Community Partnerships

Introduction
The Institute for Education and the Arts promotes improved academic performance at the K-12 level by exploring, demonstrating and facilitating use of the creative arts as tools to help teach core academic subjects and skills.

The arts appeal to many different types of learners, and therefore connect with, inspire and engage all students, including those who remain detached under traditional lecture methods.

The Institute brings together key thinkers and leaders in education and the arts, in business and public affairs, to identify significant opportunities and challenges in arts integrated education.

The Institute provides a nexus between national experts and resources and local schools and communities, sharing both effective past practices and resources for future planning.

The Institute demonstrates the power and feasibility of using the arts to help teach core academic subjects and skills, and facilitates the design and use of professional development programs and of curriculum that integrates the arts on a sustained and routine basis.

Documentation and knowledge gained from meetings and their applications will be published and disseminated for the widest possible use.

Institute programs are conducted both in local communities and in Washington, DC.

Overview
After an intensive feasibility study in a local community or region, the Institute works with local business, community and political leaders, educators, and arts, cultural and research organizations to develop a local demonstration and awareness building program called a National Overture of Education and the Arts.

Goals
The goals of the National Overture of Education and the Arts community partnership programs are to:

• Demonstrate and facilitate the use of the creative arts to help teach core academic subjects and skills for all students, in the general classroom, at the K-12 level;
• Connect experts and resources from national arts and education institutions with local schools, arts organizations and other community groups, sharing programs, experiences and most effective practices;
• Encourage greater cooperation among local educators, artists, business and civic organizations in support of using this innovative teaching technique in local schools; and
• Develop, in cooperation with local educators and other experts, programs for professional development and for sustained and routine use of these techniques in the classroom curriculum.

Ranging from one to three weeks in length, these local demonstration events take full advantage of talent, expertise and resources already found in local schools and communities and are supplemented, as appropriate, by regional and national resources, collections and expertise.

Related Links:

Developing a Community Partnership Program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Institute's National Overture Projects (PDF)

Learn More about IEA Community Partnerships:

National Overture in Ohio, 2005

National Overture in New Mexico, 2004

National Overture in Michigan, 2003

K-8 Educators' Forum, Washington, DC, 2002