Campus Concept

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Text Box: Arts Based Consortium (ABC’s) began its work in 2000 by exploring the idea of an a K-12 Arts Campus. Meetings were sporadic at first, but took on a more regular rhythm after the fall of 2005. Budgetary concerns at Milwaukee High School of the Arts (MHSA) had reached a critical level by then and the school was in danger of losing its art majors. The five independent public art schools are united by a common vision and purpose. They are combining their creative, intellectual and physical resources to preserve and grow their quality arts and academic programs. VISION The campus will serve the greater community as a resource center for arts instruction and training. The facility will provide many opportunities to increase the quality of arts education for all children in our community beyond the 3300 students who attend the ABC’s. The campus will provide a focal point for arts education coordination; the center will provide resources for schools who wish to incorporate art into their programs. Local universities will be able to access the campus to train teachers in the best of integrated arts education. The campus can serve as research hub for studies on the impact of arts education, the results of which form the underpinnings of sound education policy. Most families want art to be part of their child’s education on some level. The ABC’s envision every child’s life improved through the power of the arts. Develop model K-12 programming in arts integration. Establish nationally recognized standards for urban arts education with cohesive, sequential, and comprehensive curriculum; children learn both in the arts and through the arts. Create a modern arts center designed to house comprehensive academic, performing and fine art programming, for students across the age spectrum in the ABC’s and all of Milwaukee’s students. The campus will serve students enrolled in all five schools and share greatly increased arts resources. PROCESS There is a core group of teachers, artistic directors, administrators and parents from all five schools involved in articulating goals, strategies and actions. In April, 2008 the ABC Parent Guidance Council was formed consisting of parent and faculty from each school. The purpose of the group is to oversee the process, share ideas among the schools and make recommendations. CURRENT STATUS Curriculum planning is about 75% complete. Two School Board Resolutions (Dannecker Feb 07) and Hardin March 08) regarding the arts campus have been addressed by the Innovations and Reforms Committee and presented to the full Board. As a result of the resolutions and informational hearings, the district has been directed to assess the feasibility of the arts campus plan, including upgraded facilities. The district’s assessment is not expected until the fall of 2008. Dream big! Parents, teachers, students, and community members, share your ideas with the ABC’s. Go to our Arts Campus Ideas Board.

K-12 Arts Campus Concept

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