Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Indiana Coalition for Public Education Rally

 Public education advocates from across Indiana traveled to the State Capitol today to voice their concerns about the erosion in public education funding taking place within Indiana State Government. For more information on this event visit the Indiana Coalition for Public Education web page.

Vernon Smith tells the crowd, "Follow the money!"

A boisterous crowd filled the North Atrium.

Cathy Fuentes-Rohwer a parent from Monroe County warns parents that vouchers will weaken public schools capacity to deliver top notch educational experiences.

We had a great crowd! 
If you are interested in learning more about the Indiana Coalition for Public Education you can contact them here: http://icpe2011.com/

Support Public Education Rally 2:30 Today at the State Capitol!

View from the upper level of the North Atrium during  the 2010 rally in support of Public  Education that was facing a $600,000,000.00 cut from Governor Mitch Daniels that has not been made up since. As a result of that cut, significant numbers of art and music programs around the State of Indiana were cut or marginalized.
If you have spare time today and are near Downtown Indianapolis, stop in at the State House around 2:00 PM. Let's ROCK the Capitol again!

Sunday, March 10, 2013

The Kind of School Every American Child Deserves

Here is an excellent essay  from Brian P. Jones on the defunding of public schools across the country,  elimination of creative learning experience, and the hypocrisy of education reformers when it comes to the schools they send their own children to.

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Youth Art Month 2013

Youth Art Month exhibitors have their photographs taken with State Supt. Glenda Ritz.
There was a huge crowd of students, parents and teachers at the State House today. Guest speaker Indiana Supt. of Education Glenda Ritz received several ovations from the crowd as she read a proclimation confirming the importance of music and art learning experiences for Indiana school children. My sincerest thanks to all the parents and family members who accompanied their students to the event.
The North Atrium was packed wall to wall.
I felt especially gratified when Supt. Ritz noted during her keynote: "Indiana K-12 music and art programs are valued and will be supported." 
It is with the deepest gratitude that I thank AEAI President Sidney Allen,, AEAI President Elect Bev Staub, YAM Co-Chairs Allie Staub and Mindy Hiatt for their tremendous efforts and all of the AEAI volunteers who came out to make this event one of the best YAM events ever.
New Palestine Elementary 1st Grade YAM exhibitor poses with her radial design
The YAM attendees and AEAI was also honored by a visit with Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann who was also in attendance.