2019 May Paso Robles Magazine

North County Students at the PAC
James J. Brescia Ed.D.
County
Superintendent
of Schools
When I first entered
North County classrooms
as a teacher in
the late 1980s, I observed how the
arts are part of a well-rounded education.
Arts education refers to the
disciplines of music, dance, theatre,
and visual arts. Even the early writings
of Plato emphasized the important
role of the arts in education.
I believe the arts are part of what
makes us most human, or more
complete as people. Throughout
my career, I have read, participated
in, and conducted research that illustrates
some of the many reasons
why the arts can serve to improve
learning in all academic areas.
Brain research data indicates that
“ It is so important for people at a young age to be
invited to embrace classical music and opera.”
Luciano Pavarotti
neural systems that influence fine
motor skills, creativity, and even
emotional balance are developed
through the arts. Judith Burton of
Columbia University researched
the complex cognition and creative
capacities required in the subjects
of math, science, and language
arts. Her research linked academic
achievement and the arts (Burton,
Horowitz, & Ables, 1999).
“The arts enhance the process of
learning. The systems they nourish,
which include our integrated sensory,
attentional, cognitive, emotional, and
motor capacities, are, in fact, the driving
forces behind all other learning”
( Jensen, 2001).
My office is committed to promoting
the arts by facilitating professional
artists working alongside
local students in professional settings.
A few of the upcoming highlights
include:
• A dedicated space for all North
County schools will be provided
at Studios on the Park to display
student art beginning this summer.
• The San Luis Obispo Museum
of Art is currently sponsoring
AWAKEN, a year-long program
celebrating art and community
expressed through the imaginative
creations of our county’s students.
• On Saturday, May 11 (Mother’s
Day weekend), Opera San
Luis Obispo will produce the first
Countywide Arts Extravaganza.
The Opera San Luis Obispo Gala
Extraordinaire will feature student
artists from throughout the county
working with Ballet Theatre
San Luis Obispo, Civic Ballet San
Luis Obispo, Opera SLO Resident
Artists Holly Banfield, Alba Franco
Cancel, and Amy Goymerac, in
addition to students from north
and south county who are involved
in school dance, choral, and instrumental
programs. The Gala is
another example of arts organizations
linking hands with education
to promote the arts. For ticket
information, visit www.pacslo.org
or call 805-756-4849.
I am proud to serve as your county
superintendent of schools and to
promote the arts.
Hands-on experience and
quality education. This is
career and technical education
at its finest.
Future Careers.
Locally Grown.
34 | The Story of Us May 2019