My action project involves me becoming a visible advocate and supporter of LAUSD’s Arts Branch and music programs throughout the district. My project activities include me actively engaging teachers, students, district officials, arts partners, funders and community members in and around LAUSD for the sake of increasing music programs throughout the district this school year and also laying the groundwork for more growth in the coming years. Throughout the project, my activities include meetings with Rory Pullens, the Arts Executive for LAUSD and Christopher Rodriguez, the Music Supervisor for LAUSD, building partnerships and alliances with other music non-profits who have a vested interest in the district, schools and students of LA County, creating and delivering professional development sessions for LAUSD teachers, offering mentorship and feedback to newly trained Modern Band teachers, receiving instrument donations from private funders and distributing them to schools, creating performance opportunities for LAUSD music students, providing active support for events planned by LAUSD’s Art branch, and working directly with the Arts branch on district priorities and goals for the coming year.
my smart goal
- My goal is to become an active supporter and partner of LAUSD’s Arts Branch and help to increase the amount of music programs within the district at the elementary, middle and high school grade levels. Although Little Kids Rock already has over 100 programs throughout LAUSD, far too often students moving on to middle and high school find dormant music programs. As a middle school educator, it was always disappointing to me when I would have limited options available to present to my culminating students and families. Rory Pullens, LAUSD’s Arts Executive has expressed the goal of establishing vertical alignment between schools at all levels so that students can continue to develop their skills on a particular musical instrument. This commonality in goals and interests makes me optimistic about achieving a reality where a 4th grader who has been playing guitar for a year, can continue on to a Modern Band in middle school and by high school already possess as much as five years of experience on their instrument.
Why now? - The momentum is currently increasing in regards to Arts education throughout LAUSD and statewide. The current wide perceived value of Arts education as a core subject makes it the perfect time to take advantage of this momentum and consolidate our efforts as Arts partners throughout the district and increase music programming across the board.
Measureable:
How will I know that I have reached my goal?
- Acknowledgement of my contribution and support from the LAUSD Arts branch
- Increased engagement amongst teachers through event and professional development participation.
- Increase in the amount of trained Modern Band teachers within LAUSD
- Measurable's will be based on attendance and communication.