The purpose of the Model Arts Program Network has been to help school districts to evaluate, improve, and expand visual and performing arts programs in California schools through a guided self-evaluation process, professional development seminars, conferences and a supportive network of colleagues.

The MAP Network began in 1999 with 14 school districts who received Arts Work Grants from the California Department of Education to develop a process by which each district could begin to evaluate and improve the visual and performing arts programs in their schools.

The Network expanded to include 52 school districts in 2003-2004. There were five years of ArtsWork MAP grantees focusing on district plans regarding art education. School districts benefit from the MAP Network as their representatives gain experience in and information about implementing an arts education program for all students. Key focus areas include setting priorities for program improvement, determining what exists in the current arts program, learning about funding issues and opportunities, experiencing different approaches to standards-based curriculum development and student assessment, and understanding the benefits of community involvement. Participants benefit from the collegial focus of the Network, which promotes an open and supportive exchange, as well as from presentations by leading experts in the field.

Beginning in 2005, MAP Membership is open to those schools/districts wishing to use the Arts Work Online Toolkit to evaluate arts education offered with the school district. No regional or statewide meetings are planned at this time. It is hoped that a Statewide Arts Education Conference will be held in Sacramento each May. Look for annual news via your County Arts Leads or CAAE.

To obtain additional information please contact:

Nancy Carr, Visual and Performing Arts Office, California Deparatment of Education by phone at 916-445-5669 or by email: ncarr@cde.ca.gov.

Copyright 2008 MAP