Talking Points

1. "Arts for All"
In 2005, the Board of Education unanimously adopted the "Arts for All" 9-year-strategic plan. That is the stated goal students in this district: "Arts for All," not just "Arts for Some." Only 3.7% of the district's current budget goes to fund Visual and Performing Arts programs (Dance, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts), up a mere 0.3% since the "Arts for All" plan was adopted four years ago.

If the Board decides to reduce Elementary Music staffing, for a relatively small savings in money, it will disrupt an instructional program for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders that is part of core curriculum. It's a program which local voters have repeatedly supported by passing parcel tax measures such as Measure R.

2. Measure R
Proponents of Measure R (SMMUSD, SMMPTA, SMMCTA, SIEU) used the following language at leading up to the February 2008 election:

Santa Monica and Malibu schools offer
internationally recognized arts and music programs.
100% of elementary students study music from 3rd to 5th grade, with nearly 40% continuing through high school. Middle and high school orchestras, bands and choirs consistently achieve Superior ratings at festivals and competitions and have performed all over the world, including Carnegie Hall, the Rudolphinium in Prague and Disney Concert Hall.

3. Transitions
Participation in the music program eases the transition between elementary and middle school, and between middle and high school, as students look forward to participating with their friends in more advanced music ensembles at the new school. The middle and high schools offer choral and instrumental music instruction at all skill levels so that all students can participate successfully.

4. Public relations
One look at the Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) calendar on the district website shows dozens of performances and "informances" at all the schools in the district throughout the year -- the type of positive interaction between the schools, students and parents for which the district strives.

5. Recruiting new students
In the district's efforts to recruit new students and increase enrollment, it could not pay for better publicity than the front page article and photograph in the February 11th edition of the Santa Monica Daily Press. "District's arts programs remain strong" -- "Santa Monica High School's orchestra is a good example of what the school district is doing right"

6. Studies Show
A comprehensive collection of the educational, developmental and social benefits realized by young people who are fotunate enough to participate in the arts.
http://www.formusiced.com/points.php

7. Speak Up and Be Heard
Tips for making a great board of education presentation from the California Alliance for Arts Education.
http://www.artsed411.org/advocate/docs/PresentationTips.pdf

8. 10 Important Things to Know About Arts Education in California
The top 10 talking points for California arts education advocates
http://www.artsed411.org/advocate/docs/TopTenTalkingPoints.pdf