The successful workshop model is a collaboration between IDEAS and at least one site-based educational institution including (but not restricted to) schools, professional organizations, and state departments of education.
The Indiana Department of Education has participated in the IDEAS Collaborative Workshop Model for two years. Three consultants representing emergent literacy, physical education, and music worked together with Sue Snyder to determine the scope of Music, Movement, and Literacy: Linking Processes through Collaboration. Three sites were chosen, and literature was sent from the state department to all elementary schools in the state. More than 100 participants registered for two of the sites, and 66 for the third. The feedback from these workshops was overwhelmingly positive, and energy remained high through the year. The participants requested a follow-up with more theory and activities.
During Year Two, one additional one-day workshop was offered for "beginners," and a two-day intensive workshop for "old-timers" was held at a downtown Indianapolis hotel. Again, the feedback was extremely positive, from both teachers and administrators. Planned for Year Three are three more one-day workshops across the state, and one two-day workshop.
One school district attending the two-day workshop is, as a result, involved in implementing an arts-infused curriculum, funded by a state Goals 2000 grant. It is hoped that several other participating school districts will likewise choose to implement arts-infused curricula more deeply through intensive, quality, sustained in-service.
A variety of topics related to arts-infused, integrated curriculum; multiple ways of knowing; and/or literacy are possible. The topic which generated excitement in Indiana was (and is) Movement, Music, and Literacy: Linking Processes through Collaboration.
During the first year, teams of at least three teachers from each school attend a full-day (five- or six-hour) workshop at a centrally located site. The music teacher, physical education (movement) teacher, and at least one primary classroom teacher attend together. The principal of the school or additional classroom teachers are invited to attend. This team becomes the nucleus for exploration and change as they return to their school.
Several sites are planned within a state or region, clustered during a given week, saving travel expense.
A two-day workshop is offered the second year, for any team attending the prior year. One central location is chosen, usually at a hotel. After a year of practicum, the team returns with questions, ready to move ahead.
Although cost may vary according to site, the one-day workshop will be in the range of $55-65 per participant, or $165-195 for a three-person team. The two-day second year workshop ranges from $85-95 per individual, or $255-285 per team. Checks are made out to IDEAS and forwarded by the collaborating agency as registration proceeds.
The cooperating agency is responsible for arranging and financing the following:
site location (fee if any)—a large, bright, comfortable room with moveable chairs and a clean floor.
advertising and registration.
electronic and other workshop necessities (overhead/screen, instruments, wireless microphone, CD player/boom box, video monitor, and so on).
morning coffee and tea.
clinician room and board—usually a per diem amount.
clinician transportation and fee.
arranging transportation and communicating regarding publicity.
additional publicity at scheduled engagements, and through publications.
notes for participants.
first-year text, "Integrate with Integrity," for each participant (retail cost: $25).
second-year text, "ArtSmart: Arts Activities for Classroom Teachers" for each participant (retail cost: $27.50).
snack foods (pastries) for the morning break or breakfast.
Additional exceptional clinicians provided as needed.
For more information, please contact IDEAS.