Frequently-Asked Questions

 

Q:  How long has the Center been in existence?

A:  In 1992, an assessment of arts education activities in Palm Beach County was commissioned by the Palm Beach County Cultural Council, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, and Chastain Charitable Foundation.  The resulting report, along with a coalition of community, cultural and education advisory board members – helped establish the Center in December 1994. The overarching goal of the program is that of improving the educational experiences of students in Palm Beach County.

And since 1994, the Center has partnered with over 65 cultural and community organizations throughout the county to offer arts based education to children and adults who serve children.

Q:  What is the specialty or focus of the Center?

A:  The Center specializes in arts integration for improved instructional techniques in schools and communities.

Q:  What programs are available through the Center of Creative Education?

A:  The Center operates two programs that empower students to improve their lives. Project LEAP blends the talents of professional artists and classroom teachers to develop and implement in-school curriculum to teach traditional academic subjects through the arts. CADRE provides youth with creative alternatives to develop an appreciation for art and culture, as well as their own artistic and creative talents, during the critical after-school hours.

Q:  How many children has the Center served through its programs?

A:  Since its creation, the Center has served over 70,000 students and is the only organization of its kind in the state of Florida.  For the fiscal year 2004-2005, the Center provided over 65,000 student contact hours. The Center reached a record 5,300 students at 29 schools and community centers in Palm Beach County. The Center is proud to report that this is double the number of students served compared to last year.

Q:  Which school grades and populations are served through the Center?

A:  The Center directs virtually all of its programming to children at-risk of educational failure in low-socio economic and minority neighborhoods - grades K through 12. 

The Center has served over 70,000 students in Palm Beach County.  Of these, 57% were African American, 24% were Caucasian, 18% were Hispanic, and 1% were of other nationalities. Over 80% of students received free or reduced lunch at school, based on their family’s economic situation. The Center also serves over 800 students annually with learning, physical and emotional disabilities. 

Q:  Is the Center funded by the United Way?

A:  No, although the Center for Creative Education is a not for profit corporation. (Federal Tax ID 65-0594599)

Q:  What is the Center’s primary source of funding?

A:  The Center is financed through several foundations and government agencies, including the Palm Beach County School District, Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the Community Foundation of Palm Beach and Martin Counties, and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.  Additionally, the Center receives support from over 150 corporations, foundations and private individuals.

Q:  What is the money used for?

A:  Most of the money is used for artist fees, teaching and training supplies, teacher stipends, and training.

Q: Does the Center have an operating Board of Directors?

A: Yes. The Center maintains a Board of 10 members as well as an Honorary Board of 7, and an Advisory Council of 10.

Q:  How are the artists in programs selected?

A:  Artists are selected after a lengthy application process.  References and work samples are reviewed to determine artistic merit.  A panel of representatives from the community carefully reviews each application to select artists for personal interviews.  Selected artists also must pass a full background check.  All artists undergo intensive training in arts integration, multiple intelligence theory and program assessment to provide the highest quality arts programming available.   The Center currently has a roster of over 50 artists.

Q. How much training is provided to the teachers?

A.   Teacher trainings are the cornerstone of Project LEAP.  Fiscal Year 2004-2005 was a record year for trainings, doubling the hours of training provided to teachers to over 1,600 – reaching 450 teachers and administrators. Teachers have the unique opportunity to reflect on and update their approach to teaching in these training sessions.

Q:  What impact does the Center’s programming have on curriculum structure in the schools?

A:  The Center strives to effect system-wide reform in curriculum structure through enhanced teacher skills. Teachers can immediately apply these activities in their classrooms with academic curriculum as well as use these activities in future years.

Q: Does the Center have any other initiatives with the Palm Beach County School District?

A:   Yes. This year the Center will enter into a three-year school partnership with the Palm Beach County School District and one local school serving a low-income community. The intent is to vastly expand the depth of Project LEAP and reach all faculty members of the school.

Q:  What does this new program entail?

A:  Briefly stated, the main components of this program include training in instructional strategies, assistance in curriculum writing and planning, development of integrated activities with partner organizations, and an assessment of school culture.

Q: Have any studies been done to support the outcomes of your programs?

A:  In the summer of 2002, the Center began “The Center Study for the Improvement of Teaching Through the Arts”; a three-year study that will investigate the effect the above stated elements have in improving the teaching process. The first year will be a comprehensive assessment of the Project LEAP approach, focusing on the teacher/artist collaboration and the need for a value of various training programs.  Included will be an assessment of how teachers teach and how to guide efforts to continually refine the teacher-training component.

Based on the findings of the first year, the remaining two years will follow the progress of the program and its participants so that at the end of the study of the program, a thorough understanding of “best practices” is achieved providing the framework for growth and replication.

 

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