Schools

SVUSD Candidates Talk Arts Education

Candidates running for the Saddleback Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees respond to questions from the California Alliance for Arts Education.

How important is arts education in children's schooling? Very, says the California Alliance for Arts Education.

The organization recently reached out to the four candidates running for three seats on the Saddleback Valley Unified School Board this November and asked each four arts-related questions as part of a pre-election survey.

Campaigning for reelection to the SVUSD board are trustees Ginny Fay Aitkens, Don Sedgwick and Suzie Swartz. Candidate Earl Carraway is challenging the incumbents.

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Each candidate had the opportunity to answer the following questions:

  • What meaningful experiences with the arts (visual arts, dance, drama and/or music) did you have growing up?
  • What role do you think the arts can play in supporting key education priorities such as closing the achievement gap, reducing the dropout rate and preparing more students for college eligibility and the 21st century workforce?
  • A standards-based arts curriculum is one of the five core subjects in NCLB and critical for developing job skills vital in the creative economy and the 21st century workforce. Yet, most often only "what is tested is taught" in our schools. How do you envision bringing balance back for a comprehensive education and ensuring that all students have access to a quality, standards-based arts education curriculum?
  • If elected, how will you engage classroom teachers, arts teachers, parents and community arts organizations to shape your agenda for arts education or implement your district’s strategic arts plan?

Click here to read the four candidates' responses.

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Locally, Arts Orange County advocates for arts education in the classroom. Arts OC works in partnership with the statewide Alliance for Arts Education.

Learn more about the four candidates running for the SVUSD Board of Trustees by reading their candidate statements:

  • SVUSD Candidate Statement: Ginny Fay Aitkens
  • SVUSD Candidate Statement: Earl Carraway
  • SVUSD Candidate Statement: Don Sedgwick
  • SVUSD Candidate Statement: Suzie Swartz

Did arts education influence your schooling? Tell us in the comments.


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