Read all the research, news, and policy in our arts education RECAP for November 2023.
Research
How Universal Design for Learning Helps Students Merge Onto the ‘Learning Expressway’ “Developed by the Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST), UDL provides a framework for educators to create inclusive learning environments … In UDL, teachers provide students with multiple representations of new information, multiple ways to engage with that information, and multiple avenues for expressing their learning.” KQED
Banning Smartphones at Schools: Research Points to Higher Test Scores, Less Anxiety, More Exercise “Overall, the authors argued, the greater effects on these students of banning mobile phones — roughly equivalent to adding an hour to each school week — suggested that their higher-achieving classmates were better able to ignore distractions and focus on their work. The lure of texts and apps, therefore, might be expected to increase achievement gaps over time. ” The 74
5 Things Parents Should Know About Social Media’s Impact on Teens’ Mental Health “A new Gallup survey finds that parents being more involved and restricting screen time has a positive impact on teenagers’ mental health.” The 74
Equity
Commission Offers Teacher Candidates a Road Map to Teaching “The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing has launched a Roadmap to Teaching initiative that helps guide potential educators through the process of earning a credential. A digital tool on its website provides information for potential teachers, substitute teachers, counselors, librarians, administrators, health service workers and aides. It walks candidates through the credentialing process for their desired position, as well as preparation options.” EdSource
California Arts Council Releases Report on Statewide Access to Arts Funding with Focus on Racial and Geographic Equity “The report provides information, root cause analyses, and recommendations to promote equity in a field in which the vast majority of financial resources go to a small percentage of organizations, and in which organizations centering Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) and rural organizations are significantly underrepresented in access to those resources.” Californians for the Arts
7 Surprising Ways the Public Library Can Help You Save Money “Everyone knows you can save money on books by checking them out at the library instead of buying them. But did you know that libraries can help you save on other things too? In some locations, you can borrow tools (saving a purchase at the hardware store), take free language classes and even get free tickets to local museums and attractions.” NPR
Calls-to-Action
Arts for LA: Public Forum “Share your ideas, thoughts, and concerns about arts education, creative jobs, affordable space, and resources & capital.”
How Parents Can Recognize and Help a Child with Anxiety “Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health concern in children. The rates of children with anxiety have been growing dramatically. In 2021, a meta-analysis (translation: a study that combines data from all previous studies) found that 20.5% of children worldwide have symptoms of anxiety.” KQED
Advocacy
Strategies for Increasing Diversity and Opportunity in Higher Education “The American people are more diverse than ever before. Our nation cannot thrive as a multiracial democracy or compete globally if growing numbers of diverse students lack access to our country’s most life-changing higher education opportunities. Diversity also enhances the college experience for students of all backgrounds, by enriching campus life, boosting critical thinking, promoting the free exchange of ideas, and preparing students for success in a diverse workforce.” U.S. Department of Education
Policy
LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho Visits Homes of Chronically Absent Students “Los Angeles Unified school superintendent Alberto Carvalho and a team of officials visited the homes of chronically absent students last month for the district’s fifth iAttend Student Outreach Day, an initiative to promote daily attendance.” The 74
Governor Newsom Signs Groundbreaking Law Promoting Affordable Housing for Artists Working in Cultural Districts “Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 812 which was authored by Assemblymember Tasha Boerner and allows local governments to reserve affordable housing in cultural districts for artists at risk of being displaced by rising housing costs. The first of its kind in the state, AB 812 provides a tool for local governments whose jurisdictions include either a state or locally-designated cultural district and who recognize the need to retain the artists and cultural workers who make these neighborhoods unique.” Californians for the Arts
LAUSD School Bus GPS Tracking a Great Idea but Not Always Accurate, Parents and Drivers Say “Parents and bus drivers say the feature is often inaccurate, creating confusion in what can already be tough pick up and drop off schedules.” The 74
Education Department Punishes Student Loan Servicer for Billing Mistakes “‘The actions we’ve taken send a strong message to all student loan servicers that we will not allow borrowers to suffer the consequences of gross servicing failures,’ Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said in a statement.” NPR
Thanks for reading our Arts Education RECAP for November 2023.
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