Posted Monday April 21 2014 at 7:19 pm
Arts|Learning and Lesley University present a conference on the role that the arts can play in support of learning in the STEM subject areas. The conference is Friday, May 2, 2014.
There is a pre-conference opportunity Thursday afternoon of May 1, 2014 to visit VSA Massachusetts' flagship partner school, The Henderson Inclusion School or the Boston Arts Academy, a national leader in the STEAM movement to put the "A" in STEM. Some will remember the site visits to the Henderson School that figured so prominently in the VSA International Education Conference: The Contours of Inclusive Arts Teaching & Learning in 2011. If you missed that conference here's another chance.
One of VSA Massachusetts' COOL Schools teaching artists, Wilhelmina Peragine, is a panelist. She will discuss how arts integration supports science learning at both the High School and Elementary School levels.
Other Featured Guests Include:
- David Edwards and Carrie Fitzsimmons of Cloud Place, ArtScience Prize
- Steve Seidel, Harvard University
- Joyce Kressler and Joe Cox, Art of Science Learning—Worcester Incubator
There are many options for 1 day and 1/2 day participation. Full details here. (Note some dates incorrectly listed as Monday, Tuesday.) Register here.
Posted Wednesday March 26 2014 at 11:39 pm
EdVestors recently announced the finalists presenting at their 12th Annual Urban Education Investment Showcase. The Showcase is an opportunity for donors – whether individuals, giving circles, or foundations – to select their own grantees from a pool of pre-vetted, high-quality education initiatives. At the Showcase, project leaders present their cases for support directly before likely and potential donors.
At this year's showcase, one of the finalists presenting their ideas for improving schools and outcomes for students is VSA MA COOL Schools partner Henderson K-12 Inclusion Innovation School. The new Henderson K-12 school is a merger of the very popular, full-inclusion Henderson Elementary School and the Harbor Middle and High Schools to create the only seamless pathway in Boston for students with significant special needs from kindergarten through high school graduation. The Henderson Elementary is widely recognized as one of the most successful inclusion schools where students with significant special needs - of all disability types - learn side-by-side with their general education peers, and where all students have demonstrated high achievement. If selected at the EdVestors showcase, the funding will provide the professional development and support needed to prepare all teachers to effectively implement this model of instruction. In turn, the Henderson will become a best practice site for other schools in the district.
When: Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Where: City Year Headquarters, 287 Columbus Avenue, Boston
Cost: Free
RSVP: Eventbrite
Registration opens: 3:45pm
Program: 4:00 - 6:00pm
Reception: 6:00 - 7:00pm
Posted Saturday March 22 2014 at 6:11 pm
VSA Massachusetts' COOL Schools seeks a music teaching artist/music therapist to lead a music program for students with significant disabilities ages 5 - 21. The program will run on Fridays from 11:30 am - 2:30 pm for 20 weeks from September 2014 - April 2015.
Description
VSA MA is seeking an experienced music teaching artist to work with two groups of approximately 15 students each at the "Creative Kids Program" at the Boston College Campus School (Chestnut Hill). Students have significant disabilities and medical needs and are 5 - 21 years old. The program focuses on working towards individual IEP goals through music. Education students from Boston College serve as one-on-one buddies to students participating in the program. The program runs in two 10-week cycles, one in the Fall semester and one in the Spring.
Requirements
Candidates should have demonstrated experience in music therapy and/or music education, and significant experience working with students with disabilities. We are particularly interested in candidates who have experience working with students with significant disabilities and medical needs. Candidates must be willing to lead short group discussions with Boston College "buddies" after each session to debrief student progress towards goals and provide support. Strong oral and written communication skills and an ability to work as part of a team are necessary. Candidates must also be committed to on-going professional development as an arts practitioner and educator and to participating in other VSA Massachusetts community events.
Please send a resume and cover letter providing more information on your artistic and professional experience, and sample lesson plan/curriculum to nicoleagois@vsamass.org
Learn more about the VSA MA COOL Schools Program.
