classroom and contribute to my school’s mission and vision. I look for ways to be a good citizen. • Habit 3 — Put First Things First, Work First, Then Play:I spend my time on things that are most important. This means I say no to things I know I should not do. I set priorities, make a schedule, and follow my plan. I am disciplined and organized. • Habit 4 — Think Win-Win, Everyone Can Win:I balance courage for getting what I want with consideration for what others want. I make deposits in others’ Emotional Bank Accounts. When conflicts arise, I look for third alternatives. • Habit 5 — Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood, Listen Before You Talk:I listen to other people’s ideas and feelings. I try to see things from their viewpoints. I listen to others without interrupting. I am confident in voicing my ideas. I look people in the eyes when talking. • Habit 6 — Synergize, Together Is Better:I value other people’s strengths and learn from them. I get along well with others, even people who are different than me. I work well in groups. I seek out other people’s ideas to solve problems because I know that by teaming with others we can create better solutions than anyone of us can alone. I am humble. • Habit 7 — Sharpen The Saw, Balance Feels Best: I take care of my body by eating right, exercising and getting sleep. I spend time with family and friends. I learn in lots of ways and lots of places, not just at school. I find meaningful ways to help others.

23. Habit #6: Synergize (To the tune of: "London Bridge") Everyone should synergize, Form a team and realize, If at school or in your home, Togetherness makes it easy!

24. Assessments • “Rewards of Knowledge” • Assessments become tools for learning • Assessments will be in state testing formats and rubrics • Self-grade and chart in data folders

25. Increase Parental Involvement • Open Communication • Art Fairs • Plays • Concerts • Student-Led Activities (PBL) • Parent Volunteers • Creating a Parent Teacher Organization supporting the Arts (PTOA).

26. Community Involvement • Develop strong ties with community artists, art organizations, and businesses. • Take advantage of the valuable resources offered by area colleges and universities.

27. Planning In the Next 30 Days: • Present to the Transformation Committee and Dr. Sanders. • Determine costs to renovate Jackson • Determine Budgets for the next 2 years • Conduct Parent Surveys during Parent-Teacher Conferences • Seek out other Grants, and reach out to Local Businesses that are willing to partner with the Regional Arts Academy

28. Planning 60-90 Days • Continue to revise a shared vision among administrators, board members, parents, community supporters • Recruitment of interested teachers and staff. • Visit successful art-based schools. • Apply for Grants that apply to the 2014-15 school year. 90-120 Days • Secure funding and finalize plans for location. • If Jackson is chosen, begin renovations to insure a smooth transition for the beginning of the 2014-15 school year. • Begin assembling a panel for identifying children gifted in the arts. Spring 2014 • Begin recruitment of potential students. • Students will be identified as Gifted using the Cognitive Abilities Test, and the Otis-Lennon School Ability Test. Rubrics outlined by the State will be used for the arts. • Continue recruitment and placement of staff, including staff development. • Continue renovations through the Summer.

29. Sandusky Regional Gifted & Arts Academy Initiative Committee The following teachers have organized a committee to expand and finalize the vision of an Art-Based school for Sandusky: Michele Ziemke Tara Toft Emily Doles Renee Neyman Rosalyn Shepherd Mike Schmenk Michele Newell Shelagh Schreck Stephi Cantley Rick Browne LouAnn Cebull Conor Whelan Carolyn Esposito You may contact me through school email or 419-602-7560 Michele Ziemke