The 2004 International VSA arts Festival Call for Presenters for the VSA arts in Education Conference June 10 & 11, 2004 PROPOSAL SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Friday, August 15, 2003 The 2004 International VSA arts Festival will be an exciting four-day celebration of creativity from June 9 - 12, 2004, in Washington, D.C. As part of this celebration, the VSA arts in Education Conference will take place on June 10 and 11. The Conference will be a unique international gathering of artists, educators, and professionals in the arts and disability fields, focused on one common purpose: to promote the creative power in people with disabilities through an exploration of inclusive teaching, learning and participation in the arts, in schools and communities. VSA arts invites education, arts, research, and disability professionals from around the world to share their knowledge and expertise through panel presentations, workshops and roundtable discussions. DARE... to imagine school and community programs where children, youth and adults with disabilities and their families have unquestioned access to programs that develop their artistic, academic, and social skills. DARE... to imagine that those who design and develop education and arts programs possess the sensitivity and skills to create and sustain inclusive communities of learning and practice. DARE... to imagine that knowledge generated and shared among inclusive communities strengthens individuals, families and communities, thereby improving the quality of life for all. JOIN US on the odyssey. Let's explore how we can create and support inclusive learning and community environments that emphasize the importance and value of the arts in the education and development of children, youth and adults of all abilities. PRESENTATION CONTENT Presentations on Inclusive Arts in Learning Teaching artists, classroom educators, researchers, museum educators, and education administrators, working in formal and informal learning contexts, are encouraged to submit proposals for sessions that will deepen participants' understanding of, and capacity to design and deliver quality inclusive arts in learning programs for all, including people with disabilities. Proposed presentations must reflect one or more of the following five core elements of inclusive arts in learning programs: ¥ Inclusive practice ¥ Linking to educational standards ¥ Developmentally appropriate practice ¥ Multiple Intelligences Theory ¥ On-going assessment and evaluation Presentations on Inclusive Arts Organizations Arts administrators, arts program providers and experts on access and inclusion in the arts are encouraged to submit proposals for sessions that will deepen participants' understanding of, and capacity to develop and/or deliver fully inclusive quality arts programs, that serve people of all abilities. Proposed presentations must reflect one or more of the following five core elements of inclusive arts organizations and programming: ¥ On-going assessment and evaluation ¥ Linking to organizational structure and practice ¥ Inclusive practice ¥ Multiple Intelligences Theory ¥ Developmentally appropriate practice Core elements of inclusive arts in learning programs: ¥ Inclusive practice centers on development of attitudes, behaviors, and skills needed to remove barriers and allow all students to have access to, participate and make progress in all activities, including decision-making. ¥ Linking to educational standards aligns program content to what pre-kindergarten through secondary/high school students must learn and be able to do across all subjects and grade levels as outlined in national and state/local education agencies. ¥ Developmentally appropriate practice is responsive to both the age and individual needs of the learners, with the teacher serving as a guide or facilitator offering activities based on the learner's readiness. ¥ Multiple Intelligences Theory calls for the conscientious use and development of the multiple ways individuals demonstrate capability and understanding (intelligences) through the design of learning experiences and assessments that tap into the unique intelligences profile of each learner. ¥ On-going assessment and evaluation involves systematic collection and analysis of information about practice and outcomes in order to improve the quality of programs/services. PRESENTATION FORMAT Your proposed session may be in one of the following formats. Overhead projection and/or other visual materials may be used for a panel or workshops only. Your proposal must include the minimum number of presenters indicated below: Panel presentation (90 minutes) (information-sharing or knowledge-building) ¥ Includes 1 facilitator and 3 - 4 presenters ¥ Presentation, followed by a facilitated discussion Roundtable discussion (90 minutes) (information-sharing or knowledge-building) ¥ Includes 1 - 2 presenters/facilitators ¥ Two sessions, each consisting of a 20-minute presentation, followed by a discussion Workshop (120 minutes) (skill-development) ¥ Includes a workshop leader and 1 - 2 presenters ¥ Hands-on experiential or learning activities with specific learning objectives, such as enhancing participants' arts, teaching, program development, evaluation, or other relevant skills While the primary language at the Festival and Conference will be English, presentations in other languages will be considered. The number of presentation slots for non-English presentations will be contingent on availability of funding. Core elements of inclusive arts organizations and programming: ¥ On-going assessment and evaluation are essential tools for measuring achievements of intended inclusion outcomes. Clearly defined goals are established through an initial organizational accessibility survey and through creating and implementing a development plan for inclusive programming. ¥ Linking to organizational structure and practice reflects an organization-wide commitment to inclusion. Board members, staff, and volunteers understand their roles in achieving inclusion through training, policies, and participation in decision-making. ¥ Inclusive practice and commitment is demonstrated through organizational policies, accessible facilities, appropriate communications systems and materials, and strategic audience development or participant recruitment. Inclusive arts organizations and programming are created for all to participate in as audience, staff, artist, program participant, or volunteer. ¥ Multiple Intelligences Theory calls for the conscientious use and development of the multiple ways individuals demonstrate capability and understanding (intelligences) through the design of learning experiences and assessments that tap into the unique intelligences profile of each learner. ¥ Developmentally appropriate practice is responsive to the age, individual needs and cultural background of the participant or audience. The program coordinator or artist's role should be as a guide or facilitator, offering activities based on the participant's readiness. PROPOSAL SELECTION PROCESS A review panel will select proposals based on: ¥ Quality of presentation (clarity of content organization and learning outcomes) ¥ Design and methodologies that reflect the five core elements of Inclusive Arts in Learning and/or Inclusive Arts Organizations and Programming ¥ Conference program content balance Content and delivery of all presentations must be geared toward the full inclusion of all participants and audience members. For visual images and charts, presenters must provide audio description and supply summaries/handouts of the information as necessary. Presenters must provide VSA arts with an electronic version of session handouts and summaries of visual images and charts at least two months before the conference. VSA arts will provide hard copies of the materials in English, French and Spanish, and create alternative formats (Braille, large print, open captioning, ASCII disk, etc.) Questions? If you have any questions, contact via: ¥ e-mail: 04confpresenters@vsarts.org ¥ Tel: 1-202-628-2800 ¥ Tel: 1-800-933-8721 ¥ TTY: 1-202-737-0645 We will respond to your inquiry within 48 hours. Proposed panel presentations, workshops, and roundtable discussions may seek to explore some of the following questions: ¥ What are best practices associated with effective, accessible, and inclusive life-long arts in learning experiences for people with and without disabilities? ¥ What models successfully embed the core components of effective arts in learning and/or inclusive arts organizations? ¥ How do artists develop competencies needed to deliver effective arts in learning experiences in school- and community-based settings? ¥ How can general classroom teachers and artists collaborate effectively to support student learning? ¥ What resources and tools are available to support arts organizations in becoming fully inclusive? ¥ How can inclusive practice (e.g., communication services, programming design considerations and techniques, facility architectural accessibility, audience outreach, etc.), be used so that people with disabilities can have equal access to and be fully engaged in arts experiences, careers, and activities? 2004 INTERNATIONAL VSA arts FESTIVAL Join us on our Odyssey, June 9 -12 for the 2004 International VSA arts Festival. Learn about innovation in arts education! Witness creativity in progress! Participate in an infusion of cultures with people of all abilities. For more information visit www.vsartsfestival.org ABOUT VSA arts For 29 years, VSA arts has drawn attention to the arts in the lives of people with disabilities and focused on the role of the arts in education for people with disabilities. Delivered via a global network of affiliate organizations, VSA arts educational and arts access programming targets the development of artistic, academic, and social skills of learners with disabilities, as well as the professional development of teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals and other institutional program deliverers who serve them. For more information visit www.vsartsfestival.org Tel: 1-202-628-2800 Tel: 1-800-933-8721 TTY: 1-202-737-0645 For alternative formats of this publication or French and Spanish versions, please call 1-800-933-8721, TTY: 1-202-737-0645 or e-mail info@vsarts.org. The VSA arts in Education Conference will highlight two symposia featuring invited keynote speakers and presenters: International Summit on Cultural Access Creating new pathways for cultural accessibility for people with disabilities through the principles of universal design for learning will be the central idea for this rare gathering of leaders in arts and disability from around the world. Presentations will draw from a year-long discussion facilitated by VSA arts and the Smithsonian Institution that will focus on methodologies for incorporating accommodations in program design, as well as implications for policy and practice in the arts and culture communities. International Research Symposium: Inclusive Arts in Learning The International Research Symposium will explore and identify new threads of research to expand educational opportunities through the arts for students with disabilities. Research efforts have considerable importance in supporting the academic and social development of students with disabilities. Recent published research highlights the importance of rigorous and systematic examination of outcomes, values, and benefits of arts in education. Review and discussions of these research efforts will provide a springboard for keynote speakers and panelists who will look through a global lens at the realities, roles, goals, and results of research on policy and practice in inclusive arts in education. VSA arts IN EDUCATION CONFERENCE PRESENTATION PROPOSAL FORM Please complete a separate form for each presentation you are proposing. Friday, August 15, 2003 Proposals must be received at VSA arts office Friday, October 17, 2003 Notification of acceptance Late proposals will not be considered. Electronic submissions: Please visit www.vsartsfestival.org for instructions on submitting this form and other required materials electronically. Name: Mailing address: Position and Organization (if representing an organization): Telephone: TTY: Fax: E-mail: List names of co-presenters or co-panelists and their organizational affiliations (if applicable): Session Title (6 word limit): Abstract (50 words or less): Type of session (check one) Panel Workshop Roundtable discussion Content area (check one) Inclusive Arts in Learning Inclusive Arts Organizations and Programming Age group addressed by presentation: (check one) School age: (check one) Pre-school - kindergarten Grade 1- 6 Grade 7-12 College Adults (21 years and above) All ages Target audience of presentation: (check all that apply) Educators and education administrators Artists Arts administrators Other professionals serving people with disabilities (disability advocacy, service, or health organizations, etc.) Level of content: (check one) Introductory (For audience with little or no prior knowledge/experience of topic) Intermediate (For experienced professionals with prior knowledge/experience of topic) Advanced (For the highly experienced with a significant amount of knowledge of topic) Has this proposed session been presented at any other professional conference? No Yes If yes, where and when:_________________ Please attach the following: 1. A session outline and a description (300-word maximum) of proposed session no more than two pages total. The session description should include the following information: ¥ What core element(s) of inclusive arts in learning or inclusive organizations is/are reflected in your presentation? ¥ What are the learning objectives for the proposed session? What knowledge will participants gain? What skills will participants gain? ¥ How will you assess the attainment of learning objectives? ¥ How will the presentation be interactive and accessible to all participants, including people with various disabilities and learning styles? ¥ Address the proposal review criteria. 2. Resume of presenter(s), no more than two pages per person. Please mail the completed form and all required materials to: VSA arts 1300 Connecticut Avenue, NW Suite 700 Washington, DC 20036, U.S.A. Attention: 2004 VSA arts in Education Conference All submissions must be received by August 15th. Visit www.vsartsfestival.org for information on electronic submissions.