Dance Endorsement Proposal

1. Dance Endorsement Proposal Dance Endorsement Committee

2. Why a Dance Endorsement in Colorado? Quality- Without a dance endorsement there is a wide variety of expectations within school programs and community partners. Competitiveness- Colorado is in the minority of states that do not offer a dance endorsement opportunity. There are 37 other states that already have dance certification. Need- Dance is the only discipline of the ten core disciplines in Colorado without an endorsement opportunity

3. Need • An endorsement in dance would provide uniformity and standards-based instruction in dance. • Colorado cannot hire dance certified instructors form other states because we do not have an endorsement in dance. • Standards-based instruction in dance would provide for creative problem solving and other activities that address the 21st Century skills. • University of Colorado, Colorado State University, and University of Northern Colorado all wish to pursue offering this option, but want to ensure graduates could be placed in Colorado.

4. Quality Dance instruction has been offered under the auspices of Physical Education in our schools. However, the state's Physical Education departments do not offer a full complement of standards-based dance training for their students. Other states which offer a dance endorsement have witnessed an improvement in the quality of school-based dance programs. (Still need to add key points and data about quality needs-include lack of requirements for dance studios, PE statements about lack of training opportunities etc.)

5. Quality Sandra is concerned & not sure we should get into the dance studio quality issue at this point since they are private entities and not part of the public domain. Mentioning the dance studios might dilute our cause. We might want to say something like the inclusion of dance standards-based teachers in our schools could have an effect on the dance offerings at private studios. I do not think we need to say more about Physical Education.

6. Competitiveness • Standards-based dance training as outlined in an endorsement would include interdisciplinary work enabling dance teachers to be more fully integrated into their schools. • A dance endorsement would place the discipline on a level playing field with the other arts disciplines in Colorado. • A dance endorsement would place more quality dance teachers in our schools, allowing public schools to compete with the offerings of private schools and satisfy parental interest in having a full array of the arts. • (Still need to add key points and data about other states, graphic on where CO stands in relation to other states, comparison of CO enrollment data vs. AZ and NJ with endorsement opportunities. Also include community partnership comparisons (if available) between what level of opportunities exist for districts)

7. Competitiveness • Sandra feels We could mention the number of years a dance endorsement has been in existence in some of the other states.

8. How can a Dance Endorsement be added in Colorado? (Add steps and parameters that could be followed such as: University Commitment Availability of a PLACE and PRAXXIS option Dance Endorsement Committee’s commitment to work collaboratively with CDE to build specifications such as endorsement standards/rubrics for University programs, resources for districts to work with community partnerships to communicate basic guidelines for using outside partners for dance opportunities etc. Emphasize this does not remove dance basics from the PE discipline, simply offers a comprehensive dance programming option by a highly qualified dance instructor should a district wish to offer one. Emphasize CO already has a strong infrastructure in standards and assessment implementation support)

9. How can a Dance Endorsement be added in Colorado? There are various options or pathways for students to pursue a dance endorsement. These pathways are outlined below. There are multiple ways in which those with a dance endorsement can serve Colorado's schools. Those teachers with a dance endorsement could teach in multiple schools in a district or at multiple grade levels within a district. Those with a dance endorsement could also mentor new teachers or serve as a district-wide resource. 1. Undergraduate dance major plus dance endorsement. 2. Graduate level dance education master's for previously certified teachers. (an added endorsement) 3. Graduate level dance education master's plus dance endorsement for those with a bachelor's degree in dance. (for dance professionals, studio teachers and recently graduated dance majors)

10. How can a Dance Endorsement be added in Colorado? • Sandra thinks we should say a Place or Praxxis exam. She also noticed I added an extra slide here. Can we do that? She feels the info. on the extra slide is important though.

11. Goals Dance Needs Students Globally competitive workforce • Ensure every student is on track to graduate postsecondary and workforce ready. • Ensure students graduate ready for success in postsecondary education and the workforce. • Increase achievement and national/international competitiveness forall students. Great teachers and leaders • Increase and support the effectiveness of all educators. • Optimize the preparation, retention, and effectiveness of new educators. • Eliminate the educator equity gap. Outstanding schools and districts • Increase school and district performance. • Foster innovation and expand access to a rich array of high quality school choices for students. Best state education agency in the nation • Develop and implement CDE’s strategic direction. • Increase customer satisfaction with CDE’s communication, services, and systems. • Attract and retain outstanding talent to CDE. • Ensure every student has access to highest quality programming • Ensure Colorado dance programs are competitive nationally/globally • Increase and support the effectiveness of all educators in all ten core disciplines through endorsement and training that is commensurate with a core discipline. • Increase guidance and support to districts in setting strong expectations in dance programming within districts and among community partners. • Ensure CDE offers comprehensive endorsement and licensure programming in all core disciplines . Educators Schools/ Districts State

12. Students Educators Schools/ Districts

13. Expanding Student Learning When we intentionally integrate… Coherent and rigorous academic standards - - - - Access to quality learning options - - - - Supported and effective educators - - - - Aligned and meaningful assessments - - - - Statewide and district accountability We can personalize learning and ignite the potential of every student.

14. Together we can The time is now: With a spirit of collaboration and resolve we can ensure the final piece of the discipline puzzle can take it’s rightful place in meeting Colorado’s educational vision and mission. Vision All students in Colorado will become educated and productive citizens capable of succeeding in a globally competitive workforce. Mission The mission of CDE is to shape, support, and safeguard a statewide education system that prepares students for success in a globally competitive world.