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| Mandy Whitlock TETA BOG VP-Elect K-12 Board |
Accountability, a form of responsibility, requires that you conduct an assigned activity “properly”— that is, in accord with prevailing expectations that guide how the activity should be conducted or that you provide the expected product. With 41 days of testing scheduled this year, including STAAR, we have been inundated with instruments designed and utilized by the state to measure accountability. Although theatre teachers do not have a specific STAAR/EOC exam to measure student success, we are no strangers to accountability. As theatre educators we do not fear the word accountability and instead embrace the challenge of educating our students to accept accountability a necessary part of education and life.
Theater is part of the core-curriculum with national standards and assessment tools. As a core class, required for graduation, it has long been acknowledged that a fine arts class helps students to learn responsibility (accountability). Theatre, by its very nature, is a class environment and curriculum centered in accountability. From clear expectations and time management to understanding your role in a production team, theatre students learn that their actions and skill sets affect others and can determine their success. Embracing the idea and practice of accountability encourages students to be more successful in life and in their academic pursuits. Studies by The College Board and UCLA have even shown that students involved in the arts tend to have higher academic performance and better standardized test scores. The College Board reports that students involved in the arts score nearly 100 points better on the SAT.
As theatre educators, we are aware of the skills we teach that can only enhance a student’s accountability. From improved self-confidence, better public speaking skills, and the ability to work with an ensemble, students master the concepts of responsibility and are more prepared for expectations beyond the classroom. Cultivating student ability to work through consensus and differences or obstacles to achieve a goal is a key component to success in future endeavors. Theatre assignments and play production require students to follow a time line, to use self-discipline, and to accept feedback. Theatre accountability takes students beyond a printed score on a test and trains students to confidently complete a process properly and stand behind their product. Colleges, businesses and communities are looking for leaders who embrace accountability. Studying theater is a great way to build confidence in working with others to demonstrate mastery and an excellent way to teach students the idea that your work will be judged and you will be held accountable for both process and product. The ability to embrace personal responsibility, accountability to others, and the acknowledgement that you are charged with the task of meeting set expectations is a boon for any career your students may consider.
With every accountability instrument, you must be prepared for what happens if you do not meet expectations. The skills taught in theatre help students understand how to move through situations that indicate that they have not met expectations or have not mastered a skill. Learning to absorb and accept critique is a key life skill-- whether on or off stage. Helping students become aware of where they need improvement helps them make a plan to work on his weaknesses. Teaching students to self advocate improve their skills to meet different expectations and being prepared for a variety of tasks is critical to success in the workplace and in life.
It is critical as educators that we stay current with challenging curriculum, brain research and best practices to meet the needs of our students and the expectations of our learning community. July 13-15, 2012 you will have a tremendous opportunity to assess your skills and learn from your colleagues and share ideas so that you can bring your very best to your students next year. Mark your calendar for the 30th anniversary SummerFest in San Antonio, hosted by San Antonio College. Early Registration deadline is June 1st and everyone that pre-registers gets a free t-shirt. Early registration is $90 and on-site registration is $120. Sessions will feature presenters from around the state and an inspirational keynote speaker. Some possible titles include: Theatre History, Evening Performances, Acting Techniques, Puppetry, Mask Making, Teaching to Special Populations, Movement / Dance, Classroom Management, Teaching Strategies, Technical Theatre, Budget Issues, Theatre Curriculum, UIL OAP, 8 Hours of Technology Training, 8 Hours of Elementary Training. Door prizes and rare memorabilia will be a part of many SummerFest surprises you won’t want to miss!
We are still looking for workshop presenters to share their lessons and activities with their fellow theatre educators. The summer is a great time to recharge and get inspired and to share the activities and initiatives that work on your campus. Please submit your workshop proposal by going to TETATX.COM to download your registration and workshop proposal forms. The deadline for workshop proposals is April 15th.