<![CDATA[Wisconsin Art Education Association

Dear WAEA Members,

I am sure you are aware of the Budget Repair Bill Proposal challenging our rights and potentially having a huge impact on education at every level. WAEA would like to encourage our members to continue to talk with our communities, school administration and legislators about the value of a quality art education. As you do so, try to focus on the children and youth you teach and on the essential value of art as a core component of a 21st century education.

Wisconsin art teachers are proud of the excellent programming we have offered children now and in the past. During this unprecedented time, it is important to illuminate the benefits of a strong art and design program taught by certified art educators. Here are some ways to proactively share the successes of art students:

-- Celebrate Youth Art Month during March by exhibiting works of art with the Wisconsin Art and Design Standards posted along with the art. It is important to include lesson objectives and artist statements and provide hand-outs regarding the importance of art education.

-- Video tape students describing their own art experiences and describing how art has impacted their lives. Share the video during parent teacher conferences or other school events where parents and community members will be present.

-- Contact local artists to write about their successes as working artists and how art education influenced their lives.

-- Ask WAEA members and those working in other art careers to submit an explanation of how an art teacher helped them obtain their dream!!!! WAEA will post your explanation on the WAEA Website!

There are many more ways of advocating for art education so WAEA invites you to visit www.wiarted.org and www.arteducators.org to prepare you for the challenging days ahead.

As events unfold please feel free to contact Lisa Ulik, WAEA Advocacy Chair, the WAEA Board and ART SEEDS e-Mentors for additional advice on how to advocate for the importance of visual art and design education for all children.

Thank you for all that you do for students in Wisconsin!

Jill

Jill La Grange
WAEA Past President

To download the document, click here.

For information on contacting your legislators and making your opinions known go to the WEAC website “Issues and Advocacy” page. Scroll down to “Take Action!” and click on “Send a message to your legislators.”