Norwalk-La Mirada USD Candidate Surveys, Fall 2011
Click a name below to view responses from candidates running for Norwalk-La Mirada USD School Board.
1. Your district has embarked on an initiative to restore meaningful sequential arts education into its core curriculum. What do you feel are the strengths and weaknesses of the plan?
Click on a Candidate's name to see his/her response to a question.
Candidate has not yet submitted a response.
Candidate has not yet submitted a response.
One strength would be for the students the program will be on going and comprehensive with each class / year building on the previous learning. That same strength will be it weakness, in that all teachers won't embrace the program with the same enthusiasm.
Candidate has not yet submitted a response.
2. If you are not familiar with the plan, what do you think your district can and should do to make this work more visible?
Candidate has not yet submitted a response.
Candidate has not yet submitted a response.
One of our High Schools does a VAPA extravaganza at the end of the school year. That program showcases the various forms of arts being developed in the school district by live performances from various dance, drama, and painting students.
Candidate has not yet submitted a response.
3. What role do you think the arts can play in supporting key priorities of the district such as reducing the dropout rate, closing the achievement gap, and preparing more students for college eligibility and/or meaningful careers?
Candidate has not yet submitted a response.
Candidate has not yet submitted a response.
The arts are elective classes that the students choose. They want to take these classes and they enjoy them while expanding their knowledge and experience. They are exposed to history, as well as practical information. The dropout rate is reduced by having classes on the elective list that students want to take. And the increased education and experience is certainly more desirable from a college application perspective. The achievement gap is null with regard to the arts. Previous academic scores is voided with regard to student engagement and the arts. Both A students and F students enjoy the level playing field with regards to the elective classes involving the arts.
Candidate has not yet submitted a response.
4. In light of the current budget crisis, the state is now allowing local school districts flexibility to redirect their allocation from the “art and music block grant” to fund other local priorities. How would you balance the need to invest in arts education with the other financial challenges facing your district?
Candidate has not yet submitted a response.
Candidate has not yet submitted a response.
Our district has a firm belief that the support of art education is in direct support of student academic achievement. I also believe this to be the case.
Candidate has not yet submitted a response.
5. What meaningful experiences with art (visual, dance, drama, music) did you have growing up? Please tell us about those experiences.
Candidate has not yet submitted a response.
Candidate has not yet submitted a response.
I was a band member from 5th grade - thru 12 grade. I studied privately most of those years in addition to what ever band program existed in the school. After High School I toured Columbia, South America with the Bogota Symphony Orchestra. My college BA and MS degrees are in photography. My business is Advertising and Marketing. Thanks for asking.
Candidate has not yet submitted a response.
