Restore Funding for LAUSD's Arts Partners
Target:
Los Angeles Arts Education Supporters
Sponsored by:
Please sign this petition to encourage the Los Angeles Unified School District to release the funding for the District's Arts Community Partners Network (ACPN) program.
In mid December 2008, LAUSD instituted a "funding freeze" for all financial activity. As part of this freeze, the district canceled all ACPN programs and services effective immediately for the remainder of December and the first three weeks of January.
Over 80 artists and arts organizations are affected by this funding freeze, all of whom are under contract with LAUSD schools to deliver high-quality arts education to thousands of District students. Hundreds of scheduled arts activities (many of them culminations of semester-long work on the part of educators, arts professionals and thousands of LAUSD students) are on hold indefinitely or canceled.
LAUSD's funding freeze is supposed to apply only to District contracts, not individual school contracts. Many ACPN contracts have already been earmarked for programs at the school level. However, the District funding freeze applies to all ACPN contracts, even those designated for programs at the school level. This cuts off existing arts education programming in many district schools. Payments are delayed for work already completed and all new work has been suspended. November, December and future payments are delayed for an unknown period of time. This decision was made by LAUSD and not the State.
LAUSD has been recognized as a national leader in providing quality arts education on a systemic basis. While we appreciate the enormity of the budget shortfall facing LAUSD, the budget freeze threatens arts education programs and puts the dynamic partnerships between LAUSD and community arts resources at serious risk.
Please sign this petition to encourage the LAUSD School Board to restore ACPN contracts to ensure that students continue receiving high-quality, professional arts instruction within the District.
In mid December 2008, LAUSD instituted a "funding freeze" for all financial activity. As part of this freeze, the district canceled all ACPN programs and services effective immediately for the remainder of December and the first three weeks of January.
Over 80 artists and arts organizations are affected by this funding freeze, all of whom are under contract with LAUSD schools to deliver high-quality arts education to thousands of District students. Hundreds of scheduled arts activities (many of them culminations of semester-long work on the part of educators, arts professionals and thousands of LAUSD students) are on hold indefinitely or canceled.
LAUSD's funding freeze is supposed to apply only to District contracts, not individual school contracts. Many ACPN contracts have already been earmarked for programs at the school level. However, the District funding freeze applies to all ACPN contracts, even those designated for programs at the school level. This cuts off existing arts education programming in many district schools. Payments are delayed for work already completed and all new work has been suspended. November, December and future payments are delayed for an unknown period of time. This decision was made by LAUSD and not the State.
LAUSD has been recognized as a national leader in providing quality arts education on a systemic basis. While we appreciate the enormity of the budget shortfall facing LAUSD, the budget freeze threatens arts education programs and puts the dynamic partnerships between LAUSD and community arts resources at serious risk.
Please sign this petition to encourage the LAUSD School Board to restore ACPN contracts to ensure that students continue receiving high-quality, professional arts instruction within the District.
Please sign this petition to encourage the Los Angeles Unified School District to release the funding for the District's Arts Community Partners Network (ACPN) program.
In mid December 2008, LAUSD instituted a "funding freeze" for all financial activity. As part of this freeze, the district canceled all ACPN programs and services effective immediately for the remainder of December and the first three weeks of January.
Over 80 artists and arts organizations are affected by this funding freeze, all of whom are under contract with LAUSD schools to deliver high-quality arts education to thousands of District students. Hundreds of scheduled arts activities (many of them culminations of semester-long work on the part of educators, arts professionals and thousands of LAUSD students) are on hold indefinitely or canceled.
LAUSD's funding freeze is supposed to apply only to District contracts, not individual school contracts. Many ACPN contracts have already been earmarked for programs at the school level. However, the District funding freeze applies to all ACPN contracts, even those designated for programs at the school level. This cuts off existing arts education programming in many district schools. Payments are delayed for work already completed and all new work has been suspended. November, December and future payments are delayed for an unknown period of time. This decision was made by LAUSD and not the State.
LAUSD has been recognized as a national leader in providing quality arts education on a systemic basis. While we appreciate the enormity of the budget shortfall facing LAUSD, the budget freeze threatens arts education programs and puts the dynamic partnerships between LAUSD and community arts resources at serious risk.
Please sign this petition to encourage the LAUSD School Board to restore ACPN contracts to ensure that students continue receiving high-quality, professional arts instruction within the District.
In mid December 2008, LAUSD instituted a "funding freeze" for all financial activity. As part of this freeze, the district canceled all ACPN programs and services effective immediately for the remainder of December and the first three weeks of January.
Over 80 artists and arts organizations are affected by this funding freeze, all of whom are under contract with LAUSD schools to deliver high-quality arts education to thousands of District students. Hundreds of scheduled arts activities (many of them culminations of semester-long work on the part of educators, arts professionals and thousands of LAUSD students) are on hold indefinitely or canceled.
LAUSD's funding freeze is supposed to apply only to District contracts, not individual school contracts. Many ACPN contracts have already been earmarked for programs at the school level. However, the District funding freeze applies to all ACPN contracts, even those designated for programs at the school level. This cuts off existing arts education programming in many district schools. Payments are delayed for work already completed and all new work has been suspended. November, December and future payments are delayed for an unknown period of time. This decision was made by LAUSD and not the State.
LAUSD has been recognized as a national leader in providing quality arts education on a systemic basis. While we appreciate the enormity of the budget shortfall facing LAUSD, the budget freeze threatens arts education programs and puts the dynamic partnerships between LAUSD and community arts resources at serious risk.
Please sign this petition to encourage the LAUSD School Board to restore ACPN contracts to ensure that students continue receiving high-quality, professional arts instruction within the District.
We the undersigned urge the Los Angeles Unified School District to continue it's commitment to providing high quality K-12 education that will prepare all of its students to compete in 21st century workforce.
LAUSD is truly a national leader in providing quality arts education on
a systemic basis. Over these past nine years, the District has
sustained a long-term commitment to arts education and now stands on the
verge of institutionalizing a quality program for all students and all
schools. Your recent grant from the Wallace Foundation is important
recognition for the national importance of this work. While we
appreciate the enormity of the budget shortfall facing LAUSD, we want to
alert you to how the current budget freeze threatens the arts education
program and could undermine all the progress you have made.
The one thousand three hundred thirty two signature captured in this petition represent students, teachers, parents, and arts education providers - all committed to ensuring the District does not loose traction on the great progress it has made in restoring quality arts education.
LAUSD is truly a national leader in providing quality arts education on
a systemic basis. Over these past nine years, the District has
sustained a long-term commitment to arts education and now stands on the
verge of institutionalizing a quality program for all students and all
schools. Your recent grant from the Wallace Foundation is important
recognition for the national importance of this work. While we
appreciate the enormity of the budget shortfall facing LAUSD, we want to
alert you to how the current budget freeze threatens the arts education
program and could undermine all the progress you have made.
The one thousand three hundred thirty two signature captured in this petition represent students, teachers, parents, and arts education providers - all committed to ensuring the District does not loose traction on the great progress it has made in restoring quality arts education.
We signed the "Restore Funding for LAUSD's Arts Partners" petition!
# 1,337:
12:30 am PDT, Jun 8,
Jo Liz Lehikoinen, Finland
# 1,336:
3:05 pm PDT, Jun 1,
Name not displayed, California
I BELIEVE THAT ART SHOULD BE EXPRESS IN ANY WAY POSSIBLE AND SHOULD BE TOUGHT TO THOSE UNFORTUNATE AND DO NOT KNOW THE EXISTANCE OF ITS BEAUTY AND MANY FORMS OF GLORY
I BELIEVE THAT ART SHOULD BE EXPRESS IN ANY WAY POSSIBLE AND SHOULD BE TOUGHT TO THOSE UNFORTUNATE AND DO NOT KNOW THE EXISTANCE OF ITS BEAUTY AND MANY FORMS OF GLORY
# 1,335:
4:23 pm PDT, Mar 19,
Michelle Bean, California
I was lucky enough to grow up in a time when marching band and drama were award winning programs that were given equal treatment and budget on a level of the sports teams. It is essential that kids be given other avenues then academics to build confidence and express themselves. These skils need to be started in elementary school and even earlier. Please don't let these programs suffer!
I was lucky enough to grow up in a time when marching band and drama were award winning programs that were given equal treatment and budget on a level of the sports teams. It is essential that kids be given other avenues then academics to build confidence and express themselves. These skils need to be started in elementary school and even earlier. Please don't let these programs suffer!
# 1,334:
3:59 pm PDT, Mar 18,
Joanna Collins, California
# 1,333:
10:20 am PDT, Mar 17,
Name not displayed, California
The arts helped me develop who I am creatively. I would hope that my children will be able to experience the same. There is more to life than academic teachings and test!!!!
The arts helped me develop who I am creatively. I would hope that my children will be able to experience the same. There is more to life than academic teachings and test!!!!
# 1,332:
10:34 am PDT, Mar 9,
Lali Oustinovskaya, California
# 1,331:
9:57 am PDT, Mar 9,
Ken Urbina, California
# 1,330:
9:22 am PDT, Mar 9,
Barbara Hunt, California
# 1,329:
8:08 am PDT, Mar 9,
Andrew Medway, California
# 1,328:
11:49 pm PDT, Mar 8,
Laura Kanofsky, California
Not only has it been empirically established that the arts are essential for brain development, but it's widely known that music, art, theater, poetry, dance, etc. provide unique avenues to express intelligence and creativity in students who may not channel their strengths as readily in other ways. Not to mention the value of a WELL-ROUNDED education. Please, let's not lose ground here; this is not superfluous fluff! Our students and our future need it.
Not only has it been empirically established that the arts are essential for brain development, but it's widely known that music, art, theater, poetry, dance, etc. provide unique avenues to express intelligence and creativity in students who may not channel their strengths as readily in other ways. Not to mention the value of a WELL-ROUNDED education. Please, let's not lose ground here; this is not superfluous fluff! Our students and our future need it.
# 1,327:
6:28 pm PDT, Mar 8,
Pat Savage, California
# 1,326:
6:05 pm PDT, Mar 8,
Kristin Gunnarson, California
# 1,325:
1:43 pm PDT, Mar 8,
Name not displayed, California
Communication and socialization requires alternative methods of expression. Art programs enhance the effectiveness of science, math and language by putting those elements into practical use. Denying students these arts also denys them the opportunity for a creative approach to problem solving. The U.S. number one export is imagination. It's the only thing that sustains us during economic frailty. To cut arts programs during a recession hampers our ability for future recovery and growth.
Communication and socialization requires alternative methods of expression. Art programs enhance the effectiveness of science, math and language by putting those elements into practical use. Denying students these arts also denys them the opportunity for a creative approach to problem solving. The U.S. number one export is imagination. It's the only thing that sustains us during economic frailty. To cut arts programs during a recession hampers our ability for future recovery and growth.
# 1,324:
1:02 pm PDT, Mar 8,
Catalina Harb, California
This program adds a great value and sense of direction for so many of our children. Like many of stated, it allows for kids to develop and recognize who they are versus struggling with challenges they may never understand.
This program adds a great value and sense of direction for so many of our children. Like many of stated, it allows for kids to develop and recognize who they are versus struggling with challenges they may never understand.
# 1,323:
11:36 am PDT, Mar 8,
Mary Lois Mattlin, California
Here in the heart of "the business" LAUSD's in-school arts programs provide a vital opportunity for talented children to develop their skills without being eaten alive by the profit-based market. If the goal of a school system is to produce adults who contribute to the community in a meaningful way, surely a stong arts program is an essential part of achieving that goal, as it produces both educated arts consumers and talented performers.
Here in the heart of "the business" LAUSD's in-school arts programs provide a vital opportunity for talented children to develop their skills without being eaten alive by the profit-based market. If the goal of a school system is to produce adults who contribute to the community in a meaningful way, surely a stong arts program is an essential part of achieving that goal, as it produces both educated arts consumers and talented performers.
# 1,322:
9:42 am PDT, Mar 8,
Stephanie Robinson, California
Save the one area where teachers don't have to "teach to the test" - and where our kids can have time to explore their talents, instead of just lugging around the ball and chain of a 20 lb. backpack. All the research supports the benefits of the arts and brain development. The whole educational system needs and overhaul, but if LAUSD thinks that cutting the arts is a "necessary" budget item - then they are ridiculously short-sited. One little text-bot + another little paper-bot does not = a great society.
Save the one area where teachers don't have to "teach to the test" - and where our kids can have time to explore their talents, instead of just lugging around the ball and chain of a 20 lb. backpack. All the research supports the benefits of the arts and brain development. The whole educational system needs and overhaul, but if LAUSD thinks that cutting the arts is a "necessary" budget item - then they are ridiculously short-sited. One little text-bot + another little paper-bot does not = a great society.
# 1,321:
8:31 am PDT, Mar 8,
Michele Schneider, California
Children need to learn by various methods. Creativity has been squelched by the drill and kill method used currently. The arts enrich children in many ways and should be emphasized, not downsized!
Children need to learn by various methods. Creativity has been squelched by the drill and kill method used currently. The arts enrich children in many ways and should be emphasized, not downsized!
# 1,320:
1:27 pm PST, Mar 7,
Bonny Giardina, California
# 1,319:
6:56 pm PST, Mar 6,
Jonas Basom, California
I am not happy with the emphasis on testing and drill and kill in our schools. It is death to learning. Learning should be fun, dynamic, interactive, and meaningful. The arts (drama especially) provide essential skills for learning and for life! Information is over-rated; creativity is the heart of our country and history. Keep the arts funding at full strength and expand it in the future!
I am not happy with the emphasis on testing and drill and kill in our schools. It is death to learning. Learning should be fun, dynamic, interactive, and meaningful. The arts (drama especially) provide essential skills for learning and for life! Information is over-rated; creativity is the heart of our country and history. Keep the arts funding at full strength and expand it in the future!
# 1,318:
1:12 pm PST, Mar 5,
Andrew Ebert, California
# 1,317:
3:14 am PST, Mar 4,
Julie Du Bois, California
Our Excellent Charter School is now less excellent due to the loss of our music program recently. There are some young people who, quite frankly, will fall between the cracks because the connection to music can literally awaken the spirit in them - and this is something that should not be a decision that we, as a society, should have to make. Less money is a reality - however our arts programs - our schools at large, should NOT be on the table. EVER!
Our Excellent Charter School is now less excellent due to the loss of our music program recently. There are some young people who, quite frankly, will fall between the cracks because the connection to music can literally awaken the spirit in them - and this is something that should not be a decision that we, as a society, should have to make. Less money is a reality - however our arts programs - our schools at large, should NOT be on the table. EVER!
# 1,316:
7:37 pm PST, Mar 3,
Cindy Lowery, California
Our students have been fortunate enough to experience much of what the Arts Partners have to offer. The enrichment, expansion of worlds, and, yes, test scores, are all a signature value of our partners.
Our students have been fortunate enough to experience much of what the Arts Partners have to offer. The enrichment, expansion of worlds, and, yes, test scores, are all a signature value of our partners.
# 1,315:
2:48 pm PST, Mar 2,
William L. Turner, California
Because of funds through LAUSD We Tell Stories, a children's theatre company, has paid more than 9,000 visits to LA classrooms and auditoriums to encourage children to read books and learn to appreciate the arts. Suddenly funding has ceased forcing WTS to "stand down" while the LA students are deprived of this vital educational tool. Please restore this funding.
Because of funds through LAUSD We Tell Stories, a children's theatre company, has paid more than 9,000 visits to LA classrooms and auditoriums to encourage children to read books and learn to appreciate the arts. Suddenly funding has ceased forcing WTS to "stand down" while the LA students are deprived of this vital educational tool. Please restore this funding.
# 1,314:
2:34 pm PST, Mar 2,
Kathryn Escruceria, California
Whole man education is needed and the Arts provide the means to develop a rich, full character and form better world-class citizens.
Whole man education is needed and the Arts provide the means to develop a rich, full character and form better world-class citizens.
# 1,313:
2:28 pm PST, Mar 2,
Gerald James, California
i have been a artist/teacher in this program and i have seen many children grow in relation to having this. we are not hired by the school board as ceritfied teachers but as artisits. this makes an invaluable opportunity for us to touch the hearts of the young without concern for being fired. because of that i was able to spend time with a young third grader in front of his class when he became frozen answering a question. because i was not a slave to the time or to the next class, i was able to pursued and encouraged his feeings and he exploded with tears, mucus and whatever else was locked inside him because of some person or idea that had him feel unable to express him self. at the end of the class i asked what was the hardest part of the class that day and he raised his hand. he told me the hardest thing for him to do was express his feelings. with tears in our eyes his teacher and i looked at each other amazed at what had happened and was allowed to happen because of this program. that school was Crescent Height Ele. Gerald
i have been a artist/teacher in this program and i have seen many children grow in relation to having this. we are not hired by the school board as ceritfied teachers but as artisits. this makes an invaluable opportunity for us to touch the hearts of the young without concern for being fired. because of that i was able to spend time with a young third grader in front of his class when he became frozen answering a question. because i was not a slave to the time or to the next class, i was able to pursued and encouraged his feeings and he exploded with tears, mucus and whatever else was locked inside him because of some person or idea that had him feel unable to express him self. at the end of the class i asked what was the hardest part of the class that day and he raised his hand. he told me the hardest thing for him to do was express his feelings. with tears in our eyes his teacher and i looked at each other amazed at what had happened and was allowed to happen because of this program. that school was Crescent Height Ele. Gerald
# 1,312:
2:18 pm PST, Mar 2,
Jully Lee, California
ART is what helps education stick!! Arts education is what enables us, children - everyone - understand one another and help raise conscientiousness. It enables recognition, appreciation and response to the issues that affect people around the world. It is the most effective tool for this growth! Give children more of what they'll learn from and REMEMBER throughout their lives.
ART is what helps education stick!! Arts education is what enables us, children - everyone - understand one another and help raise conscientiousness. It enables recognition, appreciation and response to the issues that affect people around the world. It is the most effective tool for this growth! Give children more of what they'll learn from and REMEMBER throughout their lives.
# 1,311:
11:15 am PST, Mar 2,
Claudia Tapia Guerrero, Mexico
Education above all!
Education above all!
# 1,310:
9:32 pm PST, Feb 28,
MARILYN MOODY, California
# 1,309:
9:17 pm PST, Feb 28,
Bev Meyer, California
# 1,308:
6:33 am PST, Feb 27,
Philip Yenawine, California
While having been approved as an arts provider this past spring, my organization, Visual Understanding in Education, and our program, Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) has not contracts yet. So my concern is not really personal; it's about kids. It is a terrible decisions to take away a source not only of delight but also serious learning otherwise denied to most by the circumstances of their lives. This leaves school as a place concentrating on test preparation, omitting opportunity for anything beyond the meeting minimal standards. We cannot honestly say that we care for our young people when we treat them with so little regard for anything beyond a basic skill set. They have minds, imaginations, talents, and spirits. Please reinstate these moneys, these life lines to creativity. LAUSD may well be a leader in arts education among urban school districts, but the amount of art in most kids' lives is still paltry.
While having been approved as an arts provider this past spring, my organization, Visual Understanding in Education, and our program, Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) has not contracts yet. So my concern is not really personal; it's about kids. It is a terrible decisions to take away a source not only of delight but also serious learning otherwise denied to most by the circumstances of their lives. This leaves school as a place concentrating on test preparation, omitting opportunity for anything beyond the meeting minimal standards. We cannot honestly say that we care for our young people when we treat them with so little regard for anything beyond a basic skill set. They have minds, imaginations, talents, and spirits. Please reinstate these moneys, these life lines to creativity. LAUSD may well be a leader in arts education among urban school districts, but the amount of art in most kids' lives is still paltry.
# 1,307:
5:30 pm PST, Feb 26,
Michael Donovan, California
# 1,306:
5:15 pm PST, Feb 26,
Cynthia Campoy Brophy, California
# 1,305:
3:59 pm PST, Feb 26,
Kimberly Gomez Fraser, California
# 1,304:
1:39 pm PST, Feb 26,
Todd Garner, California
# 1,303:
11:31 pm PST, Feb 25,
Jennifer McChristian, California
We could NOT exist without art
We could NOT exist without art
# 1,302:
7:40 pm PST, Feb 25,
Christopher Litten, California
# 1,301:
11:24 am PST, Feb 25,
Kathleen Billus Billus, California
