At the Sarasota County Arts Council we are convinced that excellence in education can only be possible with the full inclusion of the arts. We are committed to ensuring that students of all ages have the best possible opportunities to take advantage of the benefits that the arts bring to the educational experience.
The Arts Education Task Force (AETF) has been a standing committee of the Sarasota County Arts Council since 1988. The AETF brings together education directors from arts organizations in Sarasota County, Sarasota County School staff, community members and interested citizens to support arts education in our schools and our community.
The AETF:
- Supports arts education as an essential part of a complete education for every student
- Follows current research on the value of arts education and the impact of the arts on learning
- Advocates for arts education at the local, county, state and national level
The AETF also has many annual programs including Professional Develoment Workshops, Guidance Counselor Meetings, a Principals Recognition Luncheon, and an Assistant Principals Recognition Luncheon.
Community/Schools Partnership for the Arts (C/SPA) was created in 1996 as an official advisory committee for the Superintendent of the Sarasota County Schools. This unique partnership between the Sarasota County Arts Council and the Sarasota Public School District is comprised of school and district administrators, teachers and community arts education advocates.
C/SPA works to strengthen arts education within Sarasota County, increasing the opportunity for all students to receive instruction from arts-certified teachers.
Vision
C/SPA envisions every student participating in a quality arts program taught through a balanced curriculum based on national standards with school and community collaboration.
Mission
C/SPA provides leadership in the continual development, implementation and celebration of education in, about and through the arts for all students in Sarasota County
Accomplishments
C/SPA is one of the few groups in the nation involved in such a large and successful partnership between the community and the school district.
Since 1996, C/SPA has expanded arts education for all students in the Sarasota County Public Schools; secured funding for new programs and equipment for Sarasota County Public Schools; and developed new arts education programs and created positions for additional arts teachers.
In 2002, C/SPA was recognized at a national symposium of the Arts Education Partnership (AEP) for its outstanding partnership between the arts community and the school district.
The 2009 Arts Education Directory
Each year, the Sarasota County Arts Council publishes the Arts Education Directory.
The directory is a complete listing of all educational programs offered by arts organizations within Sarasota County. These programs enhance and support sequential arts education taught by certified, qualified teachers in our public schools.
For students seeking in-depth or extended arts experiences, there are a wealth of opportunities offered by our outstanding arts organizations.
To download a copy of the 2009 Arts Education Directory click on the image to the right. Copies of the directory can also be picked up at the Sarasota County Arts Council's offices.
The 2009 Arts Education Directory was made possible by the generous support of Kraft Construction.
