A Coach in Every Corner:
Developing Leadership in Arts Education Planning

The California Alliance for Arts Education has an unprecedented opportunity to further its mission to ensure that every student in California has access to a quality education in the arts as part of a complete and comprehensive curriculum. Recognized for its expertise in assisting schools and school districts assess needs and develop arts education plans, the Alliance is establishing a cadre of Arts Education Planning Coaches to provide customized technical assistance to districts throughout the state to guide each district toward the adoption and implementation of a district-wide, long-range budgeted plan for arts education. Over the past 5 years, more than 20 coaches have been identified and trained, utilizing a combination of intensive training workshops, monthly conference calls, at-the-elbow ongoing technical assistance with a Coach Mentor, and job shadowing with experienced coaches. The training in facilitation methodology and strategic planning is customized for the arts education field.

The Need for Arts Education Planning Coaches in the State of California

Research into the impact of arts education on student learning and development has yielded key findings and policies that substantiate the importance of high quality school arts programs for all students. While there is a compelling rationale for substantive and sequential arts instruction, there is a lack of any systematic arts education planning in the state of California. Now, with the opportunity for statewide funding for arts education in the California state budget and increased interest in counties such as San Diego, San Bernardino, Fresno, Sacramento and others, the Alliance seeks to field well-trained planning coaches who have the ability to assist district leadership in systematic, community-based planning in districts throughout the state. Building on a successful coaching model the Alliance developed in collaboration with the LA County Arts for All initiative, A Coach In Every Corner will position the Alliance to meet an increased demand for arts education planning, given the new state funding.