Arts in Education

What is Arts in Education?

Arts in Education is a program that brings artists, authors, storytellers, bookmakers, musicians, dance groups etc. directly into our schools. Teachers use the arts as tools for addressing the arts standards and incorporate the arts in to other academic subjects.

Dance, theatre, music and visual arts are the center of the New York State Learning Standards in the Arts. Through these standards, the schools of New York State encourage children to explore and participate and enjoy the arts. Research indicates academia that is rich in the arts improve student performance in other subjects, enhances student creativity, and increases problem solving abilities and communication skills, as well as increasing awareness and sensitivity to the world around them.

Is there a method of screening these artists and programs?

Yes, all artists and programs are approved and registered by BOCES. All of the artists and programs registered must meet certain NYS guide lines and standards. For more information regarding these standards go to www.artsineddirectory.org

Who chooses which programs and artists come to Okte?

There is an Arts in Ed committee that is comprised of a teacher from each grade as well as all the specials teachers and the PTA Arts in Ed chairperson. The committee meets once a month to choose, implement and review such programs and artists. A tentative schedule is created by the beginning of the school year that includes programs and artists that fit the curriculum of a particular grade level or for the school as a whole.

Who pays for these programs and artists?

District schools receive state aid through BOCES. It reimburses school districts for a portion of their approved BOCES arts in education programs. In order to receive the state aid the schools must pay 41% of the total cost of these programs; our PTA's via fundraising raises this 41%. Typically a 1/3 of our PTA's budget goes to covering the costs of Arts in Education programs.

Does the state aid and PTA funds cover the costs of field trips?

Most of the field trips that Okte's students participate in each year are BOCES approved. However, each school is allotted a certain amount of money each year for Arts in Ed programs. There simply is not enough money to cover the in house programs and all the field trips. Typically, each year, all the in house programs are chosen and whatever money is left then will cover as many field trips as possible.

Will the state aid or PTA funds pay for the costs of busses?

No, BOCES/state aid will not reimburse for the cost of busses or any kind of transportation. PTA cannot pay for busses/transportation as per National PTA guidelines (insurance policy restrictions and liability issues).

What is the Scotia Glenville Children's Museum?

This is a highly regarded, wonderful traveling museum. It visits each of the elementary schools in the Shen district. We are fortunate the district gives each school money to pay for such programs. At Okte the team for each grade will choose a Scotia Glenville program that best suits their curriculum and the museum will visit each class to present that program. To learn more about the Scotia Glenville Children's Museum go to www.travelingmuseum.org.

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