Creative Challenge Index
Passed and Signed!
Massachusetts
has
passed the landmark Creative Challenge
Index legislation and it was recently signed into law by
Governor Deval Patrick. As many readers know, most schools have
been evaluated solely using standardized tests in ELA, math, and
science. This legislation will also now evaluate schools on the
opportunities they give students for developing creativity and
innovation through the arts or any appropriate
subject.
In the coming year, the Creative Challenge Index
provision will create a commission of legislators, educators,
business leaders, and community leaders to establish an index to
measure the extent to which schools provide opportunities for
students to engage in creative work. The
index will examine and rate every public school in the Commonwealth
on the teaching, encouraging, and fostering of creativity in
students through arts education, debate clubs, science fairs,
theater performances, concerts, film-making, and independent
research. From their findings, the commission will develop the
Creative Challenge Index which in turn will be used to encourage
greater creativity in our public schools.
Arts|Learning
executive director, Jonathan Rappaport, testified a year ago during
hearings conducted by the education committee of the MA legislature
as the arts expert. Arts|Learning is thrilled that this work has
reached this conclusion. First kudos to MA Representative Daniel Bosley and Senator Stan Rosenberg for
their co-author sponsorship of the initial petition for this
legislation, Governor Deval
Patrick for his support and leadership on the critical issue of
developing creativity in our students, Senate President Therese Murray and
Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo for their
leadership in recognizing the importance of creative work in our
schools, and 59 co-sponsors in the MA legislature.
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2010
Kids In Need Teacher
Grants Applications
Sponsored
by
LOFT Loves
Teachers and the
Kids
In Need Foundation
Application deadline is September 30, 2010.
Purpose of Grants: to fund projects that
make creative use of common teaching aids, approach curriculum from
an imaginative angle, or tie nontraditional concepts together for
the purpose of illustrating commonalities. Innovation and merit
account for 40% of the evaluation. Grant Amounts: $100 to
$500.
Eligibility: K-12 certified teachers
teaching in the subject of the project at public, private, charter,
or parochial schools within the U.S. Kids In Need currently DOES
NOT FUND PRE-SCHOOL nor HOME SCHOOL projects.
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2010-2011
NAMM Foundation Program Grants
The NAMM Foundation
(the
National Association of Music
Merchants) supports
innovative community-based music l earning programs that
allow more people the opportunity to experience the
proven benefits of active music making.
Beginning on June 15, through September 30, 2010, organizations may
submit a "Letter of Inquiry" that summarizes a request for project
support. Letters of Inquiry will be reviewed by Foundation staff;
selected organizations will be invited to submit comprehensive
proposals for funding consideration. Organizations that are
selected to submit complete applications will have the opportunity
to do so starting on October 15, 2010, and ending on December 1,
2010. After staff and board committee review, grant awards are
announced on or about May 15, 2011. Awards range from $5K to
$80K.
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