Broadway Legend Leads the Push for Arts Education
Carol Channing believes arts is the cornerstone of a balanced education

SACRAMENTO – Alameda County Superintendent of Schools Sheila Jordan is leading the statewide effort to re-integrate arts education into the daily curriculum of public schools and because of her efforts, she has been appointed to the California Arts Education Strategic Task Force by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The Task Force met in Sacramento in April, and was regaled by legendary actress Carol Channing, who was a presenter during the meeting. The award-winning actress, who is best known for her role as Dolly Levi in Jerry Herman’s "Hello, Dolly!", praised the efforts of Superintendent Jordan and Task Force members, urging them to continue in their quest to make the arts a more critical component of public school curriculum.

"This is a most important day for all of us," said Channing, 86, who was joined by her husband, Harry Kullijian, 87. "The arts are wonderful. Once you explore the arts, suddenly, the whole world looks like a work of art."

Superintendent Jordan said she was appreciative of Channing’s support and kind words. "Having the support of a Broadway icon such as Channing further validates our efforts," Superintendent Jordan said. "It also serves as a reminder that many share our belief that arts education should be a vital component of a student’s daily curriculum."

Others Task Force members joining Superintendent Jordan at the meeting included Scott Himelstein, interim State Secretary of Education; Sandra Ruppert, Senior Associate for Research and Policy Arts Education Partnership; Dale Janssen, Executive Director for the Commission on Teacher Credentialing; and Assemblymember Gene Mullin, chair of the Assembly Education Committee.

The Task Force has been charged by the governor’s office with identifying hurdles public schools face in implementing comprehensive arts education programs. The Task Force has also been asked to target strategies for the development of an arts education policy that could be implemented on a statewide level.

The efforts that have been made by Superintendent Jordan and arts advocates statewide have not gone unnoticed by the governor, whose 2006 budget included 05 million in funding to restore and expand arts and music programs at the state’s public schools. The budget also contained a one-time, $500 million grant that will be distributed to the districts to support arts education.

"It is well known that the governor of California and the First Lady have a tremendous place in their hearts for the arts," said David Long, the incoming State Secretary of Education. "If we are truly going to offer a comprehensive education for our children, it must include the arts."

The Task Force is fulfilling the role of developing policy for the legislature that will reinforce best practices and create statewide structure that will sustain and support arts education in schools. Thus far, the Task Force has made significant progress, but Superintendent Jordan said much work lies ahead to ensure that students throughout the state have the opportunity to explore themselves through the arts.

"We have made some progress," Jordan said. "But we must continue this push to re-integrate the arts into the daily curriculum, which is the only way we can ensure that our students receive a balanced education."